Herniated Disc – What You Need To Know

Herniated Disc is a medical condition that affects the spine, causing massive chronic pain to a patient. The spinal cord is composed of bones that are stacked on top of each other which protect the nerves within the spinal cord. In between these stacked bones are rubbery discs that provides cushioning in between the bones. It is also the material that makes the spine flexible, as well as, acts as the shock absorber.

When the disc moves out of place and becomes damaged or a crack causes the jelly like material to leak, it will cause numerous problems for any person. This condition is known as herniated disc also known as ruptured disc or slipped disc.

What Happens When You Have Herniated Disc

A herniated disc can cause irritation to nearby nerves which in turn results to pain, weakness or numbness across the arm or leg area. Some people also do not experience or feel any symptoms at all. Some patients who have a herniated disc does not require surgery, but for those who are suffering from pain, their doctor may recommend a surgical procedure.

Two Causes of Pain

There are two possible reasons why a person may experience pain due to spinal disc problems. It is important that patients understand the difference between these causes.

·         Pinched Nerve – When the patient experiences a symptomatic herniated disc. The disc itself is not painful; the leaking disc is pinching a nerve which produces a sensation known as radicular pain. The pain leads towards other parts of the body including the lower back, the leg or the neck downwards. Leg pain due to a pinched nerve is also known as sciatica.

·         Disc Pain – When the patient has symptomatic degenerated disc which causes pain in the disc space itself. This is usually known as axial pain.

Most Common Symptoms of Herniated Disc

The most common symptoms of a painful herniated disc include pain, numbness, or weakness in the direct spine area or the extremities. Herniated disc in the lower back will cause intense pain in the buttocks, calf and thigh area. Herniated discs in the upper back or neck will cause intense pain in the arm or shoulder area.

When To See A Doctor

Seek medical help when the pain in the lower back or the neck area travels downwards the leg or arm. Your doctor will ask you questions and perform routine testing including x-rays and MRI. Depending on the results of the testing treatments will include physical therapy, muscle relaxant, pain medications, epidural injections and surgical procedure.

There are a number of surgical procedures that can help treat herniated disc. The operation will be customized according the specific needs of the patient, as well as, the condition of the disc. It is important that you visit only the best pain management clinic in your area. Check out Trinity Pain Associates by SApaindocs in San Antonio, TX for some of the best procedures available for herniated disc pain.