The discs are protective shock-absorbing pads between the bones of the spine. Although they do not actually "slip," a disc may split or rupture. This can cause the disc to fail, allowing the gel to escape into the surrounding tissue. The leaking jellylike substance can place pressure on the spinal cord or on a single nerve fiber and cause pain either around the damaged disc or anywhere along the area controlled by that nerve. This condition is also known as a herniated, ruptured, prolapsed, or more commonly slipped disc.

Slip disc or Spinal disc herniation can occur in any disc in the spine, but the two most common forms are the cervical disc herniation and the lumbar disc herniation.

Factors that lead to slipped disc include aging with associated degeneration and loss of elasticity of the discs and supporting structures; Poor posture combined with the habitual use of incorrect body mechanics, hard physical labour (delivery), improper lifting, especially if accompanied by twisting or turning; excessive strain, and sudden forceful trauma. A herniation may develop suddenly or gradually over weeks or months.

People between the ages of 30 and 50 appear to be vulnerable because the elasticity and water content of the nucleus decreases with age. But of late it is seen that even the people around age group 20 – 30 are also getting affected with slip disc, because of their life style and diet habits.

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.

A herniated disc can therefore produce symptoms anywhere along the course of that nerve, though the injury and irritation of the nerve are at the spine itself (referred pain). A slipped disc can produce different symptoms like varying degrees of pain in the back or neck along with numbness or weakness, tingling, Paralysis of single muscles, possibly with pain radiating to the arms or legs, paralysis in the part of the body below the spinal cord pressure, disturbance of feeling in the limbs, muscle spasms, difficulty controlling bowel movements or bladder function, disturbance of feeling in the rectum and the inside of the thighs etc,.

The strength of Ayurveda in the area of spine and joint treatments is globally appreciated. Since it addresses the root cause of the issue the results are fantastic.

The therapies like Abyanga swedam, Nasyam, Pathrapotala swedam, Choornapinda swedam, Pizhichil, Shirodhara, Kadeevasthy, Greevavasthy, Navarakizhi, Vasti etc. are done as per the necessity and condition. These therapies are directed towards relieving the inflammatory changes, releasing the spasms and nerve compressions in the affected area, strengthening the supportive tissues holding the spine/joints, nourishing the joints through improving the circulation. Usually the treatment period is 3 – 5 weeks according to the severity of the disease.

In four to six weeks, the majority of patients find their symptoms are relieved without surgery. If patient can come for the treatment in early stages, even total cure without recurrence is also possible.