The Facts About Disc Herniation: What You Need to Know
A herniated disc is one of the rubbery cushions called disks spilling its jelly-like center into the spine. The disc acts as a buffer between the spine aiding in the mobility of joints but when these discs tear it is often referred to as disc herniation.
In most individuals, disc degeneration occurs because of age-related degeneration but any trauma can also cause it.
In most cases, there are no visible symptoms from a herniated disc but in some cases, individuals tend to grow symptoms but they also heal over time. Surgeries are usually not recommended by chiropractors to cure the problem.
Understanding Disc Herniation: Causes and Symptom
Disc herniation occurs when a spinal disc’s inner gel-like core pushes through its outer layer, often resulting in pain and discomfort. Generally, this condition is commonly caused by age-related wear and tear, known as disc degeneration. However, it can also result from injury, strain, or improper lifting. Consequently, symptoms may include sharp pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area, which can often radiate down the arms or legs.
Effective Treatments for Disc Herniation
Treatment for disc herniation typically begins with conservative methods, such as rest, physical therapy, and pain medications. For instance, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. However, if symptoms persist, epidural steroid injections may provide additional relief. In more severe cases, surgical intervention, like a discectomy, might be necessary to remove the herniated portion of the disc and relieve pressure on the nerves.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary depending on its location and whether it’s pressing on a nerve. Typically, it affects just one side of the body.
Arm and leg discomfort
If the disc degeneration is located around the neck region one will feel shoulder and arm pain. While doing any harsh activity while coughing, sneezing or moving the body into a specific position, Pain can often shoot into the leg region also.
If the herniated disc is located in the lower back region, one will feel discomfort around the calf, thighs, and lower back. One can also feel pain in the foot region also.
Numbness
For instance, people who have herniated discs often feel tingling or numbness in their affected body parts.
Weakness
Moreover, muscles affected by the herniated discs often tend to be weak. Consequently, it affects an individual’s ability to walk properly and to hold or lift bulky objects.
Is the herniated disc a common issue?
Around 2% of people annually get a herniated disc. According to the chiropractor it can happen anywhere along the spinal cord but it occurs mostly in the lower back or neck region and the chances are very rare to get a herniated disc over the mid-back.
Risk factors that increases disc herniation
Following factors increases the probability of disc degeneration
| Weight | Excessive body weight puts stress on the spinal region. |
| Profession | People with labor-intensive jobs have a greater risk of having disc herniation. Pulling,pushing and lifting the bulky objects added with bending sideways can also increase its chances. |
| Age | It is more common between the age group of 30 and 50. |
| Smoking | Smoking hampers blood flow to the discs leading to increased degeneration of muscles. |
| Trauma | Injuries from slip,falls,accidents or sports can cause disc herniation. |
| Sedentary Lifestyle | Lack of physical activity caused by prolonged sitting at office chairs can also increase the risk of it. |
Complications associated with disc herniation
Human beings’ spinal cord ends just above their waist. However, disc herniation can rarely compress the entire spinal cord as in that case urgent surgery is required to avoid paralysis.
One should urgently consult a chiropractor if suffering from
Bladder dysfunction- It can cause trouble while urinating even when the bladder is full of urine.
Saddle anesthesia- It can indicate severe disc herniation compressing the cauda equina nerves, preventing permanent damage.
How do chiropractors diagnose this?
Your healthcare professional will do a thorough examination. He/She will perform these tests to properly diagnose the condition.
- The most common and accurate test to confirm this disorder is MRI.
- X-ray helps to analyze other causes associated with back or neck discomfort.
- The CT scan helps to diagnose the spinal condition properly. Disc degeneration is capable of moving to the space around the spinal cord.
- Myelogram- It is a treatment that involves the usage of injection to spill dye into the spinal canal and reveal the location of the herniated disc.
What can one do to relieve herniated disc pain?
In most of the cases, pain associated with disc degeneration can go away in no time. However, to ease pain you can take the following steps
- If the pain is severe consider resting for about 3 to 4 days but avoid taking prolonged rest as it can lead to muscle stiffness.
- Consider taking over-the-counter pain reliever medicines like acetaminophen.
- Over the affected area apply some ice.
Tips to prevent herniated disc
Although it’s not always possible to prevent a herniated disc, one can take these necessary steps to avoid it.
- Don’t bend by keeping your legs straight. Always bend while bending your knees and keeping your back straight.
- Avoid excess weight lifting as it can put pressure on the lower back.
- Incorporate exercise into your life schedule and try to keep your posture straight while you sit,stand or walk.
- If you sit for longer hours it’s important to take some stretching breaks in between your work schedule.
- Give more focus on workouts that support your spinal cord and strengthen your back and abdomen muscles.
Conclusion
If you still face any kind of discomfort despite following necessary steps to prevent it, don’t hesitate to visit our chiropractor. We know that herniated discs can make it difficult while moving but don’t make situations worse by just sitting. To begin with, try to take little walks and follow your chiropractor’s recommendations. Moreover, health care professionals at our clinic provide attention to every minor issue that can improve the rate of recovery. Therefore, visit our website or call us today to cure herniated disc disorder
