Causes and Treatments for Herniated Discs
A vertebral disc is a disc which acts like a cushion, supports and minimizes friction between the two vertebra or bones of the back or the spine. Certain conditions however make these discs rupture and move to the surrounding area of the spine which is called a herniated disc.
The spine is long, composed of many vertebrae interconnected by vertebral discs. It extends from the base of the neck to the small of the back. The most common area of the spine prone to hernia of the vertebral disc is the level between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae or what we call the lower back. This portion is very important when a person sits and stands. We also use the lower back when we bend, twist, flex and extend when we bend or lift things.
There is no specific cause of a herniated disc but it is usually associated with a fall or an accident that involves the spine. Repetitive straining of the spine especially when you regularly lift heavy objects can also lead to a herniated disc. Initially, symptoms are thought to be just ordinary back pain symptoms until it progresses into severe signs. There is an electrifying pain which is due to the pressure on the nerves located on the spinal cord. The herniated disc fills the spinal cavity causing pressure and compression; when the electrifying pain radiates to your arms, the herniated disc may be located in the neck or cervical region of the spine while pain radiating to the legs may signal that the compression or the herniated portion is located in the lower back.
Aside from pain, there is also numbness and tingling sensations on the extremities affected. Muscle weakness may also be evident as nerve irritation can disrupt signals from the brain. Some symptoms like bowel or bladder incontinence may also result as the herniated disc presses on the nerves of the lower spine. Consult a medical professional immediately if these happen.
The treatment for a herniated disc may depend on the severity of the symptoms. Upon diagnosis through an MRI or any appropriate diagnostic tool and examination procedure, your doctor may advice pain medication, anti inflammatory medications or surgical treatment if necessary. There are currently many treatments for herniated disc without resorting to invasive surgical methods like local injections of cortisone, muscle relaxants and physical therapy. All of these may require you to rest completely and to avoid moving the back until you are advised to.
After recovering from a herniated disc, a person is instructed to keep a moderate level of movement. There is gradual return to normal everyday activities as the spine is allowed to heal. Physical therapy is essential during these crucial times; exercises to strengthen the spine as well as instructions on how to properly bend, lift objects and move must be supervised by a licensed physical therapist. If you suspect you have a herniated disc, seek consult immediately for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
The spine is long, composed of many vertebrae interconnected by vertebral discs. It extends from the base of the neck to the small of the back. The most common area of the spine prone to hernia of the vertebral disc is the level between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae or what we call the lower back. This portion is very important when a person sits and stands. We also use the lower back when we bend, twist, flex and extend when we bend or lift things.
There is no specific cause of a herniated disc but it is usually associated with a fall or an accident that involves the spine. Repetitive straining of the spine especially when you regularly lift heavy objects can also lead to a herniated disc. Initially, symptoms are thought to be just ordinary back pain symptoms until it progresses into severe signs. There is an electrifying pain which is due to the pressure on the nerves located on the spinal cord. The herniated disc fills the spinal cavity causing pressure and compression; when the electrifying pain radiates to your arms, the herniated disc may be located in the neck or cervical region of the spine while pain radiating to the legs may signal that the compression or the herniated portion is located in the lower back.
Aside from pain, there is also numbness and tingling sensations on the extremities affected. Muscle weakness may also be evident as nerve irritation can disrupt signals from the brain. Some symptoms like bowel or bladder incontinence may also result as the herniated disc presses on the nerves of the lower spine. Consult a medical professional immediately if these happen.
The treatment for a herniated disc may depend on the severity of the symptoms. Upon diagnosis through an MRI or any appropriate diagnostic tool and examination procedure, your doctor may advice pain medication, anti inflammatory medications or surgical treatment if necessary. There are currently many treatments for herniated disc without resorting to invasive surgical methods like local injections of cortisone, muscle relaxants and physical therapy. All of these may require you to rest completely and to avoid moving the back until you are advised to.
After recovering from a herniated disc, a person is instructed to keep a moderate level of movement. There is gradual return to normal everyday activities as the spine is allowed to heal. Physical therapy is essential during these crucial times; exercises to strengthen the spine as well as instructions on how to properly bend, lift objects and move must be supervised by a licensed physical therapist. If you suspect you have a herniated disc, seek consult immediately for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.