Is Disc Replacement used to treat a Slipped Disc?

In the last decades disc replacement technology has moved forward at a faster than ever pace. Yet many spine surgeons remain stuck in the past, limited by regulation they are still using fusion surgery for slipped discs. Disc Replacement is the most successful surgical option for a slipped discs.

Disc Replacement for Slipped Disc

What is a slipped disc?

A “slipped disc” is a common term for what doctors call a herniated disc or prolapsed disc. Your spine is made up of a stack of bones called vertebrae, and between each vertebra are soft, rubbery cushions called intervertebral discs. Each disc has a tough, fibrous outer ring (annulus fibrosus) and a soft, gel-like center (nucleus pulposus). A “slipped disc” occurs when the outer ring of the disc tears or weakens, allowing some of the gel-like inner material to push out or bulge. This extruded material can then press on nearby spinal nerves, leading to pain and other symptoms.

How does a slipped disc happen?

A slipped disc often happens due to a combination of factors. The most common cause is age-related degeneration of the disc, where the discs naturally lose water content and flexibility, making them more prone to tearing. Other factors causing a slipped disc include: Improper lifting: Using your back instead of your legs to lift heavy objects. Sudden, forceful movements: Twisting or jerking motions. Trauma: A fall or car accident. Repetitive strain: Activities that involve repeated bending or twisting.

What’s the difference between a bulging disc and a herniated or slipped disc?

Bulging Disc: In a bulging disc, the entire disc circumference extends beyond its normal borders, but the outer fibrous ring remains intact. Think of it like a tire with a low air pressure that bulges out but hasn’t ruptured. It might put some pressure on nerves, but often less severely than a herniation. Herniated or Slipped Disc: In a herniated disc, there’s an actual tear or rupture in the outer fibrous ring, allowing the inner gel-like material to protrude or leak out. This extruded material is more likely to directly compress or irritate spinal nerves, leading to more pronounced symptoms. Is a slipped disc is a type of herniated disc? In general a slipped disc is likely a herniated disc.

What are the symptoms of a slipped disc?

The pain from a slipped disc can vary widely depending on the location and severity of the herniation. It’s often described as: Sharp, shooting, or burning pain. Deep, aching pain. Pain that radiates down an arm or leg (radiculopathy). Pain that worsens with certain movements (e.g., coughing, sneezing, bending).

What does slipped disc pain feel like?

The pain can vary widely depending on the location and severity of the herniation. It’s often feels like: Sharp, shooting, or burning pain. Deep, aching pain. Pain that radiates down an arm or leg (radiculopathy). Pain that worsens with certain movements (e.g., coughing, sneezing, bending).

Where does the slipped disc pain typically occur (lower back, neck, legs, arms)?

Lower Back (Lumbar Disc Herniation): This is the most common location. Pain often radiates down the buttock, back of the thigh, calf, and sometimes into the foot. This is commonly known as sciatica. Neck (Cervical Disc Herniation): Pain can occur in the neck and radiate down the shoulder, arm, hand, and fingers. It might also cause headaches. Mid-Back (Thoracic Disc Herniation): Less common, but can cause pain around the rib cage, chest, or upper abdomen.

Can a slipped disc cause numbness, tingling, or weakness?

Absolutely. When the herniated disc material presses on a nerve, it can disrupt the nerve’s normal function, leading to: Numbness: A loss of sensation in the area supplied by the affected nerve. Tingling: A “pins and needles” sensation. Weakness: Difficulty moving or controlling muscles in the affected limb. In severe cases, it can lead to foot drop (difficulty lifting the front part of the foot) or difficulty gripping objects.

Can you have a slipped disc without pain?

Yes. It’s possible to have a slipped disc or disc herniation that is asymptomatic (causes no pain or symptoms). Studies have shown that a significant percentage of people without back pain have disc bulges or herniations visible on MRI scans. The presence of a herniation doesn’t automatically mean it’s causing symptoms; it’s only problematic if it’s compressing or irritating a nerve.

Are there any “red flag” symptoms of a slipped disc that require immediate medical attention (e.g., loss of bowel/bladder control, severe weakness)?

YES, this is crucial. Seek immediate medical attention (go to an emergency room) if you experience any of the following, as they can indicate a serious condition called cauda equina syndrome or severe nerve compression: Loss of bowel or bladder control (incontinence). No feeling in the part you sit on (your seat, your inner legs). Fast or bad weakness in one or both legs. You can not stand on your legs.

What are the common causes of a slipped disc?

