What causes a herniated disc?
The rubbery discs that protect the vertebrae along your spine have tough exteriors and softer centers. A disc becomes herniated when the softer middle part tears through the protective outer coating (also known as an extruding disc). This painful condition is often caused by:
- Repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, or twisting at work
- Age-related wear-and-tear (disc degeneration)
- A family history of herniated discs
- Being overweight or obese
You can also develop a very similar condition known as a “bulging” or “protruding” disc, which means that a smaller part of your disc’s circumference is damaged.
Does a herniated disc cause symptoms?
Yes. Herniated, extruded, bulged, or another similar type of disc damage most commonly occur in your lower back (lumbar), although you can also have disc problems in your neck (cervical spine). The symptoms you experience, and their severity, depend on the location of your damaged disc and can include:
- Lower back or neck pain
- Pain that radiates down your extremities
- Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness
You might also notice that the pain you feel shoots into your arm or leg every time you laugh, cough, or sneeze. Even if your herniated disc issues seem minor or infrequent, your condition is likely going to worsen without proper treatment. The pain specialists at Regency Pain & Therapy Institute can treat you right in the office and work to prevent future pain flare-ups.
How is a herniated disc treated?
Your herniated disc treatment plan from Regency Pain & Therapy Institute is likely going to include several types of remedies designed to treat acute pain and treat the damaged disc. Herniated disc treatments can include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Painkiller or muscle relaxer medications
- Anticonvulsant medications
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy
Usually, pain and herniated or bulged disc-related symptoms start to improve within a few weeks of starting your treatment plan. If your pain is worsening, or just not improving, your physician at Regency Pain & Therapy Institute could recommend surgery to remove the protruding portion of the disc.
If you have a herniated disc or undiagnosed back pain, schedule an evaluation at Regency Pain & Therapy Institute right away. Call your closest office directly.
