herniated disc: what is it?

By Lisset Lanza

The spinal column is a long, supportive structure that protects the spinal cord. It is made up of segments of bone called vertebrae, which contain spinal discs. Spinal discs act as a bu er to absorb shock and as ligaments that hold the spine together. The outer portion of the discs are firm and made up of collagen fibers. The outside is tough but flexible enough for slight mobility. On the inside, discs have a rubbery, gelatinous middle.

With age, the discs begin to wear down, and as they weaken, the outer shell can develop tears. The gel can then pour out into a tear and start to bulge out on to the surrounding nerve. A disc that ruptures is known as a herniated disc, sometimes called a slipped disc. It is usually caused by the deterioration of the disk over time but can sometimes be triggered by misuse of back muscles when lifting. It is more common in those over 30 and is twice as common in men than in women.

Symptoms

How bad the symptoms are depends on how much of the disc is pressing on the nerve.

Herniated discs often occur in the lumbar spine, or lower back, but can occur in di erent locations, like the neck. Those a ected may experience pain or numbness in the arm, leg or thigh. Depending on where the herniated disc is located, pain will often occur on one side of the body. If you experience intense pain along with numbness, tingling or paralysis, see a doctor immediately.

Treatment

Usually, pain from a herniated disc subsides on its own within six weeks. The first step in healing is to rest. The pain worsens with activity, and it’s best not to agitate the disc itself further. It’s OK to periodically move and stretch a little when resting. Prolonged inactivity could make the area sti , and you may want to change positions to adjust for comfort. Unless the pain is urgent, a trip to the emergency room isn’t necessary. Instead, opt to visit your local health care provider. From there, questions will be asked about your family history and your symptoms to determine a diagnosis.

As treatment, medicine such as antiinflammatory and pain reducers will be prescribed. If symptoms persist, you may be directed to a specialist, where physical therapy will be recommended. Surgery is a last resort. It’s usually not needed, and when it is, it may be because of an underlying cause. Even so, if pain doesn’t improve within four to six weeks or if symptoms get worse, surgery may be needed to relieve the pain.

Prevention

A herniated disc is a common issue. To try to prevent it in the future, it’s a good idea to practice safe exercises to strengthen the back. Remember to always bend at the knees and keep the back straight when lifting. If prone to back problems, avoid wearing high heels so as not to agitate the region.