Saudi King Ordered to Rest for Herniated Disc

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah has been told by doctors to rest because he is suffering from a herniated disc in his spinal cord.

The slipping or rupturing of one of the discs in the spine, called a herniated disc, causes severe pain but is not life- threatening. It is usually treated with rest, physical therapy and anti -inflammatory drugs.

The king, who is in his 80s, has curtailed his activities since June with no clear explanation.

Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz outside the country after leaving for what was described in August as a holiday in Morocco.

The monarch’s half brother, second deputy prime minister and interior minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz, has been overseeing the preparations for the Hajj.

More than two million Muslims are this year expected to visit the holy city of Mecca, the birthplace of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam.

The annual pilgrimage begins Sunday.