Herniated Discs

Herniated disc treatment, herniated disc symptoms, herniated disks

Small round cushions in between the vertebrae of the spinal chord has a fibrous tough tissue outside and gelatinous watery material inside and are known as spinal inter vertebral discs. Its main purpose is to cushion the vertebrae when it is moving. If the disc is herniated then it bulges or ruptures from its position and presses the nerves causing severe pain.

Herniated disk can occur due to an accident or fall, straining low back continuously, unexpected strain on the back due to lifting or twisting violently, aging process and sometimes it occurs without any specific injury. Sudden pain in the back or neck or able to strengthen only with severe pain are some of the symptoms of herniated disc problems.

Sometimes weakness or numbness in both arms is experience while suffering from herniated discs. Other reasons for herniated discs are

When a nerve is pressed by the disc shooting pain or electric shock is experienced in the legs or feet.

The legs or areas around the spine experiences numbness, tingling or gets a feeling as if part of the body is falling asleep.

Muscle contractions and reflexes are interfered if nerve is involved.

When the disc presses spinal nerve sometimes bladder or bowel mal functioning occurs and since it is a serious symptom should be referred to doctor immediately.

The doctor examines clinically fro sensation, reflexes and muscle strength. The other diagnostic tests are x Rays, CT scan, MRI, discography, myelography and electromyography.

The treatments for herniated disc are rest, anti inflammatory drugs, traction, hot or cold packs, massage, physiotherapy or steroid injections into the space near the herniated disk.

When the acute pain is relieved physiotherapy can be taken to strengthen the back joints and muscles. Acute disc problems need surgical correction.

Acute pain usually goes away in a few weeks or sometime in few months. Back aches is quiet common for those with disc problems hence they should do some back strengthening or stretching exercises throughout their life time.

In order to prevent herniated disc certain precautions need to be taken. Always good sitting posture and proper lifting techniques need to be taken. Standing continuously for a long time should be avoided. While sitting for a long time do some stretching of legs and arms and then continue your work. A good back support in the chair helps a lot. Sleeping on a firm mattress and sleeping on the side should be practiced. While traveling long distance stop over should be given every two hours or so. Once you get herniated disc and recovered do not go back to normal activity immediately. Take sufficient rest so that it does not recur. Maintaining good core strength and flexible strong muscles can reduce risk of herniated discs.