What is a Herniated Disc?  – Eat Healthiest Foods

Treatment for a herniated disc depends on a lot of factors such as the severity of the condition, symptoms and possible complications. For example, herniated disc treatment venice fl for the lower back may require nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), physical therapy or epidural steroid injections. Before discussing the type of treatment available for a herniated disc, it’s important to understand the medical condition.

A Herniated Disc is a Problem with The Discs

The medical condition involves the rubbery cushions called discs located between each bone in the back that creates a person’s spine. These bones are called vertebrae. Each spinal disc resembles a jelly donut because it has a soft center and tough exterior. The disc can sometimes rupture. This is a called a slipped disc.

This is different than a herniated disc. A herniated disc occurs when the soft center spills out of the tough exterior. Once the soft center penetrates the tough exterior, nerves nearby can become irritated. This may cause a lot of symptoms in a person’s arms and legs.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

Most herniated discs develop in a person’s lower back. It may also develop in a person’s neck. The latter is called a cervical spine. Some people do not experience any symptoms. However, an individual may experience common symptoms and signs of a herniated disc such as weakness.

Weakness in a person’s arm or legs may be due to the affected nerves. These nerves tend to weaken and cause an individual to stumble. They may not be able to lift or hold objects either.

Pain in the legs and arms are also likely. If the herniated disc is in the lower back, the person will most likely experience pain in their calf muscles, thighs or buttocks. A person may also experience pain in their shoulders or arms. This happens with a herniated disc in their neck. The pain may be so intense that it shoots down a person’s arm or leg.

Tingling or numbness is also a symptom of a herniated disc. People often experience one of the symptoms in various areas of their body. This is because the tingling or numbness travels down the affected nerve to other parts of the body.

Causes of a Herniated Disc

A herniated disc can occur because of wear and tear that happens with age. The wear and tear happen over time is called disc degeneration. The discs lose their water content as a person grows older.

Another reason why a herniated disc occurs is because a person may use their back muscles when lifting heavy or large objects. The twisting and turning as they left may cause the soft center to penetrate the exterior. It is recommended that a person lift heavy and/or large objects using their thigh and leg muscles.

Complications of a Herniated Disc

Some of a herniated disc include a bladder or bowel dysfunction. This means a person may have problems urinating even if their bladder is full. Saddle anesthesia is the loss of sensation that affects the back or legs, inner thighs or rectum.