The pain of a herniated disc or slipped disc can make even the most simple things painful. It’s easy for people to give up hope when the disc isn’t healing. It’s possible that you are wondering if the disc will ever heal. Continue reading to learn more about the long-term effects and prognosis of a herniated disc.
Untreated herniated discs can have serious long-term consequences, even though they are rare. They can result in permanent nerve damage. This could lead to loss of sensation in the legs, partial paralysis, and loss of bowel control. It is important to seek treatment for herniated discs.
Is a herniated disc able to cause permanent nerve damage?
Sometimes, symptoms are not associated with a herniated disc. Because not all disc herniations press directly on the nerve which is the main reason for herniated disc pain, this is why there are sometimes no symptoms. Sometimes, herniated discs without symptoms heal themselves. Sometimes the symptoms appear later. It is important to remember that if you feel pain in your back, it is a sign that there is something wrong.
If left untreated, a herniated disc can cause permanent damage. Nerves can only withstand so much stress before they become damaged. To ensure the best outcome, herniated discs must be treated promptly.
Long-term effects of a herniated disc in the back
Low back is the most common place for a herniated disc. This area, also known as the lumbar spinal, is often overused. Poor posture, poor workspace ergonomics, injuries and repetitive sitting can all lead to disc herniation. People may also find it hard to go to sleep with a herniated disc . This only makes the problem worse, as the body requires sleep to heal. A herniated disc in your back can have serious long-term consequences.
If left untreated, a herniated disc in the back can cause chronic pain and occasional discomfort. It can lead to permanent nerve damage if it is not treated. Although chronic pain is more common, nerve damage can still be possible. Patients suffering from untreated herniated discs in their backs may find it difficult to do everyday tasks. They might resort to opioids or other painkillers to get relief. This doesn’t actually heal the disc; it just masks the pain. A herniated disc in your back can be treated without the need for surgery. Chiropractic care can be used to treat herniated discs. This is the best conservative option before you consider surgery.
Long-Term effects of a herniated disc in the neck
A herniated disc in your neck can have long-lasting effects that are similar to those of a disc in your back. There are however some important differences you need to be aware of. Chronic pain is not limited to the neck. A strained nerve in the neck can also cause pain in the arms and shoulders. If left untreated, it can cause debilitating pain and make it difficult to be active. A herniated disc in the neck is similar to a herniated disc. It’s important that you seek professional help immediately. Chiropractic care is the best for treating most herniated discs in the spine.
Time to recover herniated disc
There are many factors that affect the recovery time of a herniated disc. These factors include:
- The extent of the herniation.
- The exact location of the herniation.
- Any other cause that may have led to herniation.
- The patient’s overall health.
- The patient’s lifestyle and needs.
- The preferred treatment.
Some people feel the pain disappear within days of beginning treatment. Some people may experience a herniation or other symptoms that last for months. It takes approximately a month for most people to return to normal. With proper protocols, it can take anywhere from four to six weeks for the average.
Herniated Disc Recovery Options
As we have already mentioned, it is best to exhaust all options before you consider surgery. Pain management is often the main concern when dealing with a herniated disc. One reason that chiropractic care has been so successful in treating herniated discs is because it focuses on pain management. The primary focus of chiropractors is pain management and the healing of the disc herniation.
Chiropractic Care for Herniated Disc
After taking a thorough medical history, chiropractors focus on the spine in its entirety and determine if you are a good candidate for chiropractic care. A combination of manual therapy, spinal adjustments and physical therapy is the most common form of chiropractic treatment for herniated discs.
It is important to address the root cause of the herniation. This involves gently, but forcefully, separating the discs and encouraging healing. Chiropractors use flexion-distraction to accomplish this. This is sometimes done using a machine that lengthens your spine to alleviate the pressure on the disc, and the nerve it presses against.
Chiropractors often recommend exercises that release endorphins and hot and cold therapy. They will also work to strengthen the disc and correct any lifestyle or posture issues that could have led to it.
What should you do if a herniated disc still hurts after a year?
A herniated disc can cause pain that fluctuates. If you still feel pain after one year, and have not sought treatment for it, it is time to contact a professional. If you experience constant pain lasting more than 6 weeks, it is a sign that you need to see a doctor. It can be dangerous to let the pain continue for more than a year. Even if you have suffered from intermittent disc pain for a year, there are still non-surgical options available.
For pain that persists after one year, consult a chiropractor right away. Sometimes, what you believe is herniated disc pain may actually be something else. Many patients who see a chiropractor report improvement in as little as two sessions.
What happens if a herniated disc is left untreated?
Many people suffer from back pain, hoping that it will disappear or trying to cure it with home remedies. However, the pain returns. It can be something as simple as a prolonged period of incontinence or a sign of something more serious. Sometimes, living with back pain could mean that you’re allowing something more serious, such as a herniated disc, to go untreated. If you don’t seek treatment immediately for back pain, there may still be treatment options for untreated disc herniations. These are signs that you should seek treatment and diagnosis from a spine specialist as soon as possible:
An increase in pain
Because it can take some time for your body to feel pain, a herniated disc caused by an injury suddenly is sometimes called a hidden injury. A sore back may result from a sudden impact or jolting in the body during a car accident. This might go away within a few days. If the pain is severe, or if it becomes more severe, consult a spine specialist.
A herniated disc is a situation in which the cushion-like sponge that separates two vertebrae becomes loose. This can lead to bone rubbing against bones. Many movements can lead to pain if the discs are not aligned with the vertebrae that they are supposed to protect.
New Areas of Pain
Your back pain could be a sign of a herniated disc. After a few days, or even a week, the pain might radiate to other parts. A herniated disc could press against a nerve, causing a tingling sensation or numbing sensation in one of your extremities. Affected muscles may also cause weakness or fatigue. If left untreated, herniated discs can cause pain in the lower back and nerve signals to the legs and feet.
Chronic pain
Chronic pain can result from an untreated injury, such as a herniated disc. If you don’t treat the problem, complications may develop and you might notice an increase in pain and a greater impact on your body. If the injury isn’t treated, chronic pain can develop from acute disc herniation. Chronic pain may also be a condition that needs treatment.
Soft tissue damage
Because the disc is soft tissue, herniated discs can be a form of soft tissue injury. A spine specialist can help realign the disc if it slips from its place. A ruptured disc is not able to heal and can be considered as damaged soft tissue. A herniated disc can be treated surgically depending on how severe the injury is. This will allow the area to regain its normal functioning.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is a more serious condition that can result from a herniated disc. Nerve damage can occur when the nervous system is affected by damage to the spine and connective tissues. A herniated disc can cause nerve damage by putting pressure on nerves. Compressed nerves can cause serious conditions such as loss of sensation in the lower extremities and loss of bowel control.
Your spine specialist will be able to offer non-surgical options if you seek treatment as soon as possible for a herniated disc. Your doctor will need to take X-rays or CT scans of the affected area on your first visit. A CT scan will reveal soft tissue and spinal damage. An X-ray will give your spine specialist a better understanding.
Contact a spine specialist immediately if you feel your back pain radiating into your legs, lower body, feet, or arms. Your doctor may recommend a conservative treatment approach depending on the severity and location of the herniated disc. This could include at-home care or mild treatments from a chiropractor, spine specialist, or physical therapist. AICA Orthopedics can assist you in identifying your back pain and getting you on the road to healing.