The spinal cord is a critically important part of the human body, and it is involved in just about every movement or action in which you engage. When you have pain in your spine (cervical spine, lumbar spine, or thoracic spine), it could be caused by several different things.
One of the most common causes of back pain is a herniated disc. Herniated discs can cause considerable pain for those who experience them, and they may end up feeling unable to move or complete their daily activities.
Those dealing with pain that may be associated with a herniated lumbar disc should seek immediate medical attention from a spine expert to prevent making the pain worse as you go about your everyday life and relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
At New York Spine Specialist, our team will listen to you describe your pain, complete a physical exam, determine the source of the disc herniation, and provide you with developing a customized treatment plan for your lumbar disc herniation.
What Is a Herniated Disk?
The spinal column comprises a row of 33 bones (vertebrae) stacked on top of one another, with a hole running through each vertebra to make room for the spinal canal. In between each vertebra is a rubbery cushion called a disk. These disks have a jelly-like center which is encased by the rubbery exterior.
Without these disks, the bones in the spine would rub against one another and cause severe pain since the disks act as shock absorbers for the spine. They allow for bending, twisting, and flexing.
When the outer layer (the rubbery shell) breaks, the gelatinous material in the center of the disc leaks out, this creates what is known as a herniated disc. A herniated disc will cause arm or leg pain, numbness and tingling in the body part connected to the affected nerves, and muscle weakness. Some serious cases of herniated discs can even cause bowel or bladder control issues.
Causes of a Herniation in the Lumbar Spine
The primary and most common cause of a herniated disc is normal wear and tear, known as disc degeneration over the years. When individuals age, they become less flexible, making certain activities more susceptible to tearing or rupturing the spinal discs.
Other herniated disc causes are not related to aging, including lifting a heavy object with the back muscles instead of the legs, twisting and turning while raising, and traumatic events such as car accidents. These, however, are not as common as the age for causing a slipped disk.
Risk Factors Leading to a Herniated Disc in the Spinal Cord
No matter who you are or what your occupation is, the possibility of a ruptured disc is possible, especially when advanced age has caused degenerative disc disease. However, certain risk factors can increase a lumbar herniated disc potential. These factors include:
- Excess weight causes more stress on the disks
- Occupations that require repetitive lifting, pushing, or twisting
- Genetic predisposition
- Smoking may lessen the amount of oxygen supplied to the disks, causing them to be more brittle and able to break down more quickly
- Sitting for long periods without any regular exercise
- Driving a vehicle for too long since the vibration of the motor can place unnecessary pressure on the spine
- Having poor posture, especially when working at a desk or lifting heavy objects
In the most severe cases, the herniated disc can compress the entire spinal canal, including the nerve roots and the nerves of the cauda equina. This can result in cauda equina syndrome, and you may need spinal surgery to repair the damage.
Treatments for a Herniated Disc
When you visit our spine surgeons at New York Spine Specialist, we will examine your back. We may take imaging tests such as x-rays or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to determine the location of the herniated disc.
Once we have found the location of the herniated disk, we can then begin treatment. Some patients benefit greatly from nonsurgical treatment such as rest and physical therapy, while others may need prescription pain medication over the country. Still, others could require an epidural steroid injection or even surgical treatment to repair the damage and relieve pain from the spinal nerve.
Contact Our Experts to Discuss Your Herniated Disc Treatment
If you are experiencing serious pain that you believe may result from a bulging disk. We are dedicated to helping our patients overcome the pain and discomfort associated with herniated discs, and we know that herniated discs affect all aspects of their daily life.
When you are in severe pain, and no amount of rest seems to be helping, you may need experienced medical advice and treatment from New York Spine Specialist. We have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to diagnose your lumbar herniated disc and develop a clear treatment plan for you. Our team can also recommend a physical therapist to work with and achieve a healthy weight and prevent further herniation.
Contact us today to discuss the pain and discomfort you have been experiencing with our spine specialists. Our goal is to help you live a pain-free life, and we are committed to getting you to achieve that goal.
Our surgeons use only the most advanced technology and state-of-the-art equipment during spine procedures, and we continue to update ourselves with the latest innovations in spine health. From herniated discs to spinal stenosis and everything in between, we are here to be your spine resource. Call us today to schedule your appointment and get on the road to a pain-free life with our experts at New York Spine Specialist.
