subject: Causes And Symptoms Of Herniated Disc [print this page] Disc herniation is a medical condition affecting the spinal cord due to any kind of trauma. It results in bulging of the disc outside its outer ring due to the tears on the ring. This tear allows the release of an inflammation causing chemical that can cause severe pain. This problem generally results due to lifting injuries to the spine. Minor herniation can heal on its own within a few weeks however severe hernation may require a surgery.
Low back pain is the most prominent symptom of herniation, however, some other symptoms can also be observed like:
- Severe pain the lower portion of the body
- Lack of sensation or numbness in legs
- A tingling sensed in the lower body parts
- Reduced impulse actions in the legs and feet
- Chronic pain in the back with no effects of rest and medications
The disc in the lower back is enclosed with a fibrous ring. As a result of an immense external pressure like an injury, the problem of herniated disc may occur. According to the health experts, frequent heavy weight lifting that puts a pressure on the back, sitting in the same posture for elongated time intervals, external trauma caused by accidents and injuries and poor natural mechanics of the body are some common reasons for severe hernition to occur. Due to poor natural mechanics of the body, back muscles are used for lifting heavy loads rather than the leg muscles.
When we stand straight, the pressure is equalized however when we sit or bend our body, the pressure increases. Extensive increase in this pressure may cause damage in the fibrous ring. This damage can occur at any of the different levels of spine such as thoracic, cervical or the lumber area. So proper diagnosis of the area affected is imperative for a proper herniated disc treatment to be decided.
As you visit a physician, he will evaluate the treatment options you have depending upon the severity of damage. To start with, you should stop certain physical activities that can make the condition ever worse. If it is a mild damage, aborting these activities may fetch great results. But if it is not making any difference in the pain, you may need an advanced herniated disc treatment to be done. The next stage in the treatment procedure may be the application of ice and heat therapy by professional therapists. This therapy works in a great way to release muscle pain.
Many physicians recommend further physical therapy and if required, some medications can also be prescribed. These medicines help in relieving the inflammation and pain caused due to swelling of the joint. If the pain and swelling increases, you may have to take steroid injections. If no improvement is observed in the condition of the patient after all these steps performed, a surgery may be the last option to cure the disease.
