Back pain is quite common. Nearly 31,000,000 Americans suffer from lower back pain. To treat back pain, the first step is to determine if it’s temporary or if it may be caused by a herniated disk. One issue, like a herniated back, can lead you to several symptoms. You may feel numbness or a dull feeling in the lower back. Some cases are resolvable in as little as a few weeks. But if the pain persists, it can be severe. You might wonder if your disc may be herniated. To find out if your disc has herniated, read these causes.
What is a Herniated Disc (and what does it mean)?
The vertebrae are the bones of the spine. They are cushioned by discs. These discs provide shock absorption and cushioning for the spine. A herniated or bulging disc can be caused by a fragment (a gel-like substance called disc nucleus) being forced out of the outer layer of disc into the spinal channel via a tear. The disc can push on the spinal nerves, causing extreme pain. An intense amount of pain can be caused by a bulging, herniated disc. For example, a herniated or bulging disc can cause intense pain in different people.
Surprisingly however, the most common symptoms that are associated with a herniated vertebrae are pain in the arm/leg. If the herniated area is located in the lower back, the pain will be greatest in the buttocks/thigh/calf. Arm and shoulder pain can result from a herniated disk in the neck. A herniated spine can cause pain in your leg or arm but is not always fatal.
What causes a herniated disc?
Herniated spinal discs can occur from degeneration or use of the discs. They lose water, dry out faster and are more prone to tears. Disruptions of the disc can occur in older persons if there is a loss of mobility. You can have disc wear over many years or experience a strain. You can end up with a herniated spine if your back is used to lift heavy objects, instead of your legs. If you lift while turning, this can worsen the problem.
Traumatic accidents while biking or driving can result in herniated spines. Elderly Americans need to be cautious when using stairs and ice. Being overweight is far more dangerous than being a healthy person. Being overweight can cause strain to your discs. It can also pull on your lower back. Some jobs can cause back problems. Back problems can develop in people who work in physically demanding jobs, such as construction and demolition. From pulling, pushing or bending in multiple directions, back issues can occur later in life. You may be more vulnerable if your family has a history of back issues. It is important to find out if your family has back problems. It is possible for your back problems to pass down just as easily as your vision. You may not like this profile, but these are eight symptoms you should be aware.
Leg Pain
A herniated disk can cause leg pain, which may be more severe than back problems. Sometimes both legs pain and back problems can occur simultaneously, with leg pain often being the most severe. If you have sciatic nerve problems, it is important to consult a doctor. Radiculopathy or sciatica might be the problem. Your doctor may be able to diagnose the problem.
Nerve issues
If you feel sharp pains in either your back or legs, you may have nerve damage. This can be extremely debilitating. You should seek treatment as soon as possible. It’s time for you to make an appointment with a specialist if the pains are like electrical tingling or piercing skin sharpness. Stop exercising for a few days if your routine involves regular exercise.
Pain that is able to change the place
A sharpness can be felt in one side of your body, and another in the backs of your legs the next week. This is an unusual symptom that you should be aware, even if it only affects one side. A specialist may be able offer a solution if you feel the pain jumping between your buttock and calf. You could have a herniated or bulging disc.
Neurological issues
Herniated or bulging discs can cause numbness and tingling in the feet and legs. Sciatica, herniated discs and other issues can make you feel numb or unable to think. This could cause you to feel unable to move normally. This can make it uncomfortable. To discuss your concerns, schedule an appointment.
Foot Drop
You’re not alone who hasn’t heard of footfall. It’s a sign of herniation. One sign of foot drop is difficulty lifting your toes when walking. This condition may also cause difficulty standing on your heels.
Lower back pain
Strangely, lower back pain in cases of herniation is not always felt. It can feel like a dull, dull feeling in your lower back. This could result in stiffness or inflexibility which can make it difficult and painful to avoid.
Sometimes, you can use hot and cold packs to relieve back pain. A supported recliner might be a better option if you experience muscle spasms when you sit in a desk chair. For pain relief, you can place a pillow underneath your knees.
