What is a herniated disc?
A herniated disc involves the soft, jelly-like interior of the discs in your spine pushing through a tear in the tough exterior casing. Herniated discs most often affect the lumbar spine but can happen in any of the vertebrae.
Spinal discs sit between the vertebrae, acting as shock absorbers. They prevent jarring of the spine and provide some elasticity in the spinal column, enabling you to flex your spine while protecting the bones from each other.
When a disc herniates, the inside can start to press on the nerves in the spinal cord, affecting their function. There are four degrees of disc herniation: nuclear herniation, disc protrusion, nuclear extrusion, and sequestered nucleus.
Although the damage sounds dramatic, herniated discs can clear up on their own within a few weeks. If they don’t heal themselves, or they cause severe pain, call the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
Herniated discs don’t always cause pain or other symptoms, so you could have one for a while without knowing it. If they do cause symptoms, these could include:
- Pain in specific areas (such as the back, legs, hands, or feet)
- Numbness of the hands, feet, or legs
- A burning or tingling sensation
- Stiff neck
- Muscle weakness
- Oversensitive reflexes
- Muscle spasms
The pain from a herniated disc often eases when you lay down, worsening when you get up and if you make any sudden movements using your back.
What treatments are available for herniated discs?
If you’re experiencing the symptoms of a herniated disc, consider visiting the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine for an accurate diagnosis.
After a thorough evaluation and physical exam, you might need to undergo diagnostic imaging procedures like an MRI or CT scan to confirm the diagnosis and assess the hernia.
Once your diagnosis is confirmed, your physician at Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine creates a treatment plan for you that could include:
- Rest
- Physical therapy
- Muscle relaxants
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Cold compresses or ice packs
- Epidural spinal injections
Most cases of herniated discs respond to a combination of selected treatments, but if they don’t, you may need to consider surgical options.
If you have back pain that could be due to a herniated disc, get the best available treatment by calling the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine or booking an appointment online today.
Herniated Disc
Herniated Disc (Cervical)
