Are you suffering from the following symptoms?
- Pain that radiates to the buttocks, legs, and feet called sciatica (Back pain might or might not be present, as well.)
- Tingling or numbness in the legs or feet
- Muscle weakness
You could be suffering from a herniated/slipped disc.
The spine, or backbone, is made up of a series of individual bones called vertebrae that are stacked to form the spinal column. Between the vertebrae are flat, round cushioning pads called intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers. Each disc has a soft, gel-like center called the nucleus pulpous surrounded by a tough, fibrous outer layer called the annulus.
A herniated disc, also called a slipped disc or ruptured disc occurs when pressure from the vertebrae above and below force some or all of the nucleus pulposus through a weakened or torn part of the annulus. The herniated nucleus pulposus can press on the nerves near the disc, resulting to pain.
Herniated discs most frequently occur in the lower part of the spine, however they can also occur in the cervical and thoracic spine. A herniated disc is one of the most common causes of neck, back and/or leg pain (sciatica).
What Causes a Herniated Disc?
Herniation occurs when the outer part of the disc, the annulus, becomes weak and tears. Several factors can contribute to disc-weakening, including
- Aging and degeneration
- Excessive weight
- A sudden strain from improper lifting or from twisting violently
Symptoms Of a Herniated Disc In The Neck
- Pain near or over the shoulder blade
- Pain that radiates to the shoulder, arm, and sometimes hand and fingers
- Neck pain, especially at the back and on the sides of the neck (The pain might increase when bending or turning the neck.)
- Spasm of the neck muscle
Symptoms of a herniated disc in the mid-back tend to be indefinite. There might be pain in upper back, lower back, abdomen, or legs, as well as weakness or numbness in one or both legs.
How common are herniated disc?
Herniated discs are very common. They occur more often in people aged 35 to 55 years. They are more common in men than in women.
How is a herniated disc diagnosed?
Your health care provider will begin an evaluation with a complete physical examination and medical history, including a review of your symptoms. He or she might perform a neurological exam to test your muscle reflexes, sensation, and muscle strength.
The health care provider might use certain other diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis and to better evaluate the site and extent of the herniation. These tests might include:
- X-ray — X-rays use small doses of radiation to produce images of the body. An X-ray of the spine might be done to rule out other causes of the back or neck pain.
- MRI or CT scan — Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans can show narrowing of the spinal canal caused by a herniation.
How a herniated disc is treated
Most herniated discs resolve on their own or with conservative treatment, which include rest, anti-inflammatory, and physical therapy.
Physiotherapy
Physical therapy often plays a major role in herniated disc recovery. Its methods not only offer immediate pain relief, but they also teach you how to condition your body to prevent further injury.
There are a variety of physical therapy techniques. Passive treatments relax your body and include deep tissue massage, hot and cold therapy, electrical stimulation (e.g. TENS), and hydrotherapy.
Your physical therapy program will usually begin with passive treatments. But once your body heals, you will start active treatments that strengthen your body and prevent further pain. Your physical therapist will work with you to develop a plan that best suits you.
Chiropractic
NB: Chiropractors evaluate the entire spine. Even if you only have lower back pain, your chiropractor will examine your neck, too, for example. He or she wants to see how well your spine is functioning overall, and remember: What happens in one area of your spine can influence other parts of your spine and/or body.
Some patients are not good candidates for some types of chiropractic adjustments. For example, if you have cauda equina syndrome (a condition in which you lose control of your bowel/bladder with an accompanying intervertebral disc injury), then you will need immediate medical care as this is something that cannot be treated by your chiropractor.
In addition, if your chiropractor finds that you have advanced loss of strength, sensation, reflexes, and other unusual neurological findings, then he or she will refer you to a spine surgeon.
To treat a herniated disc, your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan that may include spinal manipulation also known as adjustments and other chiropractic techniques to help ease your herniated disc symptoms.
The specifics of what are in your treatment plan are particular to your pain, level of activity, overall health, and what your chiropractor thinks is best. You want to make sure you understand what will be done and how it can help relieve your pain. Chiropractic treatment is safe and effective for most patients.
Complication Associated With a Herniated Disc
Chronic (ongoing) back or leg pain and loss of control or sensation in the legs or feet are some complications of an untreated disc herniation.
Progress For People With Herniated Disc
Most back and leg pain will get better gradually usually within six weeks by taking simple measures. In fact, most people with herniated discs respond to conservative treatment within six weeks and are able to return to their normal activities. Some will continue to have back pain even after treatment.
What To Do To Prevent Herniated Disc
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
Jemimah Kamau
Physiotherapist