Getting Old: This is the main cause. As we get old, our discs dry out and lose their stretch. This makes them more easy to tear.

Getting Hurt: A quick fall, a hit to the back, or a car crash can cause a slipped disc.

Lifting Wrong: Lifting heavy things by bending your back and not your knees puts a lot of stress on the discs in your low back.

Doing the Same Moves: Jobs or things you do that mean you bend, twist, or sit for a long time can add to wear and tear on the disc.

Are certain activities or habits more likely to lead to a slipped disc?

Jobs: Jobs that need hard work with your hands, lots of bending, twisting, or long drives/sitting (from the shaking).

Not Moving Much: Not being on the move can make the key muscles weak that hold up the spine. Smoking: It cuts blood flow to the discs. This hurts their way to fix and keep them well. Poor Posture: Slumping for a long time or bad ways of standing can put stress on the spine over time.

Can genetics play a role in a slipped disc?

Yes. There is proof that bad discs and slipped discs can run in a family. If your close family has had disc ills, your own risk may be higher.

How is a slipped disc diagnosed?

Many tests are used to find a slipped disc (physical exam, MRI, CT scan, X-ray, EMG) Physical Exam: A doctor will look at how you feel, check how you move, your muscle strength, what you can feel, and how far you can move. This helps find which nerve may be hurt. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is the best test to find a slipped disc. It gives clear pictures of soft parts, like discs, nerves, and the spinal cord. It shows right where the slip is and how bad it is. CT Scan (Computed Tomography): It is not as good as an MRI for soft parts. A CT scan can show bones well and find the disc part if it has gone hard. It is used at times if an MRI is not safe for you. X-ray: X-rays mostly show bones. They are not good for seeing discs or a squeezed nerve right away. But they can check for other bone ills that cause pain (like breaks, growths, or bad joint pain). EMG (Electromyography) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): These tests check the power in your muscles and nerves. They can help find nerve harm, how bad it is, and which nerves are hurt. But they do not show the slipped disc. They are often used when there may be nerve harm but the cause is not known, or to see how much the nerve is hurt.

How accurate are these tests in diagnosis of a slipped disc?

MRI: Very good for seeing slipped discs and squeezed nerves. But, it can show “silent” slipped discs that do not cause you pain. So, what the MRI shows must match how you feel and what the doctor finds in the exam. Physical Exam: A key part to match the scan with what you feel. Other tests provide more facts or rule out other ills.

What are the treatment options for a slipped disc?

Disc Replacement vs Spinal Fusion Surgery

Can a slipped disc heal on its own?

Yes, many do! Most of them (about 80-90%) get well with simple care in a few weeks or months. The body has its own ways to heal. With time, the disc part can shrink, be taken back in by the body, or just stop bothering the nerve so much.

What are non-surgical treatment options (rest, pain medication, physical therapy, steroid injections)?

Some Rest: Stay away from things that make pain worse. But do not stay in bed for a long time. This can make you stiff. It is good to move a bit.

Pain Medication: Pain pills you can buy at a store: NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) to cut pain and swelling. Drugs for tight muscles: To ease pain from tight muscles. Nerve pain drugs: (like gabapentin) for pain from a nerve. Opioids: Given with care for bad, short-term pain. There is a risk of getting hooked. Physical Therapy (PT): A key part of getting well. A PT will make a plan to: Lower pain and swelling. Help you bend and move more. Make your core muscles strong (gut, back, seat) to hold up the spine. Teach you how to stand and move right. Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs): A strong drug to fight swelling is put in the space by the spine’s nerves. This can give a lot of short-term relief from pain. It lowers the swelling by the squeezed nerve. It is often used to give you a chance to do physical therapy so it works better.

What specific exercises are recommended for a slipped disc?

The right moves for you depend on where your disc is and how you feel. A physical therapist will show you what to do, but some common types are: McKenzie Method: A way to do certain moves that push pain from a leg or arm back to the spine. Core Strengthening: Moves like planks, bird-dog, and tilts to make the back strong. Stretching: Leg stretches and soft back moves. Low-impact Aerobics: Things like walks, swims, or bike rides. They help you get fit but are easy on your back.

When is surgery necessary for a slipped disc?

You may need surgery if other care does not help after 6 to 12 weeks (or longer), OR if you have "red flag" signs:

Progressive neurological deficit: Weakness or no feeling that gets worse over time.

Cauda Equina Syndrome: (You can't control your pee or poop, or you have no feeling where you sit) – You need surgery right now.

