Keyhole Clinic (Kochi)

Slipped Disc / Herniated Disc

Disk Herniation Disk Prolapse Treatment in Kochi

Slipped Disc is most often the result of a gradual, ageing related wear and tear called disk degeneration. It is also known as Herniated Disc or Disc Prolapse.

Our spinal column is comprised of a series of bones, also called vertebrae, which is stacked onto each other.  The spinal column is divided into 5 segments with total 33 vertebrae.

  • Cervical (neck) – 7 vertebrae (C1 to C7)
  • Thoracic (middle back) – 12 vertebrae (T1 to T12)
  • Lumbar (lower back) – 5 vertebrae (L1 to L5)
  • Sacrum – 5 vertebrae (S1 to S5)
  • Coccyx (tailbone) – 4 fused vertebrae.

These bones are protected by discs.  They absorb the shocks to the bones caused from our daily activities.  The disc is comprised of two parts, a tough outer ring and a soft gelatinous inner portion.  The most common causes of slipped disc are weakness and injury.  Weakness resulting from a gradual, ageing related wear and tear or injury to the disc can cause the inner portion to protrude through the outer ring.  This is called herniated disc, also known as slipped disc or prolapsed disc.

A slipped disc or herniated disc can occur in any part of the spine, though the lower back is often the most common site for slipped discs. 

A slipped disc can cause pain and discomfort to the patient.  If the spinal nerves get compressed, it can also cause numbness and pain around the affected nerve.

Symptoms of slipped disc include:

  • Pain and numbness (common on one side of the body)
  • Pain worsened at night
  • Pain extending to arms or legs
  • Pain with sitting, standing, certain movements, or even walking short distances.
  • Weakness in the muscle

Non-Surgical Treatment

  • Oral Medications
  • Steroid Injections
  • Physiotherapy

Surgical Treatment

  • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS)
  • Endoscopic Discectomy
  • Microscopic Discectomy

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery is a surgical treatment option for patients suffering with slipped disc.  MISS, as the name suggests, is a surgery to the bones of the spine, which is performed using smaller incisions.  Hence the term minimally invasive.  The benefit of minimally invasive procedure is less pain and faster recovery.  In contrast, open surgery requires a long incision down the back. 

Endoscopic Discectomy is a surgical procedure for treating herniated disc.  It is performed to remove the herniated disc material from the disc which is compressing the nerve or the spinal cord.  This is also a minimally invasive procedure, as only a small incision is necessary since it is performed with the aid of an endoscope.

The benefits of Endoscopic Discectomy include

  • Short recovery time
  • Small Incision
  • Outpatient procedure (can be discharged on the same day)
  • Minimal blood loss

Microscopic Discectomy is also performed to remove the herniated disc material from the disc, which is compressing the nerve or the spinal cord.  This technique also uses a small, minimally invasive incision to remove the disc herniation.  This allows for a speedy recovery.

Related Articles

Keyhole Clinic Edappally

Keyhole Clinic, the state-of-the-art healthcare facility, is situated in the Heart of Kochi at a very prime location (Edappally), We have well-experienced and reputed team of Medical Professionals at our center.

Keyhole Clinic is now NABH Accredited

Keyhole Clinic is now NABH Accredited
National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers
Patient Safety & Quality of Care

Our Vision: Center of Excellence in all specialities aiming to provide Comprehensive & Comfortable Outpatient Healthcare Services

Mission: High Quality Care with a Smile

Quality Policy: To provide state-of-the-art facilities of International Standards to patients in a pleasant ambience