What causes a herniated disc?
To prevent your vertebrae from rubbing against one another, you have rubber-like discs that cushion the open areas between them. When a protective disc tears or slips out of place, or if the softer center pushes through the rigid exterior, you have a herniated disc. You can develop this painful condition due to:
- Being overweight or obese
- Certain inherited traits
- Years of cigarette smoking
- Trauma, such as a car accident
- Age-related wear-and-tear (degeneration)
Occasionally, lifting or twisting incorrectly can lead to herniated discs, too. For instance, if you lift a heavy box off the floor by slumping over instead of squatting down and using your leg muscles, you can develop a herniated disc.
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
While you can develop a herniated disc anywhere along your spine, they’re most common in your lower back (lumbar) and neck. Depending on the location of the herniated disc, you may experience:
- Chest pain
- Intense pain in your buttocks
- Widespread muscle weakness
- Numbness or tingling in your extremities
- Pain that radiates down the back of your leg (sciatica)
Because herniated disc issues, including lingering nerve pain, are only going to worsen without proper treatment, it’s important to head to Neuro Pain Consultants as soon as your symptoms set in.
How is a herniated disc treated?
In many cases, the expert practitioners at Neuro Pain Consultants can diagnose you right in the office, so you can start your treatment plan right away. After evaluating any necessary imaging and going over your symptoms, your dedicated pain specialist may suggest combining several of the following herniated disc treatments:
- Massage therapy
- Physical therapy
- Strengthening exercises
- Epidural steroid injections
- Chiropractic care
- Acupuncture
Occasionally, the best way to relieve herniated disc discomfort is through surgery. Herniated disc surgery can involve fusing vertebrae, implanting an artificial disc, or removing your damaged disc. Usually, the expert physicians at Neuro Pain Consultants only recommend herniated disc procedures — often using minimally invasive measures — if trying several types of conservative therapies haven’t helped.
Book your herniated disc evaluation at Neuro Pain Consultants today. Click on the online scheduler or call your closest clinic location.
Individual results may vary.
