Dear Doctor,

Two years ago I fell and injured my back. I was told that one of my discs was displaced. Is there a chance that I will recover completely or is it a condition one lives with forever?

Sonia

Dear Sonia,

The backbone and or surrounding soft tissues can be injured after falling down. The soft tissues and supporting structures like cartilage, muscles and ligaments can be stretched or broken. Along with this, there can be herniation of the intervertebral disc or fracture of vertebrae or disc.

Majority of the injuries of the backbone, heal completely. How much time it will take, depends on type and site of injury. Age of the person is also important. in young adults, backbone is flexible and heal early. Whereas in old age, due to stiffness, healing of backbone injuries may be delayed

Treatment of discal herniation or injury consists of splinting the affected part. If possible a lumber belt can be used to support and splint affected part. If not available, one should avoid bending or turning sidewards, i.e. movements which stress the backbone and disc. Complete bed rest in a supine position for a week or so is also useful. Hard bed should be used for sleeping, because that does not disturb the alignment of the discs. After about a week, one should start movements, which should be increased gradually in range. Lifting heavy weights is harmful till the discal injury heals.

Taking balanced nutritious food and supplements of calcium and vitamin D3 is also beneficial.

Dr Rachna Pande  is a specialist in internal medicine at Ruhengeri Hospital