Herniated disc injuries lead to numbness and tingling of the affected area.
They occur when there is a bulge of the vertebral disc through a gap in the spinal column.
There are various treatments for a herniated spinal disc, which we will discuss further.
Anatomy of the spinal disc: The spinal disc is found in the spine in between the vertebrae.
They are made of a soft, round bundle of elastic tissue which can become harder as we get older.
As this happens, they become more prone to injury, causing a protrusion of the disc or a possible herniation.
When a herniation occurs it can pinch nerves and cause great pain.
What causes it? A herniated spinal disc can have a rapid onset due to sudden trauma.
In fact, you can just wake up with it.
Herniation can also happen gradually, due to what is known as repetitive stress syndrome.
Repetitive stress can occur as a result of repeating the same movements that exert pressure on the spine, such as moving furniture for a living.
What are the symptoms? Herniated disc symptoms can include: Shooting pain, numbness and tingling in the back and extremities, loss of muscle strength and difficulties with control of bowel and bladder.
The cause of these symptoms is the pressing of the disc on the nerve which cause swelling and irritation.
When a nerve is being compressed, it cannot send the electrical signals to the brain which is what causes the numbness and tingling.
If the injury is high enough in the cervical neck area, it can result in respiratory difficulty, which will require immediate medical attention.
A physical exam is usually required for the diagnosis of a herniated disc.
This exam will look at such things as reflexes, sensation, muscle strength and tests such as an MRO, X-ray ot CT scan.
Once determination has been made that you have a disc herniation, treatment will be prescribed to alleviate the pain and correct the disc's position.
Treatment for this disorder may include: Non Steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, pain relievers and hot and cold packs.
Surgical intervention may be considered if the traditional treatments do not bring relief.
This may involve the partial or complete removal of the offending disc.
This surgical treatment is called a discectomy, and is used to remove a disc from the spinal canal.
If you feel your symptoms are consistent with those of a herniated disc, get in touch with your doctor for an official diagnosis.
They occur when there is a bulge of the vertebral disc through a gap in the spinal column.
There are various treatments for a herniated spinal disc, which we will discuss further.
Anatomy of the spinal disc: The spinal disc is found in the spine in between the vertebrae.
They are made of a soft, round bundle of elastic tissue which can become harder as we get older.
As this happens, they become more prone to injury, causing a protrusion of the disc or a possible herniation.
When a herniation occurs it can pinch nerves and cause great pain.
What causes it? A herniated spinal disc can have a rapid onset due to sudden trauma.
In fact, you can just wake up with it.
Herniation can also happen gradually, due to what is known as repetitive stress syndrome.
Repetitive stress can occur as a result of repeating the same movements that exert pressure on the spine, such as moving furniture for a living.
What are the symptoms? Herniated disc symptoms can include: Shooting pain, numbness and tingling in the back and extremities, loss of muscle strength and difficulties with control of bowel and bladder.
The cause of these symptoms is the pressing of the disc on the nerve which cause swelling and irritation.
When a nerve is being compressed, it cannot send the electrical signals to the brain which is what causes the numbness and tingling.
If the injury is high enough in the cervical neck area, it can result in respiratory difficulty, which will require immediate medical attention.
A physical exam is usually required for the diagnosis of a herniated disc.
This exam will look at such things as reflexes, sensation, muscle strength and tests such as an MRO, X-ray ot CT scan.
Once determination has been made that you have a disc herniation, treatment will be prescribed to alleviate the pain and correct the disc's position.
Treatment for this disorder may include: Non Steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, pain relievers and hot and cold packs.
Surgical intervention may be considered if the traditional treatments do not bring relief.
This may involve the partial or complete removal of the offending disc.
This surgical treatment is called a discectomy, and is used to remove a disc from the spinal canal.
If you feel your symptoms are consistent with those of a herniated disc, get in touch with your doctor for an official diagnosis.