Herniated Discs

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Herniated Discs

Herniated Discs

Definition

Small, jelly-like discs fill the spaces between each vertebra in the spine. These discs have a soft interior with a tougher exterior, and their main job is to absorb shock and help to keep the spine flexible and in motion. It is normal for the spinal discs to lose some of their fluid content and get smaller as we age, increasing the risk of injury or damage. When the disc becomes damaged, the interior may leak out into the spinal space, causing the disc to bulge, which is a phenomenon physicians call a herniated disc or “slipped” disc. It can be an extremely painful condition that can occur anywhere in the lumbar, thoracic, or cervical spine.

Causes

Spinal discs gradually lose their water content as we age, making them less flexible and susceptible to a tear. Disc degeneration is a common condition in older adults and the resulting wear and tear may not be preventable. Another common cause of a herniated disc is through injury or trauma. Patients may experience a slipped disc if they lift heavy objects without proper form, twist the spine during a strenuous activity, or damage the spine during a fall, car accident, or related trauma. It is possible for excess weight to cause herniated discs in obese patients because of the strain extra weight places on the spine. Often, a herniated disc is a result of both a weakened, degenerated disc and an injury. In some cases, the disc may be so weak that the patient is unable to pinpoint exactly what caused the onset of pain.

Symptoms

When a herniated disc places pressure on a nerve, patients may experience pain and a numb “pins and needles” feeling that extends from their back and into the extremities. The location of the affected disc can send tingling feelings to different areas of the body. For example, cervical herniated discs can cause numbness and pain in the arms and shoulders, whereas if the sciatic nerve is pinched in the lower back, patients can feel shooting pain and numbness going down their buttocks and backs of their legs. Additionally, the muscles may feel weakened. Symptoms may be exacerbated if the patient sits for long periods of time or twists the spine a certain way. In some cases, patients may not feel symptoms at all.

Treatments

Herniated discs are a common condition that has many treatment options. Once the patient is diagnosed with disc herniation, the physicians at Tulsa Pain may advise against lifting weights and encourage patients to rest. Ice and over-the-counter pain medication may provide pain relief, but in some cases, our physicians will recommend physical therapy to build up muscles around the disc. During physical therapy, the patient may be fitted with a brace. If needed, patients may be give medication to help with the pain and reduce some of the pressure on the nerves. This can also be accomplished through corticosteroid injections if the patient is a good candidate for them. The injections do not pose the same side effects as medication and may provide longer lasting relief.

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