Did you know that about 2% of individuals between 30 and 50 years experience herniated disks yearly? Doing everyday tasks in such conditions often becomes a concern for them. In this blog, we have highlighted this issue, its symptoms, along with treatment options.

What are Herniated Discs?

A herniated disc is an injury of the spine. The human spine consists of numerous bones extending from the skull's base to the tailbone. Round cushions present between the vertebrae are known as disks. Leaks or tears in disks often lead to issues like herniated disks.

Who Experiences Herniated Discs?

As discussed above, individuals between 30 and 50 often face this issue. It is commonly experienced by women and is accompanied by risk factors as discussed below:

1.    Sitting in the same posture for extended periods

2.    Overweight

3.    Lifting heavy objects

4.    Performing bending or twisting tasks due to work, sports, or hobbies

5.    Smoking

Symptoms of Herniated Discs

The symptoms of herniated discs generally depend on where the issue is in the spine. Movement makes the symptoms worse, and the more rest you take, the better they get:

Herniated or Slipped Disc in the Back

Herniated Disc in the lower back often leads to Sciatica nerve pain. The pain moves from one side of the buttocks to the legs and heads toward the foot. The following symptoms generally accompany it:

1.    Back pain

2.    Tingling or numbness

3.    Weakness in muscles

Herniated Disc in the Neck

Below is the list of symptoms experienced by individuals with a herniated disc in the neck:

1.    Pain between or around the shoulder blades

2.    Pain moves from the shoulder and arms to the hands and fingers

3.    Neck pain in the back or sides of the neck

4.    Neck pain exaggerates while turning or bending the neck

5.    Numbness or tingling in the arms

Treatment of Herniated Disc

The healthcare provider will recommend the following treatment options for herniated discs:

Medication

An anti-inflammatory pain reliever or muscle relaxant is generally recommended to ease the pain.

Physical Therapy

The therapist will perform physical therapy to eliminate pressure in the nerves. This exercise makes the tight muscles lose and improves blood circulation.

Spinal Injections

These are also known as epidural nerve blocks and are a shot of steroid medication inserted in the spine. The swelling and inflammation in the nerves are minimized, allowing your body to heal faster and resume normal activities in less time.

Surgery

Sometimes a herniated disk might injure nerves present in the bowel or bladder. In such situations, emergency surgery is recommended by professionals. The main goal is to eliminate pressure on the nerves.

Herniated Disc Gets Worse

When left untreated for extended durations, a Herniated Disc Houston gets worse over time. In case you keep performing the activities due to which they took place, the condition will stay the same. Ensure that the healthcare professionals are consulted in case the symptoms persist even after 4 to 6 weeks of care.

Wrapping Words

If you or your loved one is experiencing a herniated disc, consult a healthcare expert who can recommend an appropriate treatment to you. Some lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight and improving sitting posture will prevent it from occurring. If you are looking for good references, consult Houston Spine Dr. Martin. Schedule an appointment at (281)6532686 today!

Our Location:- Artificial Disk Replacement Houston 2600 North Loop  West, Suite: 310, Houston, TX 77092