A herniated disc (also known as ruptured, bulged or slipped) is simply a fragmented fragment of the disc sheath, which is protruding from the annulus, towards the vertebral body, through a small break or tear in the annular. As such, this separation causes the discs to exert pressure on vertebrae, causing considerable pain. Due to this pressure, the vertebrae and spinal nerves are subject to damage, often causing herniated discs, herniated spinal discs, or herniated spinal discs symptoms. In addition, this herniating disc treatment can relieve some of these symptoms, although the exact degree of relief depends on the size, location and the duration of herniating disc symptoms.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
Herniated disc symptoms can be quite severe and can vary, depending on the extent of herniated disc symptoms. In rare cases, the pain can even be debilitating and can cause an individual to be unable to do even light work or carry out even the simplest of tasks. It is very common for individuals to describe the symptoms as being similar to those of a pinched nerve. For most people, the symptoms of a herniated disk are only felt in the lower back. However, some individuals may even feel pain down their legs and buttocks, even though they are not experiencing a herniated disc.
Herniated discs can be either internal or external. Internal herniations occur when the vertebral body, including the discs, prolapses outside the annulus while the herniated disk is still in place. This occurs when the discs are compressed beyond the annulae. However, external herniations occur when the herniated disk has already ruptured inside the annulus while the individual is resting or doing daily activities and the rupture occurs outside the annulae.
Back Pain Associated With a Herniated Disc
Herniated disks can cause various degrees of pain and are commonly located along the lumbar spine or the sacroiliac joints, which are situated between the sacrum and the ribcage. The pain may also radiate to the buttocks, legs, arms, hands, shoulders, arms and even the neck. In addition, herniated discs can even result in spinal stenosis and sciatica, and lumbar spasms. Although there is no specific evidence that specifically links pain resulting from herniated discs to sciatica or lumbar spinal syndromes, some patients may report a worsening of their symptoms after having surgery to treat their herniated discs
Other Symptoms
One of the most common symptoms of lumbar disc disease is weakness. Many patients complain of having difficulty walking or standing, and even with minimal activity. These symptoms often become worse during pregnancy or after performing strenuous activity. There is no known way to diagnose the precise cause of the pain. However, it is generally believed that the pain is directly related to the deterioration of the discs or the damage they have sustained, as opposed to a more indirect result of degeneration.
Some herniated disk symptoms may also include pain or tenderness along the spinal cord or the nerve root, or in the area surrounding the vertebrae. In some cases, symptoms can also include numbness and tingling sensations or a loss of sensation, which can be localized to one side or another. This may lead to an individual having difficulty getting up from a lying position, as well as trouble with movement, and even trouble with bowel movements. However, if the pain is only mild to moderate, it may not require medical treatment. For mild pain, physical therapy can be used to help strengthen the muscles in the affected areas.
Herniated Disc Surgery
When a lumbar herniation is causing severe pain, surgery may be recommended, although surgery for this type of herniation is very rarely performed. Surgery for this condition usually involves removing part or all of the damaged area, to relieve the pain. However, patients should understand that even with surgery, they may still experience chronic back pain and other symptoms for many years to come. In most cases, this type of herniated disk will only need to be treated and not repaired, so the only lasting benefit of surgery is relief from the pain and the recovery time needed to recover and return to normal activities.
To prevent herniated disk symptoms, you should try to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle, and increase the amount of exercise, which you do on a regular basis. In addition, it is important to follow all of your doctor’s recommendations for pain relief. One common recommendation is for patients to take pain relievers for some time after an injury. However, if the pain persists, you may want to seek out a specialist to perform a thorough assessment and diagnosis, as well as discuss surgical options. In addition, you should also see your health provider about alternative treatments and remedies, such as acupuncture and physical therapy, in order to provide treatment that will increase your level of activity, as well as improve muscle strength and flexibility. In some cases, surgery may also be recommended, depending upon the condition of your herniated disk and any underlying medical conditions or problems.
Talk to a specialized minimally invasive neurosurgeon at MINT today to know more about how a herniated disc can be treated with the help of advanced medical technologies!
