Herniated intervertebral discs, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, is an injury of the
backbone within the vertebrae. In between your vertebrae are round cushions with soft gel-like centers
with a firmer outer layer, almost like a jelly-filled donut. The cushiony discs act as a buffer between your
bones that allow you to bend and move with ease. A herniated disc is when one of these cushions tear
or break. The inner jelly substance can push through the crack and press on nearby spinal nerves causing
pain. Most herniated disks occur in the lower back but can also occur in the neck.
If a herniated disk is in the lower back, besides the pain at the location, you can typically feel
pain in your buttocks, thighs, or calves. Sometimes this can even be felt in part of the foot, too. For a
herniated disk in the neck, the pain will mostly stay in your shoulder and arm. It might shoot down your
arm or leg when you cough or sneeze. The pain is usually described as a sharp or burning sensation. It
can cause radiating numbness or tingle in the affected areas of the body. It may also cause weakness
which can cause you to wobble, stumble, or affect your ability to carry or lift things. However, you can
have a herniated disk without symptoms.
There are many types of activities that can cause a herniated disk when not age-related wear
and tear. Physically demanding work where you are repeatedly lifting, bending, twisting, pulling or
pushing can cause increased wear and tear. Improper lifting of heavy, bulky objects can increase your
chance of injury also. Which is why using proper body mechanics is so important. You can also get a
herniated disk from a car wreck from the jerking or impact. Sports-related injuries like kicks, blows, or
hard falls can also cause herniated disks. Smoking has been linked to increased risk due to the belief that
it reduces the amount of oxygen your spinal disks get.
Lifestyle changes that can help prevent a herniated disk are using proper body mechanics when
working or lifting/moving heavy objects. It is also recommended to not smoke, maintain an appropriate
body weight and to excersize and stretch regularly. You should also avoid wearing high heels, stop
smoking and practice good posture.
Treatments of a herniated disk include over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen,
ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium when pain is mild. More severe pain is usually treated with opiods
short-term, like oxycodone-acetaminophen and hydrocodone-acetaminophen combinations. Cortisone
injections around the spinal nerves may also be given. Neuropathic drugs like gabapentin, pregabalin,
duloxetine, or venlafaxine may be prescribed to help with nerve pain. Muscle relaxers may be
prescribed if the disk is causing muscle spasms. Very few people require surgery. When surgery is done,
the protruding portion of the disk may be removed, very rarely the entire disk is removed and is
normally fused with a bone graft if so. Avoid spending to much time in bed as it can weaken the muscles
and lead to stiff joints. Short walks every thirty minutes are recommended. Resume normal activity
slowly, if you have pain, stop. You may also seek out a chiropractor. You might even try acupuncture or
go have enjoy a nice relaxing massage.