A herniated disc is a fairly common occurrence among Americans, particularly as you get older, affecting as many as one in every five persons over the age of 40. What is a herniated disc, what causes herniation, how can it be diagnosed, and what are the treatment options?
What Is a Herniated Disc?
The discs in your back are rubber-like cushions between your vertebrae that prevent them from rubbing together and also protect nerves from damage. Your discs are firm on the outside with a jelly-like interior. A disc is herniated when there’s a tear in the exterior wall that allows some of the internal jelly-like substance to push out. A herniated disc also may be referred to as a bulging, ruptured, or slipped disc.
What Are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?
The most common location for a herniated disc is the lower back. When the disc bulges, it typically impinges on nerves, usually affecting only one side of your body. Common conditions that may signal a herniated disc include pain in your arms or legs, weakness, and numbness/tingling.
How Is a Herniated Disc Diagnosed?
Most often, a doctor will diagnose a herniated disc by conducting a physical exam. As a general rule, an X-ray won’t show any of the telltale signs of a slipped or bulging disc, but it can help rule out other conditions. A CT scan or myelogram (where dye is injected into your spinal fluid) may allow your doctor to see where the pressure is being applied to your spine. An MRI also can establish the location of a herniated disc.
How Do You Treat a Herniated Disc?
There are generally three ways to respond to a herniated disc:
- A surgical procedure—You can have a lumbar microdiscectomy, where part ofthe disk is removed, relieving pressure on nerves.
- Pain injections—You can have an epidural steroid shot to block or alleviate pain.
- Non-invasive treatment—This typically includes rest, ice, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, and a physical therapy program to strengthen muscles in your back and core.