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Herinated Discs

Identifying the cause of a herniated disc helps guide treatment, as gradual cases (e.g., from weight gain) may be treated differently than sudden ones (e.g., from an accident).

Anatomy involved with a herniated disc?

The spine, made up of 24 vertebrae and intervertebral discs, supports the body and allows movement. Discs act as cushions with a tough outer layer and gel-like center. Over time, discs can dry out and weaken, leading to herniation if the inner gel leaks through a tear. This can irritate nerves or the spinal cord, causing pain and other symptoms.

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What are the possible causes of a herniated disc?

A herniated disc can result from a number of factors, including:

The natural aging process.

The natural aging process.

Due to the cumulative effects of an aging body and ongoing wear and tear on the spinal components, the discs gradually weaken and become more susceptible to rupture.

Spinal trauma

Spinal trauma

Injuries that result from a forceful blow to the spine can cause immediate disc herniation.

Repetitive stress

Repetitive stress

Sitting for prolonged periods or repeatedly lifting heavy objects can cause a series of small tears to develop in a disc’s outer wall, tears that can worsen over time and lead to full disc herniation.

What are the signs you may have a herniated disc?

While a herniated disc does not always cause symptoms, the condition can create localized pain if the tear affects the small nerves located in the uppermost layers of the outer wall of the affected disc. Additionally, a variety of uncomfortable symptoms can develop if the disc wall or escaped nucleus pulposus exerts pressure on the spinal cord or a spinal nerve root. For instance, some people experience neck or back pain, radiating pain that travels through an arm or leg, muscle weakness, numbness, or walking difficulties.

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What symptoms are associated with a herniated disc?

Herniated discs most often occur in the cervical and lumbar spine due to their flexibility and weight-bearing roles, unlike the more stable thoracic spine. Symptoms vary by location, often causing local pain or radiating issues if nerves or the spinal cord are compressed, making medical diagnosis essential.

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Common Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

  • Cervical herniated disc. Localized pain in the neck; a pins-and-needles sensation, muscle weakness, and numbness that travels through the shoulders, arms, hands, or fingers; difficulty walking; a feeling of heaviness in the hands or feet; a decline in fine motor skills.
  • Thoracic herniated disc. Upper back pain that can radiate into the chest or stomach; back stiffness and muscle weakness; symptoms caused by a herniated disc in the thoracic spine that can also be incorrectly attributed to a problem with the heart, gastrointestinal tract, or lungs.
  • Lumbar herniated disc. Discomfort in the lower back; pain that travels into the lower body; pain in one or both legs; weakness or tingling in the lower extremities; diminished reflexes and muscle spasms; in rare cases a loss of bowel or bladder control, which can indicate cauda equina syndrome, a condition that requires immediate medical attention.
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What treatment options are available for a herniated disc?

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