While research has proved taller people are more likely to suffer lower back pain, it does not mean that others are not. Other common issues surrounding this are extreme neck pains, numbness, or a tingling sensation in different parts of the body. Perhaps the underlying cause for such symptoms is a condition called Disc Herniation, also known as a slipped, swollen, or torn disk.
Bones that make up the spine have discs surrounding them that act as cushions to mitigate any shocks to the bones. These discs are round in structure, with a tough outer covering called an annulus encompassing the nucleus. However, a herniated disc has a ruptured annulus that will cause the disc nucleus to poke out of its exterior structure and get embedded into the spinal canal. The canal is a narrow structure that does not have enough room to hold the nucleus in place, and that causes displacement of the discs. The disc, in turn, presses down onto the spinal nerve endings, causing extreme discomfort. Different parts of the body become subjected to disc herniation, but it is most common in lower back areas and areas around the neck. Subjects suffer excruciating discomfort in the surrounding domains over time.
Causes
Age
Spinal nerves often face natural degradation due to old age and the weakening of the ligaments and general senses that come with it. Hence, even a slight fall, excessive twisting motion, or a minor rupture to the spine will lead to a slipped disc.
Direct Injury
Automobile accidents cause terrible damage to the spine that it cannot withstand at times, causing disk herniation. Other injuries include slipping and falling onto your back or neck and not wearing protective gear during sports.
Genetics
A surprising cause for disc slips is also the greater likelihood for other family members to experience it if one member does. Meaning it will work like other genetic conditions, for example, diabetes.
Symptoms
There is no set time duration for patients to feel the onslaught of pain since it varies from person to person for different reasons given.
a)The degree of impact on the nerves.
- b) The place of contact (of the accident) onto the spine.
- c) How much material exists within a spinal disc because that will affect the size of the external annulus and the extent of herniation.
Symptoms exist in different regularities and intensities, but given below are a few common ones.
- constant periods of pain in the arms, feet, shoulders, buttocks, thighs and, /or in the calves
- prickling or insensitivity felt in different parts of the body
- lack of energy to walk with a normal gait, leading to frequent stumbling and imbalance
- weakness felt overall
- irregular burning sensation in affected areas
- lower back distress
- high or low levels of pain in the neck, around the shoulder blades, or at the site of disc herniation
So what should be your wake-up call to visit the doctor?
Ideally, it is better to get treated before the condition starts deteriorating to the point that it causes irreversible damage. Chronic pain felt anywhere around the areas mentioned above should be deal with by an Orthopedic right away. A red flag for several patients to seek medical care is when the pain travels from the site of herniation down to their leg or arm.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of disc herniation undergoes a range of scans for the practitioner to find out the level of injury for different patients. The goal is to find the accuracy of the body’s reflexes and the ability of the person to walk or his response rate to subtle physical touches.
Firstly, to detect the specific position of the spine, doctors conduct scans with specialized imaging tests. These include X-rays, CT scans (computerized tomography), MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging), electromyograms (to identify electrical impulses in the disc nerves), and myelograms.
X-ray
An image or a film of the affected area created, including the vertebrae and the joints encircling it. Potential causes of pain are detected in this way: tumors, infections, fractures, etc.
Computed Tomography (CT scans)
After conducting the X-rays, a CT scan can detect the dimensions of a spinal canal and the parts around it.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI Scans)
3D images shot through strong magnets and top-notch computers, allowing to enlarge the areas for investigation purposes. It is to carefully check the spine for tumors or deviation in the spinal canal.
Myelogram
A radiologist injects dye into the neighboring cerebrospinal fluid areas. It shows excess pressure exerted onto the spine or the nerves around, causing the slipped disc.
Electromyogram and Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG/NGS)
These tests measure the electrical stimulus onto the nerves and muscles to detect damaged nerves and the body’s healing process.
Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatments
The treatment for disc herniation is strongly reliant upon the extent of damage to the spine. Doctors recommend patients do less strenuous exercises because bed rest will cause swelling to spinal nerves.
Subjects faced with lower levels of pain receive anti-inflammatory medication. In such cases, epidural injections relieve pain, and X-rays with the spinal needles help transmit medicine to required areas.
Physical therapy for the subjects includes soothing massages, ice and heat treatments, and stretching exercises.
Spinal Disc Surgery
Spinal disc surgery is the last resort that a doctor advises to the patients, and that too, only after mutual consultation. Patients undergo tests to determine whether the subject is healthy enough for the procedure. In most cases, doctors advise surgery only if the following symptoms begin to show.
- when the patient’s condition seriously affects their daily lives
- excessive leg numbing or muscle weakening
- a decrease in bladder functioning
- not being able to stand or walk with ease
- when other medicines and physical therapy fail to work
After surgery, doctors prescribe specific education and instructions to the patients. Over time, the doctor allows the subject to resume regular activity or receive physical therapy, although that depends on the patient’s health.
When deciding where exactly to go for treatment, cases have a choice of consulting the following.
Orthopedics
Skilled orthopedics treat disc herniation using complex surgical treatments or non-surgical ones as those described above.
Neurology
Neurologists work around the central nervous system in treating disc herniation. They determine patients’ muscular strength, walking stamina, ability to feel physical sensation, reflexes, etc.
Chiropractic Treatment
A chiropractor, also known as a Whiplash doctor, checks the functioning of the spine, for example, reflexes, muscle strength, sensation loss, etc. Chiropractors specialize in treating neck and spinal injuries caused because of disc herniation. Sudden pressure put onto the joints enhances spinal movement and relieves pain.
Final Thoughts
It is true that in today’s world, with a rapidly developing medical system, medical treatment is readily available. However, it is also true that a healthy lifestyle and preventive measures help tackle the issue. Often, just one wrong move costs a person millions of bucks for treatment and affects overall health. Concentration during driving, regular exercise, and a carefully regulated diet can quickly reduce the chances of falling victim to either of these medical issues. Indeed, our body is a work of art that needs to be well looked after.
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