Herniated Disc is a condition wherein a damaged disc bulges or ruptures open. Oftentimes, this medical condition affecting the spine is referred to as slipped disc. This may occur in any part of the spine, but usually, it affects the lower part of the back. When a spinal disc ruptures, a part of it is forced outside resulting to a pinched spinal nerves and spinal cord.
What are the usual signs and symptoms of having a herniated disc? Slipped disc, a common term for herniated disc, can affect both the lumbar area and the neck area. The most common symptom of having herniated disc is a stabbing pain that extends from the buttocks down the back of one leg medically termed sciatica.
Neck pain is also common for people with herniated disc. A pressure applied on a nerve of the neck causes the pain in the muscles that may shoot down the arm. The pain may also cause headaches and migraine.
Discs are found to have high water content. This water content decreases when a person ages thus leading to a less flexible disc. Other factors that may cause the shrinking of the disc are smoking, obesity, a sudden pressure usually caused by a strenuous activity, or lifting heavy objects.
It has been proven that the biggest factor of a ruptured disc is uneven pressure placed on it. Accidents from rigorous activities are the usual reasons for a disc to become protruded. A disc cracks when a portion of the center nucleus thrusts through the outer edge of the disc and comes back towards the spinal nerves. It is the pressure on the spinal nerves that causes the pain, numbness or weakness on one or both legs.
It is possible that a herniated disc will not cause pain. The only time the symptoms of herniated disc, such as pain, is felt when the herniated disc places pressure on the spinal nerve roots. If a herniated disc is not pressing on a nerve root, no backache or pain may be felt at all.
The best way to avoid herniated disc is to live a healthy lifestyle and to be very cautious in joining or executing rigorous activities. Immediately seek the help of a physician when a backache is felt right after an accident or a fall. The medical experts are now very much adept in diagnosing and treating a slipped disc.
About the Author:
Paul lamba haughian is an experienced author, who has written articles on Back Pain Silverdale Wa and Chiropractic in Silverdale Wa services. Also list your chiropractic business on chiropractorwharton.
