Do you need herniated disc treatment?

The spinal column is made up of 33 separate bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae are separated by spongy discs that act as shock absorbers to keep the spine flexible. If a disc is damaged or ruptured, it can bulge out and push into the spinal canal.

For the most part, herniated discs occur in the lower back, although in rarer cases they can occur in the neck and upper back. One of the main causes of a herniated disc is wear and tear from age. As we age, the discs will deteriorate and dry out, and they won’t be as flexible as before.

Any lower back strain caused by lifting a heavy object, digging the garden, or simply twisting or bending can cause this common complaint of back pain.

When there is a spinal injury, the disc may have cracks or tears. This can cause the jelly-like substance inside the disc to push into the spinal canal, a narrow space between the spinal column and spinal cord.

This area is where the nerves that serve the lower body run, so if the space for these nerves is reduced due to a bulging disc, the nerves will become compressed and cause problems in the areas of the body that they serve.

The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary depending on the degree of bulge. When nerves are compressed, they don’t work properly and can send abnormal signals to the brain, causing muscle spasms and pain.

The most common symptoms of a herniated disc are those of sciatica, as the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed. Much of the pain will be felt in the buttocks or legs. The most serious cases can cause bowel or bladder problems. If you have bladder or bowel problems, you should seek medical attention as quickly as possible.

There are many treatment options for a herniated disc, the most effective being aerobic exercises and specific back strengthening exercises.

The type of treatment required will depend on many things, such as the patient’s current activity level, the patient’s age, the severity of the symptoms they are having, and whether the pain is getting worse. Most of the time, treatment starts small and increases as the patient’s pain decreases.

Treatments for herniated discs can be as simple as ice and heat wraps, along with an anti-inflammatory or pain reliever medication. If simple treatments don’t work initially, the next step might be physical therapy. However, a good exercise program for low back pain has been shown to provide immediate and preventative relief.

In conclusion, although a herniated disc can be serious and cause considerable pain, there are many things you can do to get quick relief and prevent future flare-ups. If you think you may have a herniated disc, it is best to see your doctor as soon as possible, who will advise you on the best course of treatment.