Coping with...A SLIPPED DISC

This is when the soft cushion (intervertebral disc) between the vertebrae pushes out

- DR GILL

A slipped (or prolapsed/herniated) disc can happen for a variety of reasons, such as degenerative ageing changes in the disc tissue, exercising too hard or not enough, lifting heavy objects the wrong way, vibration from driving or operating machinery, or being overweight.

If the prolapse increases, there may be pressure on the nerve behind the disc, causing pain, tingling or numbness, and sometimes weakness in the leg, or bladder or bowel problems. Other symptoms are lower back pain, numbness or tingling in shoulders, back, arms, hands, legs or feet, and neck pain, plus problems bending or straightening, muscle weakness, and pain in the buttocks, hips or legs if the disc is pressing on the sciatic nerve (sciatica).

New blood test to detect sleep

Government data suggests 20% of motorway accidents are linked to drivers falling asleep at the wheel. Research shows that driving on less than five hours' sleep is as dangerous as being over the legal drink-drive limit. A 99% accurate blood test (five biomarkers that detect if you have been awake for 24 hours) is being trialled in Australia to allow police to determine if tiredness is a factor causing an accident, possibly conducted alongside existing drug and alcohol tests.

A slipped disc is painful if it presses on nerves, however, many people will never know they have one. The problem usually gets better slowly with rest, then gentle exercise and painkillers. Try alternate painkillers, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, taken regularly (up to the recommended daily amount), rather than just when the pain is particularly bad. This will also help you to keep moving. Ibuprofen isn't suitable for everyone, so ask your pharmacist if you're not sure.