Before we delve too deeply into the symptoms and treatment of herniated disc let’s first look at exactly what a herniated disc is and what can cause the condition.

WHAT IS A HERNIATED DISC?

The human backbone or spine consists of 33 vertebrae.  In between these vertebrae are soft pads consisting of a soft jelly like inside and the tougher outer shell.  It is these discs that act as shock absorbers helping to prevent damage to the spine from stress or injuries.

Herniated Disc

When a spinal disc suffers from degeneration due to injury or aging it can lead to weakness, pain and numbness in the lower back and down the leg.  This degeneration is called a herniated disc.

WHAT CAN CAUSE A HERNIATED DISC?

Spinal disc herniation is generally the result of aging or of some traumatic event.

As we age the spinal discs lose water content and elasticity.  This makes them more vulnerable to the effects of wear and tear and lead to disc herniation.  When the herniated disc is caused due to aging is also called degenerative disc disease.

The other major cause of herniated disc is due to falls or injuries or similar traumatic events that cause the spinal disc to rupture.
Other risk factors that can lead to this condition arer smoking, being overweight, being overly tall and working in an occupation that can cause stress to the spine e.g. one that involves heavy lifting or bending.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A HERNIATED DISC?

The most common symptom of a herniated disc is pain in the lower back, in the buttocks and down the legs.  The severity of the pain and the position of the pain depends on where the disc herniation occurred and the severity of the herniation.  Pain in the lower back, buttocks and legs usually indicates a damaged disc is in the lower back.  If pain is experienced in the upper back, neck, upper arms and shoulders than the damaged disc is probably in the upper back.

Other symptoms that can be experienced following disc herniation are tingling, muscle spasms, numbness and weakness.

HOW IS HERNIATED DISC DIAGNOSED?

Generally you would be referred to an orthopedist for diagnosis of this condition.  Your specialist will perform physical tests as well as scans like MRI or CT with the aim to discover which actual nerve is affected and also the exact position of the herniated disc.  From this information the best treatment can be decided upon.

HOW IS A HERNIATED DISC TREATED?

When your medical practitioner has diagnosed the condition and determined the severity of the herniated disc he will decide the best treatment.  The nature of the treatment is determined by the severity of the symptoms of the herniated disc.

Nonsurgical treatment is the preferred treatment for this condition, however, in severe cases surgery may be necessary.  Fortunately, nowadays, surgery is usually minimally invasive and may not even require a general anaesthetic.  If the condition is acute and other avenues have been exhausted then spinal fusion may be recommended.

There are many nonsurgical treatments for a herniated disc and include methods like hydrotherapy, bracing, traction, stretching, exercising, administering pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication.

When the pain is controlled then rehabilitation can commence.  The aim of rehabilitation is to strengthen the spine and restore its normal function.  Rehabilitation generally consists of a variety of exercises like aerobics and stretching as well as exercises to strengthen the back and improve flexibility.

Very often herniated disc will respond to alternative treatments like acupuncture, yoga and massage.

Of course, like most things, prevention is better than cure and the chances of suffering from a herniated disc can be reduced substantially by exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking and maintaining a good posture.

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