If you have the misfortune to suffer from a
herniated disc, also known as a ruptured disc or a slipped disc, you will know how painful
the condition can be. A herniated disc occurs when one of the spinal discs
is damaged. Spinal discs are small circular cushions that act as shock
absorbers between your vertebrae. If a disc is torn or ruptured the softer
material inside the hard disc will seep out through the crack. When this
happens, it can press on a nerve, causing irritation and pain. When you
suffer from a herniated disc you are most likely to experience it in your
lower back, but the condition also affects the neck.
Symptoms of Herniated Discs
Sometimes you can have a herniated disc without any symptoms of pain but
it is most common to feel discomfort as a result of the damaged disc pressing
on the nerves. Symptoms include:
- Pain in the buttocks, calf, thigh and foot from a herniated disc in the
lower back.
- Pain in the shoulders, neck and arm from a herniated disc in the neck.
- Weakness or numbness in the arm or leg.
Causes of Herniated Discs
A herniated disc can be caused by a number of different things, although
the precise cause will be the same – damage to the disc caused by
wear and tear, or trauma.
- Aging – as the discs get older they lose their water content which
makes them less flexible. You are more likely to suffer from a herniated
disc when you are older as a result of the natural wear and tear on the
discs in the spine.
- Lifting heavy objects.
- Twisting or turning when lifting.
- Trauma to the spine caused by a fall or an accident.
- Genetic predisposition to disc degeneration.
Risk Factors for Herniated Discs
Being overweight or obese.
Smoking.
Improper lifting techniques.
Poor posture.
Repetitive strenuous movements.
Treatment for Herniated Discs
- Physical therapy including massage, exercise, heat and ice, bracing, and
ultrasound.
If you are suffering from the pain of a herniated disc then physical therapy
can make the difference between an uncomfortable life and a pain-free
way of living. Make an appointment so you can take advantage of a specialist
pain management plan.
Call Decatur Pain & Rehab to learn more about our chiropractic and medical pain relief services.