4 Facts to know about herniated discs
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4 Facts to know about herniated discs
A common cause of lower back pain is a herniated disc. Disc’s are found between the individual bones (vertebrae) that stack one on top of each that make up your spine. The purpose of these rubbery discs is to act as a cushion to absorb shock to keep the bones in your spine from pressing on each other as you walk, run, or jump. Discs are composed of an outer layer of tough cartilage that surrounds softer cartilage in the center. Think of these discs sort of like a jelly doughnut, just the right size to fit between your vertebrae.
A disc can become “herniated” when a crack or tear in the tough outer layer of cartilage allows some of the softer inner cartilage to protrude out of the disc; this is sometimes also referred to as a slipped disc or ruptured disc. Generally a herniated disc happens in the lower back which can irritate nearby nerves resulting in pain, weakness, or numbness in an arm or leg. If the pain is in the leg, it may extend down to your leg, ankle, or foot. You may also lose some feeling or have tingling or weakness in your legs. However, some people with a herniated disc have no pain. Usually most people with a herniated disc do not require surgery to fix the problem.
To further understand and become familiar with herniated discs, here are 4 facts to help you assess whether you have one or not and how they may be prevented:
1. Herniated discs are more common in certain people
There are various factors increasing your risk of developing a herniated disc. One is your age. The older you get, the more likely to have a herniated disc. The reason for this is discs in the spine contain a lot of water. Over the years, discs can get weaker and drier, a process called disc degeneration. With age, discs can also shrink causing the bones in your spine to get closer together. Excess weight gain is another factor putting too much stress on your lower back. Poor technique of lifting a heavy object is another cause along with constant twisting or bending that can irritate discs leading to herniation.
2. Physical exam and imaging tests can diagnosis a herniated disc
There are various methods for diagnosing a herniated disc. The first thing a doctor will do is perform a physical exam. You may be asked to lie flat and move your legs in various positions to help determine the cause of pain. They may also check your reflexes, muscle strength, walking ability, and ability to feel light touches, pinpricks, or vibration. Often, this may be the only testing needed to make a determination of a herniated disc. But sometimes other tests may be ordered such as x-rays, CT scan, MRI, or myelogram, which involves injecting a dye into the spinal fluid.
3. Treatment for herniated discs
Initially, doctors often start with a more conservative approach in treating a herniated disc. This can include avoiding painful positions and following a planned exercise and pain-medication regimen, which often relieves symptoms in most people within a few days or weeks. Depending on the severity, some people may need to rest in bed for a day or two but will be encouraged to get up and start moving again as soon as possible. Recommendations of not sitting for long periods of time, taking breaks, and avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity will be stressed.
Most herniated discs will heal on their own but if pain persists after six weeks or more, surgery may be an option. This may be especially so if a person with a herniated disc is experiencing weakness, numbness, trouble walking, difficulty standing, or has a loss of bladder or bowel control. In many cases, surgeons can remove the protruding portion of the disc. However, if the disc needs to be removed, then the vertebrae may need to be fused together with metal to provide spinal stability.
4. You can reduce your risk of a herniated disc
Prevention is always the best medicine and especially so in reducing your risk of developing a herniated disc. The first start is by practicing certain lifestyle habits which include the following:
· Regular exercise is good for your back – it helps protect and strengthen it.
· If you smoke, you are harming your discs. Over time, nicotine found in cigarettes kills the cells that live in your discs. Smoking reduces the supply of oxygen to your discs, making them dry out and weaken faster. Take steps to quit smoking.
· Poor posture can result in a herniated disc. Do posture checks frequently throughout the day and practice good posture.
· Prolonged sitting or driving puts a strain on your neck and spine. Stand up about every 30 minutes to walk or stretch. If driving, take a break at least every 2 hours to get out and stretch.
· Always practice safe lifting techniques when lifting a heavy object.