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Treatment for Slipped disc
 

Cases of sciatica are treated with different measures.

Evidence of the effectiveness of these measures is limited, however. Some of these measures are:
 

 

  • Anti – inflammatory medications (e.g.  NSAIDs or oral steroids. However, NSAIDs are no more effective than placebos for acute sciatica)
  • Amitryptyline: developed as an antidepressant but has been shown to be effective in treating neuropathic pain, including sciatica. Recommended in the UK by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence
  • Paracetamol (acetaminophen): limited evidence of effectiveness
  • Narcotics: often used if pain is severe
  • Chiropractic spinal manipulation: A 2004 Cochrane review found that spinal manipulation (SM) was no more or less effective than other commonly used therapies such as pain medication, physical therapy, exercises, back school or the care given by a general practitioner.

Since the spine and joints are the main body organs included in the approach. The process can pose dangers if the spine is treated inappropriately. It is vital that you maintain the proper position throughout the process, to avoid having your spine pressed in the wrong manner.

Chiropractic can also lead to different symptoms and side effects if done inappropriately. Also some contraindications are there that must be considered otherwise the patient may suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, unstable joints and joint pain.

Neurological symptoms, neck pain and severe headache may also occur. The procedure is frequently associated with temporary and mild side effects. Stiffness may also be felt in affected regions. Pain or stiffness usually happens among 35% to 55% of patients. Spinal manipulation, especially when done on the upper spine, can lead to complications that might permanently disable or kill the patient.
  • Epidural steroid injections provide no long-term improvements in outcomes but do provide some short-term benefits: An epidural injection, or epidural steroid injection, may be used to help reduce the pain caused by a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, or stenosis (cervical spinal stenosis or lumbar spinal stenosis).

The medicine used in the injection is usually a combination of a local anesthetic (e.g. bupivacaine) and a steroid (e.g. triamcinolone). The technique and risks of the procedure are similar to those for standard epidural analgesia. The effects of an epidural steroid injection vary, but permanent benefit is unlikely. The technique is believed to work by reducing the inflammation or swelling, or both, of the nerves in the epidural space.

Some patients who have some residual pain after the first injection may receive a second or third epidural steroid injection. Patients who do not receive any relief from the first injection are unlikely to benefit from a second injection.

 

 

  • Non-surgical spinal decompression: Non-surgical spinal decompression is achieved through the use of a mechanical traction device applied through an on-board computer that controls the force and angle of disc distraction, which reduces the body’s natural propensity to resist external force and/or generate muscle spasm. This enhanced control allows non-surgical spinal decompression tables to apply a traction force to the discs of the spinal column reducing intradiscal pressure, unlike previous non-computer controlled traction tables.

Spinal decompression works through a series of 15 one minute alternating decompression (using a logarithmic decompression curve) and relaxation cycles with a total treatment time of 30 minutes. During the decompression phase the pressure in the disc is reduced and a vacuum type of effect is produced on the nucleus pulposis. At the same time nutrition is diffused into the disc allowing the annulus fibrosis to heal. Very rarely is the nerve root compressed from the herniated disc and usually the back and leg pain associated with these conditions is a result of irritation to the nerve root sleeve by the inflammatory chemicals that are released as a result of inflammation in the disc.

A 2006 systematic review of studies of spinal decompression using motorized traction devices conducted between 1975 and October 2005 (including the two mentioned above) concluded that "...the efficacy of spinal decompression achieved with motorized traction for chronic discogenic low back pain [remained] unproved", and called for "Scientifically more rigorous studies with better randomization, control groups, and standardized outcome measures … to overcome the limitations of past studies." A technology assessment conducted in 2007 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (for which the two studies cited above were included for analysis) said "Currently available evidence is too limited in quality and quantity to allow for the formulation of evidence-based conclusions regarding the efficacy of decompression therapy as a therapy for chronic back pain when compared with other non-surgical treatment options."

There is very limited evidence in the scientific literature to support the effectiveness of non-surgical spinal decompression therapy. This intervention has never been compared to exercise, spinal manipulation, standard medical care or other less expensive conservative treatment options which have an ample body of research demonstrating efficacy. Considering the cost-benefit relationship, many better researched and less expensive treatment options are available to the clinician.
  • Weight loss reduces pressure on Spinal nerve roots

  • Surgery: Surgery may be indicated when conservative treatment is not effective in reducing pain or when the patient develops progressive and functionally limiting neurologic symptoms such as leg weakness, bladder or bowel incontinence, which can be seen with severe central lumbar disc herniation causing cauda equina syndrome or spinal abscess. Spinal fusion has been shown not to improve outcomes in those with simple chronic low back pain.

The most common types of low back surgery include microdiscectomy, discectomy, laminectomy, foraminotomy, or spinal fusion. Another less invasive surgical technique consists of an implantation of a spinal cord stimulator and typically is used for symptoms of chronic radiculopathy (sciatica). Lumbar artificial disc replacement is a newer surgical technique for treatment of degenerative disc disease, as are a variety of surgical procedures aimed at preserving motion in the spine. According to studies, benefits of spinal surgery are limited when dealing with degenerative discs.

