What is a Herniated Disc?

HERNIATED DISC Herniated DiscIf you’re suffering from a herniated disc, you’re not alone. Many men and women experience a herniation at some point in their lifetime, often without realizing it until the appearance of persistent and palpable symptoms. Becoming well informed about your condition is the first step toward finding a potential treatment and resuming a pain-free life. We’re here to help! So, what precisely are the “discs” causing you so much trouble? Discs are shock absorbers located between vertebrae that cushion the spinal column and protect the spine from everyday strain. Made from a hard outer layer known as the annulus and a soft, liquid-like material known as the nucleus, discs usually do us a whole lot of good. Occasionally, however, a tear or weakness in a disc’s outer layer allows the fluidic inner layer to leak into the spinal canal. As a result, additional pressure is placed on local nerves, causing pain, discomfort and other complications. This ailment is known as a herniation, or a slipped or ruptured disc. Herniated Disc Symptoms Symptoms of a herniated disc vary widely and are determined by where the problem area is located within the spine. Sometimes, patients may exhibit no outward signs of a ruptured disc at all. When the disc begins to strain a nearby nerve, however, typical symptoms include: Dull, achy pain or sharp, intense painMuscle tightness and crampingRadiating pain through the shoulders and arms or down the legsTingling sensations through the arms and hands or down the legsWeakness in the affected area and limbsNeck painHeadaches when you sit or lie in certain positionsLower back pain that gets worse when you sit, cough or sneeze Herniated Disc Causes If you have any of the above indicators, you may be bearing a herniated disc. Sometimes, patients can remember the precise moment when the damage most likely occurred; others are at a loss to understand how they could have contracted such a problem. The most common causes of a slipped disc are the following: Degenerative disc disease This complication occurs when the discs in the spine lose volume over time and do not properly absorb shocks or allow the spine to flex and twist. Weak discs are more likely to rupture.Sudden trauma or accident Occasionally, an abrupt and unexpected injury can cause a slipped disc when the body is forced to contort or external forces place unbearable pressure upon the spine.Frequent, improper movements or lifting When you lift things incorrectly by bending (instead of squatting) or try to carry heavy loads beyond your capacity, you may herniate a disc. Certain factors can increase your likelihood of getting a herniation, such as excess body weight, which places extra stress on the discs in your lower back. Some people also inherit a genetic predisposition to slipped discs or have an occupation where repetitive, strenuous motions raise their chances of harm. Additionally, if you are a smoker, you are also at risk for herniated discs. Herniated Disc Non-Surgical Treatment Options There are many methods available to treat disc ruptures. Depending on the location and severity of your injury, you may consider: Therapy Often, licensed physical therapists can teach you positions and exercises to alleviate herniated disc pain. By strengthening the back and abdominal muscles, you may relieve some of the strain on the ruptured disc and minimize inflammation. Traction, electrical stimulation and short-term bracing may also improve your condition. “Hot and cold” therapy, where heating and cooling elements are applied to the affected area, is often utilized by many professionals as well. You can carry out this method by taking hot showers or baths and using ice packs or heating pads.Medication Some prescription and over-the-counter medications may temporarily minimize the discomfort caused by herniated discs. Before you implement either, however, speak with your doctor. Certain medications can make your condition worse and may lead to other serious consequences.Lifestyle changes By mindfully approaching your everyday life, you can prevent herniated discs and encourage those you already have toward healing. Bed rest is not recommended. Do not participate in intense exercise, particularly heavy lifting, if there is acute back pain. Get plenty of sleep. Many men and women are able to reduce the pressure on their back through intentional yoga practice. Herniated Disc Minimally Invasive Treatment Options If the above treatments do not provide permanent respite from the symptoms of your herniated disc, minimally invasive surgery may be required. The Minimally Invasive SpineCARE® team of experts will work with you to create a customized treatment plan based on your individual preferences and needs. Minimally invasive procedures require only a small incision and generally lead to a far shorter recovery time than traditional open surgery, because they place less trauma upon muscles and tissues surrounding the affected area. Our highly trained physicians use advanced techniques to treat slipped discs and degenerative disc disease. Here are just a few of the minimally invasive procedures we perform: Discectomies During a discectomy, the surgeon removes the herniated portion of an affected disc in order to relieve pressure on surrounding nerve roots. The disc wall is then treated to prevent further leakage and continuing pain. Microdiscectomies Microdiscectomies are similar to discectomies, except they usually take place in the cervical (upper) region of the spine. An expert will remove the bulging portion of the affected disc while preserving the rest of it. Fusions Weakened vertebrae are fused together with a bone-bridge designed to re-stabilize the spine. The damaged disc is partially removed and a spacer is inserted into the empty disc space between the two vertebrae. Bone graft material is also inserted into this space to promote rapid healing and encourage the two vertebrae to form one. As a result, newly aligned vertebral bones tend to no longer pinch surrounding nerves. Each Board-certified surgeon at Minimally Invasive SpineCARE® is committed to getting you back to the quality of life that you deserve as soon as possible. Generally, the advantages of minimally invasive surgery include less scarring, shorter hospital stays, less blood loss, increased safety and quicker recovery times. Schedule a consultation today and take care of your spine by visiting one of our nearby Dallas-Fort Worth locations or filling out the form on this page. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you get back to living!