A herniated disc (sometimes also known as protruded, slipped, bulging or ruptured disc) is a piece of your disc which is pushed outward into the back area through a small tear or break in the annulus surrounding it. Because of this slight break, the disc pushes on soft spinal nerves, which can be extremely painful, and can even produce symptoms comparable to those of a slipped disc. Herniated discs occur more frequently in older adults and people who engage in prolonged sitting, with poor posture, such as those who are at a desk all day. Other causes of herniated disc symptoms include arthritis, muscle strain or injury, a malformation in the spine, obesity, coughing, asthma, obesity, and genetics.
Herniated discs can be very painful depending upon their location and severity. They can range from a mild irritant such as a pinched nerve or tenderness in a specific body part, to a debilitating situation where a herniated disc completely cuts off that person’s ability to function normally. Common herniated disc symptoms include pain and/or numbness in the affected body part, the pain usually spreading to the nearby nerves. If the herniated disc is in an area prone to herniated discs, then the symptoms may include weakness, dizziness, tingling, and/or weakness in the legs. In more severe cases, a herniated disc may even be pressing against another more important part of the spine, such as the sciatic nerve, which can result in excruciating leg pain.
Herniated discs occur quite often in athletes, but there is not direct evidence linking bad backs to playing sports. However, when a person starts to suffer from these symptoms, it is best to seek medical attention right away because they could be precursors to a herniated disc that requires surgery. Other causes of herniated discs include obesity, genetics, muscle imbalances, and a weak spinal nerve. The most common type of surgery for herniated discs is Laminectomy, but if a herniated disc is only a minor problem, then non-surgical treatment may prove effective. Non-surgical treatments include heat and ice packs, traction, physical therapy, and rehabilitation, while surgical treatments are typically reserved for patients suffering from extremely severe herniated discs.
Oren Zarif
