Herniated Disc
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc is a condition in which one of the discs between the vertebrae in the spine becomes damaged, bulges outward, or ruptures. These small, spongy discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, serving as shock absorbers and helping to keep the spine flexible. When a disc becomes damaged, it can lead to a herniated disc. This condition can occur in any part of the spine, including the cervical spine (neck) and thoracic spine (upper back), but it most commonly affects the lumbar spine (lower back).
Causes of a Herniated Disc
A herniated disc may occur as a result of normal wear and tear as you age when the spinal discs lose some of their water content making them less flexible and more prone to tearing or rupturing. Another cause of herniated disc may be due to an injury to the spine that may cause tears or cracks in the outer layer of the disc, which forces out the gel inside the disc through the tears or cracks and causes the disc to bulge or break. Some common risk factors associated with the increased risk of a herniated disc include age (more common in middle age between 35 to 45), weight (excessive body weight places extra stress on the discs), and occupation (demanding jobs with repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, or bending increase your risk).
Herniated Disc Diagnosis
In most cases, a physical exam and medical history review conducted by a doctor is all that is needed to make a diagnosis. If your doctor suspects another condition as the cause or if the doctor needs to see which nerves are affected, the doctor may order tests such as X-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), myelogram, or nerve tests.
Treatment of a Herniated Disc
Most individuals recover from herniated discs within one to six months with only ten percent of people with herniated disc problems needing surgical intervention as a form of treatment. Over the counter pain medications can help to relieve mild to moderate symptoms, and if your pain persists, the doctor may prescribe narcotics, nerve pain medications, muscle relaxers, or cortisone injections. Physical therapy can also help to minimize the pain of a herniated disc as well as to help to improve the core strength and stability in your back. In severe cases, surgical intervention is needed especially in cases where the symptoms does not improve after six weeks of conservative treatment, a disc fragment lodges in your spinal canal leading to progressive weakness, and the pain significantly interferes with your activities of daily living.
Contact HEALTHPOINTE for further information regarding Herniated Discs. If you or someone you know are suffering from said symptoms, be sure to visit one of our many locations in Southern California. Remember, we are always here to treat you!