Herniated Disk What It is, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment
Back pain can occur anytime when you don’t expect it. Well, this is frustrating and discomforting, right? Most of the people get back pain due to their sitting posture or any sort of injury. There are different types of pain that you might experience. The pain that moves through your back could be due to a slipped disc pinching your nerves. Slipped disc of back also referred to as a herniated disc can lead to neck and leg pain.
What is a Herniated Disk?
The human spine is composed of a series of bones called vertebrae, which extend from the skull down to the tailbone. Between these vertebrae are discs that act as cushions, providing flexibility and absorbing shock. When one of these discs develops a tear, it can lead to a condition known as a herniated disc.
So, the issue of herniated disk occurs because of an injury of the spine (backbone).
Injury to the disc also affects the nearby nerves because of which people get symptoms like pain and numbness. The symptoms usually get resolved after a few weeks by taking proper medications. In case of worsening of the condition, the doctor might suggest surgery.
What Are the Causes of Herniated Disk?
So, what causes herniated disc lower back pain? How does a person develop a slipped disc?
From aging to a particular medical condition, several reasons cause this condition to develop. Discussing them one by one will help you know the causes more clearly:
- Disk degeneration is the primary cause of herniated discs, which essentially results from the overuse and natural aging of the discs. As a person ages, their spinal discs lose flexibility, making them more susceptible to twisting, tearing, or other forms of damage. Over time, excessive movement and wear and tear contribute to this degeneration. This is why herniated discs are more common in older individuals, as their spinal discs become weaker and drier, increasing the likelihood of this condition.
- You can also experience the problem of a slipped disk if the soft gel like an internal section of a spinal disk slips out through the crack.
- This might be surprising for you but certain existing medical conditions can also increase the risk of herniated discs in the neck and back. It can happen to those who already have the problem of connective tissue disorder or spinal stenosis.
- You could also get this pain in your back, leg and neck because of sudden lifting or twisting.
How to Know if You Have a Herniated Disc?
You can identify disk herniation by knowing their symptoms. Along with this, the experts perform some tests and diagnosis to assess the pain and strength of the muscles.
Know the symptoms of a herniated disk
So, what does a herniated disc feel like? Many cases are there in which the patient doesn’t get any symptoms. However, if we talk about the common symptoms, these include:
- Numbness or tingling sensation
When the nerves come under pressure, various body sections may feel somewhat numb or tingling. This symptom occurs when nerve roots or the spinal cord is pressed upon by a herniated disc.
- Weakening of the muscles
Affected nerves also cause muscle weakness. Many people stumble when walking so this could also be a symptom.
- Pain in the leg or arm
Most people with bulging disc symptoms experience a sharp pain in their leg or arm. The pain starts from the back and then spreads towards the arm and leg.
The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary based on its location in the spine. For instance, a herniated disc in the middle region of the back typically causes pain around that specific area. If the herniation occurs in the neck, you may experience discomfort in your shoulder and arm. It's important to note that a herniated disc in the lower back can lead to symptoms such as aching in the thighs and legs.
How to Diagnose a Herniated or Bulging Disk Problem?
In order to diagnose herniated discs accurately, health care providers typically employ some examinations including a physical. This final stage is vital because it allows the doctor to comprehend the pain experienced by the patient. Also, they can determine their muscle strength and reflexes.
Apart from this, the patient will also be advised to undergo these tests:
Performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is important as it is advised in case of a suspected herniated disk problem.
X-rays are also crucial to know about the cause of back pain.
Computed tomography (CT) can diagnose a herniated disk as it shows spine bones clearly.
Electromyogram (EMG) is a useful diagnostic procedure that will let the doctor know which nerve slipped disk affects. In this test, small needles are placed on various muscles to see how nerves are functioning.
What is the Treatment of Disk Herniation?
In many cases, people suffering from ruptured disc lumbar spine problems won’t require any treatment. This is because the symptoms might go on their own. But they may require 10 to 12 weeks.
The doctor would suggest you the right herniated disc treatment after analyzing the severity of the problem. These treatments include physical therapy and medications. injections, and surgery.
Physical therapy
Experts can recommend different exercises and postures for chiropractic adjustment. This is effective in reducing herniated disk pain. Thus, it is important to search for a reliable team of experts for consultation of pain management near me.
Medication
Disk herniation is treatable with medicines such as muscle relaxants, nerve pain medications, and opioids.
Injections
If the symptoms don’t go with medicines, the doctor can advise the injection medications as a nerve block.
Surgery
Surgery is generally considered the last resort for treating a herniated disc, typically recommended only if the pain doesn't improve with medication, injections, or other pain management treatments. Most herniated discs improve with non-surgical methods. However, medical professionals may suggest surgery if there are significant mobility issues, severe pain, or muscle weakness that doesn't respond to other treatments.
Consultation with Optimal Healthcare
Lower back pain and a herniated disc can be highly discomforting conditions that require proper pain management. Trust the experts at Discover Optimal Healthcare to provide you with effective treatment solutions.
