Suffering from a herniated disc can cause leg pain, back pain, and even weakness in the extremities. For some people the condition can be very painful. In very severe cases, it can even affect how an individual is able to live their life on a daily basis.
In a healthy spine, the bones are given cushion by soft discs. These discs help to keep your spine moving properly and absorb any shock. However, if a disc is damaged, it can bulge out from the spine or even break apart. When this happens, it is considered to be a herniated disc. It is also known as a ruptured or slipping disc.
The discs become less lubricated and become more dry as an individual grows older. Because of this, herniated discs are more likely to be seen in the aging crowd. However, they can also be caused by a severe spine or back injury. If the disc is not pressing on any nerves in your back, however, you may not experience any pain or even realize that an injury has occurred.
If you are experiencing numbness or pain, then the disc is likely pressing on a nerve in your spine. This is also the cause of ailments like sciatica. Pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness can be caused by an injured disc. You should get examined as soon as possible to find out the severity of the condition and receive adequate treatments.
People often think that when they are suffering with this condition, the best option is to rest. This actually causes more harm than good. Resting should happen shortly only if there is a lot of pain being experienced by the individual. Too much rest can cause the muscles to weaken, which is why it is recommended that individuals stay active, even doing activities such as walking.
Pain that is typically associated with the condition can be treated in a variety of ways. Ice packs and heating pads can be useful in relieving some of the pain. These can be used for fifteen minutes during intervals of a couple of hours. If there is a problem with swelling, medication may be prescribed.
While a herniated disc is not particularly a condition that can be prevented, there are precautions you can take to make sure your discs and back remain healthy. Working out decently and keeping a good weight are ways to take strain off of the back. You can also work on improving your posture and lifting objects more safely.
Usually, given some time, a herniated disc will heal itself. Healing can range from one to six months. If it does not heal in this amount of time, then surgery may be needed to fix the problem. Talking with your physician to find out what your own circumstances are can be the best option so that you can receive the treatment that is proper for your ailment.
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