Slipped Disc  (Prolapsed intra vertebral disc)

What you need to know:

Slipped disc is the name everybody uses, but in fact it’s a very inaccurate description of this cause of excruciating back pain. It’s not possible for the discs between the vertebrae to ‘slip’, but they do rupture, allowing the jelly-like substance in the middle of the disc to bulge out and cause pressure on the spinal nerves or, worse, on the spinal cord itself.

This is the most common cause of sciatica and, as a last resort, it may be necessary to have the disc surgically removed. Modern techniques of neuro-surgery are now so sophisticated that this can often be done using keyhole procedure and the most recent innovations use micro-surgery to shave off bits of the protruding disc or even to shrink the disc by ‘cooking’ it with microwaves. Happily, however, only a very small percentage of people with PID end up having surgery. Most can be treated successfully with osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation.

It’s now rare that you’ll be sent for an X-ray if you’ve got back pain as the pictures reveal very little information. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, on the other hand, is invaluable in the accurate diagnosis of disc problems as it actually shows the discs and all the other soft tissues.

If you are looking for complementary therapies for back pain, it’s essential that you see a registered osteopathic or chiropractic practitioner - not just a massage therapist advertising in your local paper or Yellow Pages. Accurate diagnosis is vital for safe manipulative treatment - and to exclude the possibility of other more serious conditions. These could include cancer of the bone, Osteoporosis or severe prolapse, which may be causing an inability to pass urine or loss of sensation in the perineum - the area between the anus and the scrotum in men or the anus and the vagina in women. These symptoms may be an indication that urgent surgery is necessary.

The severe pain of PID is unlikely to respond to natural anti-inflammatories and analgesics, but high doses of Vitamin C (2-3g a day) plus Vitamin A (15,000iu) and Vitamin E (400-800iu) may help the body’s natural healing processes. It’s also best to avoid smoking and excessive amounts of alcohol, which both reduce the flow of blood through the tiny capillaries that supply the discs - and they don’t have a very good blood supply to start with.

A combination of any or all of the following may ease the discomfort (500mg 3 times per day) :

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The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.