India, July 16 -- Slipped disc is a common problem, which affects approximately 1 per cent of the population at any given time. It usually affects people between the ages of 30 to 50 years. It is more common in males and frequently occurs in people whose occupation involves frequent bending and lifting.
The disc is cushion-like material between the numerous small bones of the spine column called vertebrae. This gelatinous material is enclosed in a fibrous capsule. Any tear in this capsule predisposes to prolapse of the disc. Prolapse of the disc causes compression of the nerve that lies very close to it. This problem is more common in the lower portion of the spine called lumbar spine. The slipped disc typically causes low back pain, which...