Your spine is complex. Each vertebrae is cushioned using a disc. It’s almost like a jelly-doughnut: a soft, pillowy inner encased by an even tougher coating. These discs can be used to separate vertebrae or protect them from shocks caused by activities like running, lifting and walking.
A herniated disc happens when the gel-like interior portion of the disc protrudes into the hard coating. Also known as a “slipped”, a herniated spine can lead, if not treated, to serious complications. Like other conditions, herniated dissipation is best treated early and properly.
Could I Have Herniated Discs?
It is easy to get back pain when you least anticipate it. It happens when you are sitting comfortably in front of the TV. The next moment, you stand up and it hurts! The pain radiates down your lower back. Could your disc be slipped, herniated, or damaged? You might. The adult spine consists of 24 bones called vertebrae. Some vertebrae can be cushioned using soft discs made out of a jellylike substance. These discs make it possible to turn your spine or bend over. The problem can be worsened if the disc between two vertebrae becomes loose or slips from its normal position. This can cause extreme pain and irritation to surrounding nerves. This condition is also known as a slipped, ruptured or herniated disc.
Causes of Herniated Discs
To determine if you may have a herniated or bulging disc, you need to know the symptoms. The main cause of herniated Discs is generally due to age-related wear. Other causes are lifting heavy objects and sudden twisting or turning your spine.
Herniated spines can develop with age. Because the discs of your spine start shrinking as they lose their protective moisture content, this is what causes herniated vertebrae. Due to the extra weight that their spines support, overweight people are more at risk.
Signs of a Herniated Disc
One sign is where the pain is. Although herniated spinal discs can happen in any area of your spine (including your hips), they are more common in the lower portion of your backbone (the “lumbar spine”), right above your hips. The pain may spread to your stomach, back, buttocks, legs, and even to the calves.
A herniated spinal disc often causes discomfort when you’re active. It usually becomes worse when you’re asleep and less when your body is active. Coughing, sneezing or sitting can cause symptoms to worsen. A herniated disc can also cause tingling sensations or numbness. A herniated disc may cause weakness in your lower back. Age also plays a part. As you get older your discs will begin to lose their cushioning. A herniated disc is more likely.
Diagnosis of Herniated Disc
To determine if your herniated disc has developed, you should visit your doctor. The doctor will likely conduct a physical exam in order to pinpoint the source. This is the most important test to confirm your diagnosis. Your doctor will check your spine for tender or inflamed areas. They might ask you to lie on your stomach and to lift your legs. If you feel pain it could be a herniated spinal disc.
They may also inspect:
- Reflexes at knee and ankle
- Your leg strength
- How you walk on heels and toes
- If you can feel light touches and vibrations
If your doctor is unable to find the source of your pain or can pinpoint the nerves that are aggravating it, they may conduct further testing.
- X-rays. A standard Xray can’t tell if you have a bulging disc. But it can show the doctor the outline of your spine to rule out a tumor or fracture.
- Myelogram. This test uses dye that is injected into your spinal fluid. It also uses an Xray to measure the pressure in the spinal cord.
- CT scan. CT scan.
- MRI. An MRI uses radio waves and magnetic fields to create detailed 3D views of the spinal cord. MRI images enable you to pinpoint the location of the herniated spine, view inside and determine which nerves have been affected.
- Electromyograms (EMG). These tests could be used to detect nerve damage or compression by your doctor. The EMG is a test that detects how much electricity muscle cells make when stimulated by nerves. A needle electrode is placed into a muscle to measure its electrical activity. The needle electrode then checks for any deviations.
- Nerve conduction (NCS), which is often performed in conjunction with the EMG, is also known as nerve conduction studies. These tests involve stimulating nerves with tiny electrical pulses from an electrode at one site of the body. While other electrodes detect these impulses at a second location, others stimulate the nerves with tiny electric impulses. Your doctor can determine if nerve damage has occurred by measuring the time it takes to send electrical impulses back and forth between electrodes.
What to do if you are concerned?
Your doctor may suggest a combination of nonsurgical treatments to help with pain, such as pain relief medications and guided physical therapy programs. They might also refer you for interventional pain specialists for image-guided, lumbar injections.
You should consult your doctor immediately if there is any difficulty with your bowel, bladder, or bladder movements. Cauda Equina Syndrome is a serious medical emergency. This can happen with severe lower-back disc herniations.