You can feel the pain when you move
A herniated spine can cause people to not feel pain when they relax or sit down. After moving just a few inches, the pain might become unbearable. If you feel that a sneeze is causing pain, talk to a specialist right away. Sometimes, laughter can cause severe pain.
Slouching could cause pain
Many people spend more time at the computer than ever before. This can cause pain when they are trying to get to work. You may have a bulging or herniated disk. Pay attention to whether bending at one’s waist causes leg pain. Sit straight and don’t lean forward.
A herniated disc may be avoided with the right amount of prevention.
People who are active can prevent herniation. Strengthening your core and trunk will support your spine better, which will allow your body to stabilize better. Just as your parents taught you, pay attention to the way you stand and sit. Keep your back as straight as possible. You can lift any object by using your legs. But not your back.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc in the Cervical Spine
A cervical herniated cervical disc is less common than one that is lumbar. Different levels can result in pain and other symptoms. A herniated disk in the cervical segment 4 to 5 may cause impingement of the C5 nerve root. Though patients may feel weakness and tingling sensations in their upper arm muscles due to herniated discs, this is not common. Shoulder pain can be caused by cervical herniation.
A herniated disc in the cervical segment 5 or 6, (C5-6), can result in C6 nerve root impingement. Here cervical herniated or bulging discs are more likely to develop. It can also cause weakness and pain in the biceps (the muscles to the front of your upper arm) and the wrist extensors. It can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the thumb.
C6 and 7 herniated segments of the cervical spine, also known as C6 or C7, can cause C7 nerve roots impingement. Another type is cervical herniated di. It can result in weakness of the triceps as well as the extensor fingers muscles. It can cause tingling and numbness along with pain from the triceps down to the middle of the fingers.
C8 nerve root impingement can result from a herniated disk in the cervical segment 7, or thoracic sections 1 (C7–T1). This can result in a decrease in grip strength and pain when the hand has to be used for other tasks.
Is there a chance that a herniated disc is the cause of my incorrect diagnosis?
Yes. Misdiagnosed herniated vertebrae are the leading cause for chronic neck and back discomfort. Herniated or herniated spines can often be misdiagnosed for piriformis (a muscular disorder of your buttocks) or mild sciatica. Common conditions include osteoarthritis as well as degenerative disc diseases.
When does the pain from a herniated disc injury begin, and how long does it last?
Sometimes herniated disks don’t cause pain for people who don’t feel them. The disc pressing on the nerve will determine whether or not you feel pain. In most cases, your symptoms will resolve or diminish within a few weeks. Surgery may be an option if persistent pain persists.
How can a herniated Disc be diagnosed?
A doctor will normally conduct a physical exam in order to find the cause of the pain. Based on these findings, a doctor could request additional testing. MRI is most commonly used to diagnose this condition. MRI (magnetic-resonance imaging) creates 3-D images using powerful magnets and computer technology.
An MRI allows for the visualization of the spinal cord, nerve roots, and the surrounding area. It allows doctors to detect any abnormalities in your spine. An open MRI machine has magnets that are located above and beneath the patient. This creates a less claustrophobic environment that traditional MRIs.
The most important benefit is patient comfort throughout the procedure. MAGNETOM Espree’s cutting-edge technology allows us to offer our patients the privacy and comfort of an Open MRI with the imaging power and image quality of a traditional closed unit.
What are my treatment options?
Your health, age, and general condition will impact the treatment options available for your herniated spine. Talk to your healthcare provider about developing a plan. Most of the time, the initial treatment does not involve any surgical procedures. Doctors may recommend that patients refrain from doing strenuous exercise for several weeks. This will reduce inflammation as well as pain in the spine nerve.
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medication (NSIM) is frequently prescribed for mild to moderate pain. For short-term pain relief, doctors might recommend Epidural Steroid Injections. Many physical therapies are highly recommended, including gentle massages, pelvic tilts, gentle massages and ice treatment. Doctors may recommend surgery for pain that isn’t controlled with conservative treatment.