Intractable pain: Very bad pain that does not go away with any other care.

What are the different types of slipped disc surgery?

Disc Replacement Surgery

Artificial Disc Replacement surgery is the most common surgery for a disc herniation.

Spinal Fusion: It is for when the spine is not stable, is very worn down, or when other work has not helped. It joins two or more vertebrae so they can't move. It uses bone parts and metal parts (screws, rods). This can stop pain but changes how the back moves. It is not the first choice for a simple disc herniation.

What is the recovery time after slipped disc surgery?

Spinal Fusion: It can be months or a year for the bones to join all the way. You will need a lot of work to get strong.

Disc Replacement Surgery: The time to get well is fast after disc replacement surgery. Most people can walk the same day or the next day. You can do light things in a few weeks. Full time to get well and go back to hard work can take 6 weeks to 3 months. It depends on you and your job.

When can I return to work or normal activities after slipped disc surgery?

This will be based on your job and the type of care you had:

Jobs where you sit: You may go back to work in days or a week after a disc replacement.

Jobs that are hard on the body: You may need 6 weeks to 3 months (or more) off after surgery. It could be more time with other care. You should not lift heavy things or do hard work till your back is well and strong.

Normal things you do: Start to do them slow, with help from a physical therapist.

How can I manage pain during recovery?

Medicine: Take what your doctor gives you.

Ice/Heat: Ice for new pain. Heat for stiff parts.

Physical Therapy: This is very key to help with pain. You will do special moves.

Good body use: Learn how to move, lift, sit, and stand the right way. This helps not to hurt the disc.

Do a bit at a time: Do not do too much too soon.

Calm mind: Long term pain can get worse with stress.

What are the chances of a slipped disc happening again?

Yes, if disc replacement is not done a disc herniation can come back. After a microdiscectomy, it comes back for about 5 to 15 out of 100 people. With care that is not surgery, the risk is still there. This is more true if you don't fix things like a bad way of sitting or a weak core.

What can I do to prevent slipped disc recurrence?

Maintain Good Posture: Think about how you sit, stand, and move. Make Core Muscles Strong: A strong core helps hold your spine. Learn How to Lift Right: “Lift with your legs, not your back.” Move Your Body: Stay on the move, but stop things that put too much pull on your spine. Keep a Good Weight: Too much weight puts more stress on your discs. Stop Smoking: Smoking is bad for your discs. Do Not Stay Still Too Long: Get up and move a lot, more so if you work at a desk.

How can I stop a slipped disc?

Sit: Sit with your back on the chair. Your feet should be flat on the floor (or on a foot rest). Your knees should be a bit lower than your hips. Do not slouch. Stand: Stand up tall. Shoulders back, stomach in. Put your weight on both feet the same. Do not lock your knees. Sleep: Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees. Or sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees. This keeps your spine straight.

What is the right way to lift? Bend your knees, not your back. Go down low, but keep your back straight. Hold the thing you lift close to you. Use your leg power to lift, not your back. Do not twist when you lift. If a thing is too heavy, get help!

How much do exercise and a strong core help? A lot. A strong core (your gut and back muscles) gives your spine support. It takes the load off your discs. Doing exercise often keeps you loose, helps your blood flow, and is good for your spine.

Does my weight matter?

Yes, a lot. Too much body weight, most of all around your gut, puts more pull on your lower spine and discs. This speeds up disc degeneration. It makes a herniation more likely to happen.

Is smoking bad for my discs? Yes. Smoking cuts blood flow to the discs. They do not get the food and air they need. This makes disc degeneration go faster. The disc can’t fix itself well. This makes a herniation more likely to happen and slow to heal.

What can a slipped disc do in the long run?

For most people, things look good after a disc herniation (with or without surgery). They get all better and have no big pain that lasts. But, some people may have:

Pain that stays: A few people may have low pain or feel bad all the time. It comes back: Like we said, the same disc can have a herniation again. Or a new disc can have a herniation. Post-laminectomy syndrome (failed back surgery syndrome): A few people still have pain after surgery. This can be from old cuts, a new herniation, or other things.

Disc Replacement for Slipped Disc

In the last few years, new medical ways have come a long way. But many spine doctors are stuck in the past. Rules hold them back, so they still use fusion surgery for slipped discs. We can now use all we know to help. We have a lot of ways to do surgery. We can make a plan for you that uses artificial disc replacement and other new ways. We can make plans just for you that let your spine move when it can. And we can make it strong when it needs to be.