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What are the Common Causes and Symptoms of a Herniated Disc? 10/06/11

The spine consists of a series of small bones and in between these are thick layers of cartilage on the outside which protect soft, spongy disc on the inside.  Aside from absorbing the shock caused by certain movements of the spine, these small discs allow the spine to bend as well.  The spinal cord, a bundle of sensitive nerves running through the canal in the spinal column, is responsible for carrying messages to the brain. Herniated or ruptured discs occur when the inner soft discs bursts through the outer cartilage and exert too much pressure against the spinal nerves causing discomfort.

Herniated disc: an overview

While herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine, it commonly appears in the lower back.  They are also common among people who are 30 to 40 years old (i guess i was lucky to have mine at 21).  It is a spinal abnormality that may be caused by injuries or frequent wear and tear on the body.  Although herniated discs are commonly mistaken for pinched nerves, these conditions are actually different. When seeking the right treatment, it is best to consult a doctor who can diagnose your condition, locate the source of the pain, and suggest appropriate treatment.

Sometimes, sciatica is also used interchangeably with herniated disc. However, sciatica actually refers to problems in the sciatic nerve.  These problems may cause pain in the legs or lower back.  Just like pinched nerves, sciatica may also be the result of herniated discs.  When diagnosing herniated discs, it is also important to remember that they can be found anywhere in the spine.  While it commonly appears in the lower back, it may also affect the neck area of cervical spine.  This may lead to severe dizziness, tension headaches, and pain in the shoulders, arms, and neck.

Before treating a herniated disc, healthcare providers need to determine whether the patient is in pain due to actual disc pain or just a pinched nerve. This involves an extensive study of the patients physical examination results and medical history. In some cases, diagnostic imaging may also be necessary.  Since X-rays cannot produce complete images of the herniated discs, physicians may also require patients to undergo an MRI or CT scan. Once your condition has been diagnosed, your doctor may advise you to undergo medical therapy, perform low-impact exercise, and use muscle relaxants before you resort to surgery.  In most cases rest and physical therapy is all that is needed to fully recover.

Causes of herniated disc

As you age, the small discs in your spine lose their flexibility.  This will increase your risk of sustaining an injury.  Repeated straining, excessive body weight, smoking, and improper lifting may also increase your risks of developing herniated discs.  When the soft material inside your spine penetrates the outer lining of its cartilage, you will start experiencing certain symptoms such as numbness, weakness, and pain in the affected area.  Aside from aging, sporting activities, sudden violent movements, and the act of lifting heavy objects may also cause herniated discs to develop.

Of all the probable causes of herniated discs, the general wear and tear as you age is the most common.  When the small discs in your back become less flexible, they are more likely to become herniated while you perform your daily activities.  Certain movements such as the act of suddenly twisting your spine may also lead to herniated discs.  Your risk of developing herniated or ruptured discs will greatly depend on how much the discs in your spine have degenerated over time.

Common herniated disc symptoms

Pain in the legs, lower back, and muscles are usually considered as the most common herniated disc symptoms that people with herniated discs experience.  They are also subject to two types of pain – deep muscle pain and muscle spasms.  Prolonged sensations of pins and needles as well as weakness in the lower extremities are also related to the symptoms of nerve-related herniated discs.  Most of its symptoms will make you feel as if you were experiencing electric shocks.  This usually occurs in the extremities and lower back but the arms and necks may also be subject to such pain.

Most herniated disc symptoms greatly depend on the location of the rupture or hernia.  The size of affected areas may also contribute to the severity of the pain that patients may experience.  Most of them note a degree of pain that varies depending on the kind of activities they perform.  While some patients find sitting down painful, others may experience excruciating pain while walking.  Doctors usually recommend patients to relax the spine through light walking  and other herniated disc exercises or bed rest when alleviating these herniated disc symptoms.  Other patients may also need to undergo physical therapy and herniated disc surgery should always remain as their last option.

Herniated disc symptoms may vary from one patient to another. Those who are suffering from extreme forms of herniated disc may also experience loss of bladder or bowel control. This complication usually occurs when the nerves located at the base of the spine are squeezed. If ever you are experiencing symptoms that are more serious than the usual pain in your extremities and lower back then you may have to consider some kind of herniated disc surgery, luckily most cases do not need such drastic action.

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