Slipped discs are extremely common and create great discomfort and pain for people especially around the ages of thirty to fifty in the lower back and the ages of forty to sixty in the neck or cervical vertebrae. The symptoms include pain in the back (if there is pressure on nerve roots or spinal cords.) However, most slipped discs will not show any symptoms and will only be diagnosed if a patient were to visit chiropractors and physiotherapists.
Pressure on nerve roots will cause possible pain in arms and legs and might cause paralysis of a specific muscle. Some limbs might also feel uncomfortable. Pressure on the spinal cord will cause spasms and paralysis in muscles that are located in parts of the body below the spinal cord. If, for example, there is spinal cord pressure near the chest, there might be spasms in the feet or legs, but not in the shoulders or arms. Spinal cord pressure might also affect bladder control. Pressure on the cauda equina can cause an uncomfortable feeling in the rectum, paralysis of the legs and thighs and even complete loss of bladder control. These symptoms should be taken very seriously and if you show any of these signs, it is crucial to visit doctors or chiropractors immediately.
Doctors or chiropractors will look at your medical history and make a thorough examination. They will easily be able to see which disc has slipped and can confirm the results by doing a CT scan or a myelography (when the spinal cord canal is injected.) These scans are preferred above X-rays by chiropractors as they are much safer. If any severe symptoms are present, it is crucial to get a timely diagnosis, because they might be symptoms of various diseases. Chiropractors will treat slipped discs by avoiding surgery as far as possible and by prescribing rest and pain killers, as well as administering manual treatment. However, pressure on the spinal cord or cauda equina will require an operation. Any signs of paralysis are an emergency and should be treated as such. Any changes in symptoms should be reported to your chiropractor immediately.
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