A herniated disc is also known as a slipped disc or ruptured disc. It is one of the most common causes of back and leg pain. A herniated disk refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions (disks) between the individual bones (vertebrae) that stack up to make your spine.
Know what are Symptoms and Causes of a Disc Herniation?
The symptoms of a herniated disc depend on the exact level of the spine where the disc herniation occurs and whether or not nerve tissue is being irritated. A disc herniation may not cause any symptoms. However, disc herniation can cause local pain at the level of the spine affected. If the patient experiences pain or tingling sensation in some body parts that are connected by the affected nerves.
Arm or leg pain: If your herniated disk is in your lower back, you'll typically feel the most intense pain in your buttocks, thigh, and calf. It may also involve part of the foot. If your herniated disk is in your neck, the pain will typically be most intense in the shoulder and arm. This pain may shoot into your arm or leg when you cough, sneeze or move your spine into certain positions.
Numbness or tingling: People who have a herniated disk often experience numbness or tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves.
Weakness: Muscles served by the affected nerves tend to weaken. This may cause you to stumble, or impair your ability to lift or hold items.
Disk herniation is most often the result of gradual, aging-related wear and tear called disk degeneration. As you age, your spinal disks lose some of their water content. That makes them less flexible and more prone to tearing or rupturing with even a minor strain or twist.
It is not always possible to prevent a herniated disc, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
• Use proper lifting techniques. Do not bend at the waist. Bend your knees while keeping your back straight and use your strong leg muscles to help you support the load.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts pressure on the lower back.
• Practice good posture when walking, sitting, standing, and sleeping. For example, stand up straight with your shoulders back, abdomen in, and the small of your back flat. Sit with your feet flat on the floor or elevated. Sleep on a firm mattress, and sleep on your side, not your stomach.
• Stretch often when sitting for long periods of time.
• Do not wear high-heeled shoes.
• Exercise regularly to keep the muscles of your back, legs, and stomach strong. Engage in regular aerobic exercise. Try to balance flexibility with strengthening in a regular exercise program.
• Stop smoking.
• Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
Not every disc needs intervention. When required, treatment includes medication, physiotherapy and possibly surgery.
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