Herniated Discs: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.

 If you have ever experienced back pain or discomfort, you may have heard of the term “Herniated disc”. Join us on this journey, from understanding its origins to exploring its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. Let’s discover how to manage and alleviate the symptoms effectively.

What is a herniated disc?

A prolapsed (herniated) disc develops when the outer fibers of the intervertebral disc rupture. This causes the soft substance known as the nucleus pulposus to break from its confined region. The prolapsed or ruptured disc material might enter the spinal canal, compressing the spinal cord and, more frequently, the spinal nerves. Herniated discs are more common in young and middle-aged adults. A herniation can occur quickly or gradually over several weeks or months.

What causes a herniated disc?

Excessive pressure can cause intervertebral discs to suddenly prolapse. Causes of herniated discs include:


  • A fall from a height can result in a hard landing on your buttocks. This can generate a lot of force across the spine. If the force is strong enough, a vertebra (bone) or an intervertebral disc can burst.

  • Bending forward causes significant stress on the intervertebral discs. If you bend and try to lift an object that is excessively heavy, the strain may cause a disc to rupture.

  • Intervertebral discs can also rupture due to the weakening of the disk's outer fibers. This is frequently the result of repeated, small injuries that accumulate over time. Aging, hereditary factors, and work-related activities can all cause this type of harm. Often, there is no evident reason for such an incident to have occurred. Then, at some point, you may lift, twist, or bend in such a way that the disc ruptures due to its deteriorating outer fibers.

<a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/osteopath-pointing-spine-inflammation-model-medical-office_5698338.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=3&uuid=f1c31d26-7cef-4286-9dd5-091fa5695e03">Image by pressfoto on Freepik</a>

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

A herniated disc or prolapsed disc can cause some people to experience symptoms beyond just back or neck discomfort. Such pain is considered common. The primary symptoms of a prolapsed disc are:


  • Weakness affecting one or both arms or legs.

  • Pain radiates down either one or both arms and legs.

  • Experience pain in your buttocks or behind your shoulder blades.

  • Numbness, pins and needles, or tingling in both arms or legs.


The affected nerves determine the exact location of the symptoms. The exact location of symptoms is crucial in determining a diagnosis. In serious cases, there is loss of control of the bladder and/or intestines, numbness in the genital area, and infertility (in men).

Treatment of herniated discs

At least 80 to 90 percent of disc prolapses resolve on their own, and the symptoms fade away. On average, this process takes 6–8 weeks, but it might last longer. Acute disc prolapses are treated conservatively unless there is major spinal cord or nerve root compression or reduced function. The healthcare professional frequently prescribes a combination of anti-inflammatory and paracetamol-based drugs along with physiotherapy. Hydrotherapy and pilates are suggested in certain cases.


The healthcare professional recommends a nerve sheath injection with a local anesthetic or surgery if the symptoms do not improve with reasonable conservative treatment. Each individual is offered treatment tailored to their clinical presentation, radiological findings, and other circumstances.

To conclude, by understanding the causes and treatment options, you can take steps towards managing your pain and regaining your mobility. Isha's Physiotherapy and Spine Care Clinic provides the best Disc Prolapse Treatment in Jayanagar Bangalore, for better well-being.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Geriatric Physical Therapy for Older Adults

Image
 Adults 65 years of age and older benefit most from physical therapy because, as we age, our muscles and joints tend to lose strength and stability. This change may have a negative impact on an older person's ability to do daily tasks and motions including walking, climbing, and descending stairs. What Is Geriatric Physical Therapy? A type of physical treatment designed especially for elderly people and their particular problems and difficulties is called geriatric physical therapy . Geriatric physical therapy considers the fact that people over 65 have a decreased tolerance for physical exercise, a tendency to become less active with time, and a decline in muscle strength, coordination, and response speed. Distinct from other forms of physical therapy, geriatric physical therapy concentrates on enhancing the strength and stamina of elderly patients to aid in the following ways: Staying active. Preventing deconditioning (reversing prior conditioning) from happening. Preventing musc...
Read more

Pain-Free Ankles: Essential Exercises and Tips for Lasting Relief

Image
  Ankle pain is a prevalent concern that can greatly impact your movement and overall quality of life. Whether caused by an injury, overuse, or a chronic condition, managing and preventing ankle pain is crucial for maintaining an active lifestyle. This blog provides essential exercises and tips for lasting relief from ankle pain, helping you stay pain-free and on your feet. Understanding Ankle Pain Ankle pain can stem from various sources, including sprains, strains, fractures, arthritis, and tendonitis. Determining the root cause is crucial for implementing effective treatment. Consulting a healthcare professional can help diagnose the issue and recommend appropriate interventions. However, incorporating specific exercises and lifestyle changes can also play a significant role in alleviating pain and preventing future problems. Essential Exercises for Ankle Pain Relief Ankle Circles : Either sit or lie down with your leg stretched out. Move your ankle in a circular motion, starti...
Read more

Slip Disc: A Guide To Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatment

Image
  Living with back pain is challenging, and one common cause is a herniated disc. This condition occurs when the soft tissue between vertebrae in the spine protrudes, applying pressure on nearby nerves. Understanding herniated discs, including their systems, diagnosis, treatment options, and recovery process, is crucial for effectively managing this condition. What is a slip disc? A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft inner core of a disc bulges out through a tear in the tough outer layer. This bulging irritates nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. Protecting the spinal cord and spinal nerves as they enter the spinal canal and travel through our arms and legs is one of the primary purposes they serve. Discs are flexible and adaptive to provide the lumbar spine with stability and movement. The signs of a slip disc Often, disc herniation has no impact on our system. When herniation begins to press on t...
Read more