The spinal cord, otherwise known as the vertebrae, comprises 33 bones separated and cushioned by discs running through your entire back. These discs, which are round and resemble tiny pillows, help protect your spine from the shock of everyday activities. Each disc has a jelly-like nucleus, enclosed in a tougher exterior known as the annulus.
That said, back pain can still creep up on you when you do not expect it. Unfortunately, back pain, usually sharp and intense, can limit you from doing everyday activities like walking, cleaning, exercising, and working. One of the most common reasons for back pain is usually a herniated or slipped disk. So, how do you know if that is giving you sleepless nights? This article tells you everything you need to know about a herniated disc, including what it is, its causes, symptoms, and treatment. Most importantly, you will learn to get a spine specialist to treat your herniated disc.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated, bulged, slipped, or ruptured disc occurs when a part of the disc nucleus is forced out of the annulus. When the annulus ruptures and the nucleus is exposed, it strains the spinal nerve. A disc is displaced because of limited space in the spine and starts pressing on the nerves within the spinal canal. The condition often appears during the early days of degeneration.
A herniated disc may present itself in any section of your spine. However, it more commonly affects the lower back or the lumbar spine and neck, otherwise called the cervical spine.
What Causes a Herniated Disc
So, what exactly brings about a herniated disc?
The most common cause of a herniated disc is wear-and-tear due to age, also known as degenerative disc disease. Your spine undergoes slow degeneration as you grow older, losing fluid volume. The disc degeneration leads to tiny tears or cracks on the outer surface, also known as the annulus. The inner gel-like fluid then starts escaping from these cracks and openings.
The other cause is usually back injury or trauma. When you strain or overstretch your spine through intense twisting or lifting something heavy using your back muscles, you risk rupturing your disc, which can then press on the spinal nerves. Injury may also come from falls, collisions, or vehicle accidents.
That said, some people are more at risk of developing disc problems and may get a herniated disc at various sections of their spine. According to some medical research, you may be at risk of a herniated lumbar disc if many of your family members have it.
What Are the Symptoms of Herniated Discs?
The most common sign of a herniated disc is usually unrelenting pain from the nerve roots on one side of the body that may affect the arm or leg. This pain could be anywhere on your spine but is most common in the neck or lower back. Other symptoms may include:
- Pain when coughing, sneezing, or moving particular places.
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation.
- Worsening pain when bending, twisting, walking, or even sitting.
- Unexplained muscle weakness or spasm in your hands, knees, or legs.
- Balance problems or limping due to leg pain or weakness.
- Difficulty standing up from sitting.
- Discomfort from staying in a single position for long.
- Bad body posture.
- Loss or depreciating bowel or bladder control.
What Are the Treatments of Herniated Disc?
If your symptoms are not improving after a day or two, you should think about visiting a qualified healthcare provider to explore treatment options. The main goal of treatment is to help relieve your pain and ease other symptoms stemming from the herniated disc.
Your doctor will first check if you have a herniated disc by conducting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Then, they will develop a customized plan based on the source of the pain, its intensity, and the unique symptoms you are exhibiting.
Here are the treatments options your doctor might suggest for disk herniation:
Medications
One way to treat your cervical or lumbar herniated disc is with medications. These include OTC medicines like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Other medications include cortisone injections, epidural steroid injections, opioids, and muscle relaxers.
Therapy
Physical therapy may also be critical in treating your herniated disc. Your therapist can suggest exercises and positions specific to managing your condition effectively.
Spinal Surgery
Few people will need this treatment option, but your doctor will suggest surgery if conservative treatments fail. You may also be considered for surgery if:
- The pain limits normal activity or impairs the quality of life.
- Progressive neurological deficits develop, such as leg weakness or numbness.
- Your bowel and bladder functions are impaired.
- You are experiencing trouble standing or walking.
Surgery often entails removing only the protruding part of the disc. Rarely will a professional recommend an artificial disc implantation procedure?
Who Is at Risk for Developing Herniated Discs?
You are most likely to develop a herniated disk between 30 and 50. Men are also twice as likely to suffer the condition compared to women. More risk factors include:
- Being overweight
- Sitting for extended durations in the same position
- Lifting heavy objects.
- Constant bending or twisting movements at work, sports, etc.
- Smoking might cause your arteries to harden, which can damage the discs in your spine.
How to Prevent a Herniated Disc
Herniated discs can cause severe discomfort that undermines the quality of your life. Luckily, there are several things you can do to prevent this condition altogether. These include:
- Regular exercise
- Lift heavy things safely
- Adopt a good posture when sitting or standing
- Stop smoking
- Adopt a good sleeping position, for instance, sleeping on your back or side instead of on the stomach.
Get Checked by the Best Spine Experts in New York Spine Specialist for Herniated Disc Treatment
There are many reasons why back pain occurs. Sometimes it results from an injury, and sometimes it results from underlying conditions such as herniated discs. Studies reveal that up to 20 out of every 1000 people experience pain due to herniated discs.
At New York Spine Specialist, we understand how the pain and compromise of a herniated disc can undermine your overall quality of life. That’s why our spine specialists’ mission is to help you find relief from back pain. We are ready to offer treatments and lifestyle tips to keep your spine in excellent form and your days joyful. Call New York Spine Specialist on (516) 355-0111 for your chronic pain of a herniated disc treatment keeps you stagnated at home or away from doing the things you love!