Between 1990 and 2001 there was a 220% increase in spinal surgery, despite the fact that during that period there were no changes, clarifications, or improvements in the indications for surgery or new evidence of improved effectiveness of spinal surgery. The review also found that higher spinal surgery rates are sometimes associated with worse outcomes and that the best surgical outcomes occurred where surgery rates were lower. It also found that use of surgical implants increased the risk of nerve injury, blood loss, overall complications, operating times and repeat surgery while it only slightly improved solid bone fusion rates. There was no added improvement in pain levels or function.

The logic behind spinal fusion is that by fusing two vertebrae together, they will act and function as a solid bone. Since lumbar pain may be caused by excessive motion of the vertebra the goal of spinal fusion surgery is to eliminate that extra motion in between the vertebrae, alleviating pain. If scoliosis or degenerative discs is the problem, the spinal fusion process may be recommended. There are several different ways of performing the spinal fusion procedure; however, none are proven to reduce pain better than the others.

Surgery speeds the resolution of pain. Two years after surgery, however, surgical and non-surgical management have about the same results; so a patient's preference can be a valid reason to choose one or the other.

Complications

  • Partial or complete loss of leg movement
  • Partial or complete loss of sensation in the leg
  • Recurrent or unnoticed injury to the leg
  • Side effects of medications
Ayurveda Treatment for Slip Disc:
 

Ayurveda always believes in maintaining the normal structure and the functioning of all the body parts of the body. When it comes about treating lower back ache specially the slipped disc Ayurveda is very particular about restoring the normal integrity of the vertebrae and inter - vertebral space. For this Ayurveda recommends different Panchakarma Procedures like Kati Basti, Patra Pottali and Swedana.


Kati Basti:
The waist area of the body is called Kati. As said earlier Basti in this case implies a container. Kati Basti is an effective therapy of Ayurveda for "Katishoola", which is the term for lower backache or stiffness or pain felt down the back.

In this procedure Medicated Ayurveda oil is allowed to stand over the affected area of back bone. By recycling again and again it is kept warm. Kati Basti benefits in the following way:

  • Provides proper lubrication to the back bone hence maintaining easiness in movements.
  • Alleviates stiffness from back bone.
  • Helps in maintaining the normal curvature of back bone.
  • As the movements will be easy; it would be easy to do some exercises which in turn help in maintaining the inter- vertebral disc at its normal position.
  • Releases muscle tension and nourishes the lower back.
  • It alleviates pressure from the nerves passing through this region thus relieves pain.
The other indications for Kati Basti are:

  • Backache,
  • Degenerative spine changes,
  • Compressed discs,  and disc prolapse
  • Osteoporosis,
  • Osteo-arthritis of the hip
  • Sciatica,
  • Hip pain,
  • Spinal cord compression
  • Lumber spondilitis
  • Spondylolysthesis
  • Ankylosing spondilitis
  • Sacro- ileitis
  • Lumbo-sacral strain
Patra Pottali Pinda Sweda:


It is a highly rejuvenating treatment in which fresh leaves of anti Vata plants like Eranda (Ricinus communis), Arka (Calotropis Procera), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), Coconut leaves, lemon and curcumin  are fried with several beneficial herbal ingredients and tied into cloth, dipped into warm medicated oil and used for massaging the body.  


Benefits of Patra Pottali Pinda Sweda:

  • The main benefit associated with Patra Pottali Pinda Sweda is the nutrition it provides to the muscles. Because of this benefit Patra Pottali is often recommended in conditions where because of long term impairment of the nerve supply muscles of the thigh and leg are wasting.  
  • It is specially indicated in abnormal sensations in legs.
  • In chronic back ache, Patra Pottali Pinda Swead is specially recommended.

The other indications of Patra Pottali Pinda Sweda are:

  • Chronic back pain,
  • Loss of function of a part or whole limb,
  • Joint stiffness and swellings,
  • Sciatica,
  • Spondylosis,
  • Sprains and cramps,
  • Muscular pain
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Neuralgia,
  • Neck problems.
  • This procedure is also Anti-aging & rejuvenating 

With the lubrication and the healing property of the oil movements of the back bone become easy and with some easy to do Yoga Asanas the slipped disc comes to its normal position.

 
Swedana (Fomentation with medicated steam):
 
Swedana means sweating. In this procedure medicated steam is given to the whole body up to teh level of sweating in whole body. 
 
Swedana is beneficial for body in following way:

  • Swedana increases the extensibility of tissues.
  • It decreases rigidity in joints and reduces muscle spasm.
  • It also alleviates muscular pain.
  • It improves blood circulation and irrigation, without affecting blood pressure.
  • It enhances total lymph system cleansing.
  • It is highly effective is removing fat-stored toxins from the body.
  • Swedana improves vascular flow, enhancing oxygen, nutrient, and lymph exchange at the cellular level.

With the above said Panchakarma procedures and Yoga Asanas back ache, slipped disc and all other health problems related to back bone can easily be treated. 
 

Routine Care of the Back Bone:

 
All of us use different vehicles in routine. All vehicles have their manuals which after running this or that many kilometers the vehicle require servicing. We follow the schedule with utmost care. But we never think about the best machine of the world i.e. our own body. No doubt our body is blessed with great healing powers and it can recover from all the adverse health conditions. But it never means that we take it lightly. We should specially take care of the back bone.

 

Besides this inappropriate attitude of ours towards our body today’s hectic lifestyle where we do not have time for anything; wrong eating habits are adding in it. You should consult an Ayurveda physician who will after proper examination recommend you a schedule that after how much time you need above said Panchakarma procedures and for how much sessions.