If you are experiencing pain, weakness, or numbness in your arms or legs, you may have a herniated disc. A herniated disc, also known as a ruptured disc, refers to issues with the soft, rubber disc between the spinal bone. A ruptured disc can occur in two places: the lower back, known as the lumbar spine, and the neck, known as the cervical spine, causing back pain and neck pain.
Herniated discs are quite common and do not always need treatment. Most of the time they can be healed by rest; however, if symptoms persist, you may need to see an orthopedic surgeon near you specializing in spine surgery.
Herniated discs most often occur due to age. When we age, discs begin to gradually degenerate, and the surrounding ligaments lose strength. The older you are, the more likely it is for a minor injury to cause a disc to rupture.
In addition to aging, herniated discs can be caused by injuries and genetics. If multiple people in your family have experienced herniated discs, you may be genetically inclined to get one as well.
Symptoms associated with herniated discs typically only occur when the disc is pressing on a nerve. This can cause weakness, numbness, and pain in the connected nerve, most often resulting in back pain.
Symptoms may be experienced in the arms and legs. More specifically, experts at Mayo Clinic say, “If your herniated disk is in your lower back, you'll typically feel the most pain in your buttocks, thigh, and calf. You might have pain in part of the foot, as well. If your herniated disk is in your neck, you'll typically feel the most pain in your shoulder and arm.”
If the herniated disc is not pressing on a nerve, you may experience little to no symptoms at all.
Anyone can develop a herniated disc; however, the following factors may increase your risk of developing this condition:
Herniated discs are not always preventable, but here are some steps that may help with prevention:
There are a variety of treatment options for herniated discs, ranging from rest to surgery. Most people who experience a herniated disc will just need to rest and focus on preventing the disc from getting worse. However, if your symptoms do not lessen after six weeks, you may need to see a physical therapist or a spine specialist.
Herniated discs can go away on their own with conservative treatment or rest and activity modification. Sometimes a herniated disc can still be present, but if it is not causing symptoms, it is okay to let it be.
If your symptoms will not go away or worsen, seek help from a spine specialist near you.
If you are experiencing persistent issues relating to a herniated disc, like lower back pain, other back pain, neck pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling, come see one of our amazing spine doctors: Colin G. Crosby, MD, or R. Christopher Glattes, MD. Find an orthopedic surgeon near you in Nashville, TN or Franklin, TN!
You can book an appointment with Colin G. Crosby, MD at our Midtown or Green Hills location in Nashville, TN.
You can book an appointment with R. Christopher Glattes, MD at our Midtown, Green Hills, or Centennial locations in Nashville, TN, or our Cool Springs location in Franklin, TN.
