..the one with the slipped disc..

I have a slipped disc. (hence I actually spell it as sleep when I smsed ZZ last nite..huhuhu) For those who knows about my condition after giving birth to Imie, they know that I've been suffering backache since. And last nite, was the worst. Perhaps it was the mixed between the backache and menstrual pain. I smsed Kie to fetch me after he finished work. Meet up with the regular doctor. He suspected that it is between Osthroporosis (did I get the spelling right?) and a slipped disc.

After some scanning (which cost me a fortune, plus it was actually a day before salary), he detected a slight slipped of the disc. (bukan disket ker cd ker, ini disc actually located at the spine in the vetebrater ntah hapa ntah). I've been suffering this pain for almost 7 months. And the doctor asked, why didn't I do some check up before this. It was because I thought it is normal for a person giving birth to suffer, which I don't have this problem after giving birth to Izzah.

Currently, I really wanted to let my parents know. But since they are in Jakarta for a holiday. I'm not going to ruin their holiday mood, worrying about me. So I have to wait for them to come home to let them know my condition. Eventhough, I am calling every now and then, but I don't have the heart to spoil their holiday. (It was a holiday sponsored by my sisters, Nyah and Yang).

*sigh*

So here I am. Typing in my blog. So that I can somehow, let my worries calm down. I have been doing a lot of thinking. Since I'm not going to let some disc to bring me down. Yeah, the doctor said, that I can't lift anything that is heavy. So who are going to lift my 10kg baby Imie? Kie is stuck with Izzah and the rest of the bags.

What should I do? The doctor said, there are going to be a lot of physio and medications. But then there's no guarantee that I can heal 100% and be normal. So why me? My abah also has a slipped disc. So does it genetic? Or just simply it is because me? The one who happens to have every single illness that my parents have. But then, things happen for a reason. And I know it for sure. Just muhasabah diri, bertawakal dan berusaha. InsyaAllah...


What is a disc?

The spine is made up of the vertebrae (the bones making up the spine), which have cartilage discs between them.

The discs consist of a circle of connective tissue with a central gel-like core. This makes the spine flexible and at the same time acts as a protective buffer.

In the centre of this column of vertebrae and discs is the spinal canal, which contains the spinal cord stretching from the brain-stem down to the first or second lumbar vertebra. It continues as a bundle of nerve fibres called the cauda equina stretching down towards the sacrum, which is the extension of the spine. Between each vertebra, the spinal cord has nerve root connections to other parts of the body.

The spine is divided into three parts:
* neck (cervical vertebrae)
* chest (thoracic vertebrae)
* the lower back (lumbar vertebrae).The spine is connected to the ribs at the chest.


What is a slipped disc?

A slipped disc is when the soft part of the disc bulges through the circle of connective tissue. This prolapse may push on the spinal cord or on the nerve roots. However, it is worth noting that 20 per cent of the population have slipped discs without experiencing any noticeable symptoms.

The term 'slipped disc' does not really describe the process properly - the disc does not actually slip out of place, but bulges out towards the spinal cord.


What is the cause of a slipped disc?

A slipped disc occurs due to the breaking down of the circle of connective tissue with advancing age. This causes a weakness allowing the soft part to swell.

Slipped discs most often affect the lower back and are relatively rare in the chest part of the spine.

It is possible that hard physical labour can increase the likelihood of a slipped disc. They are also occasionally seen following trauma such as an injury from a fall or a road traffic accident.


At what age can a slipped disc occur?

A slipped disc in the lower back is most often seen between the ages of 30 and 50. In the cervical vertebrae around the neck, slipped discs are most often seen between the ages of 40 and 60.


What are the symptoms of a slipped disc?

A slipped disc can be symptom free. If it causes pain, it is primarily due to the pressure on the nerve roots, the spinal cord or the cauda equina.

Symptoms of nerve root pressure
Paralysis of single muscles, possibly with pain radiating to the arms or legs. There may also be a disturbance of feeling in the limbs.

Symptoms of pressure on the spinal cord
Disturbance of feeling, muscle spasms or paralysis in the part of the body below the spinal cord pressure. For example, pressure on the spinal cord in the chest area will cause spasms in the legs but not in the arms. Pressure on the spinal cord may cause problems with control of the bladder.

Symptoms of pressure on the cauda equina
The symptoms can include loss of control of the bladder function, disturbance of feeling in the rectum and the inside of the thighs and paralysis of both legs. These are serious symptoms and anyone developing them should contact a doctor immediately. (They are so-called 'red flag' symptoms.)


How does the doctor make a diagnosis?

It is possible to make a diagnosis from the patient's history and the doctor's physical examination.

In many cases it is possible to determine which disc is affected. This can be confirmed either by a CT scan, MRI scan or a myelography - an injection into the spinal cord canal.

The doctor will decide which examination is necessary.

An ordinary X-ray of the spine is usually taken as well, but is much less use diagnostically than a scan or myelogram.

It is important to make a correct diagnosis because several other diseases have similar symptoms. Any 'red flag' symptoms must be acted upon without delay.


How is a slipped disc treated?

It is generally agreed that a slipped disc should be treated conservatively, with surgery being considered only when other approaches to treatment have failed.

The treatment will typically mean a brief period of bed-rest with appropriate painkillers. Physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment should also be explored.

Whether to have an operation or not, is a decision for a specialist.

* When there are symptoms of pressure on the spinal cord or on the cauda equina, an operation
should be performed as soon as possible.

* Cases involving serious or increasing paralysis should be treated as an emergency and
admitted to hospital for assessment immediately.When there are changes in the symptoms, a
doctor should be consulted. Significant changes in bladder habits or control, increasing
paralysis of the limbs or muscle spasticity should always receive immediate medical
assessment.

Based on a text by Dr Per Rochat, Dr Henrik Wulff Christensen, chiropractor and Jan Hartvigsen, chiropractor