Hi doc, im a 40 yrs female having a slip disc problem and on simple medication. Doctors have adviced me bed rest for few days. Im very confused and want to know what actually slip disc is? is it cured properly? can i live a normal life doing all activities like driving,climbing stairs at home and all normal household affairs? Please help me because im getting very depressed. Thankyou.
The vertebrae in the spine are separated by a spongy tissue which is the disc. If the disc ruptures, the tissue in it can slide out of its normal place. This narrows the space between the vertebrae and may cause pressure on the nerves in the spine. This is called a slipped ("herniated") disc. This usually heals up on its own without any specific treatment except control of the pain. Some people may need physical therapy or even surgery to fix it. Once it has healed, you can live a normal life and do all your activities as before. I personally had a very bad slipped disc when I was your age. I took some medication for the pain and did not have surgery. The disc healed, and I have been able to do all the activities that you mention since then. So there is certainly much hope that this will happen to you too, and no need to get depressed. Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.