“The risk of the herniated disc is quite common, with around 80 percent of the total population affected by it in their lifetime and on an average 2 percent developing disc herniation every year across the world. Most people get affected with it in their 30s-50s, and it can be very painful. However, timely treatment by an expert can undoubtedly help you manage pain and get rid of the condition completely. It also decreases the risk of cognition getting worse due to inattention.” – Barrow Neurological Institute
A herniated disc is one of the most common spine injuries in humans. It is related to the discs that are present in the spine. Basically, the spine in the human body has a series of vertebrae, which are bones stacked on top of each other. Now, since stacking a hard bone over the other can cause degeneration due to direct contact, discs are present between two vertebrae to prevent degeneration.
Moreover, the bones in the spine are shaped in a way that they leave a hollow cavity in the center of the spine for nerves to reach the lower body from the brain via the spine. Now, for any reason, if the inner jelly-like substance present in the disc comes out by tearing the outer covering, it is known as a herniated disc. What exactly happens in this case is that the jelly-like substance, which has now enveloped the spine cavity, compresses the nerves that are going through. Hence, it leads to pain and many other symptoms.
The symptoms of a herniated disc differ based on the location of the herniated disc. While pain and muscle weakness are two common symptoms, here are symptoms of two types of herniated disc condition.
In this case, the herniated disc is present in the neck and is known as herniated cervical disc. The symptoms are:
Herniated lumbar disc is the condition where the affected disc is present in the lumbar or lower back region, and the symptoms are:
As we discussed, when the inner material of the disc present in the spine tears its firm outside covering, it causes pain and is known as a herniated disc. But what exactly causes a disc to end up in this condition? The causes of herniated discs can be many, ranging from age to being overweight. So, there are many risk factors for disc herniation like:
For the diagnosis of a herniated disc, the doctor first lists down your symptoms. If the symptoms are found to be related to the herniated disc, then these are the methods that the doctor may use for confirmation:
Here are the treatment options for herniated discs:
Most cases of herniated discs heal on their own, which means you are left with pain until the healing process ends. To manage the pain, you can use over-the-counter pain relief medication. After some time, you may see that the symptoms have vanished completely, and you can stop taking further medication.
You should also focus on taking proper rest as it helps you get relief earlier by preventing further strain on the affected disc. Moreover, you use ice and heat accordingly to deal with pain and inflammation. If you are feeling unbearable pain, then you can apply it for instant relief. On the other hand, if there’s inflammation around the affected area, you can use a heating pad. Make sure not to use both of these methods for a longer period.
Physical therapy is also a great way to deal with herniated discs. You can book a session with a professional where the therapist will use different methods to relieve the muscles as well as grow them stronger so that they provide better support to your spine. It leads to early recovery from the problem and prevention of further damage.
Regenerative intervention orthobiologics is a modern science-backed procedure that is used in spine conditions to make recovery faster. In this process, the orthobiologics are created with the help of bone marrow concentrate or growth factors from your blood. These orthobiologics are implanted in your spine around the affected part and can also be done in a hybrid manner after minimally invasive surgery. It doesn’t require any additional incision. As soon as the orthobiologics are implanted, they help the tissues to recover on their own.
In some very rare cases, the herniated disc can cause a problem called Cauda Equina syndrome. In this syndrome, the patient loses the ability to control bladder and bowel movements. In such cases, an urgent invasive surgery is done, which requires much more time to recover.
The recovery time for a herniated disc can vary from a few weeks to even months. If the condition starts to heal on its own, it mostly takes just a few weeks. However, if the surgery is performed, then it may take several months to recover and resume regular activities. These are the rehabilitation tips for herniated discs:
Here are some of the preventive measures to avoid herniated discs:
You should see a doctor if you are having constant back or neck pain for weeks. Moreover, if the pain radiates, then it means that you are more likely to have a herniated disc. In case of loss of bladder and bowel control, visiting a doctor urgently is a must.
A herniated disc is a common problem and affects many people each year. It can cause unwanted interference in your day-to-day tasks. Get rid of herniated discs today with Axis Clinics.
Yes, mostly, the herniated disc gets healed on its own but does not get back in place in the spine if it is bulged out as per MRI images and you only need to manage the pain.
Depending on the condition, it can take a few weeks to several months for the complete recovery from the herniated disc.
You should avoid heavy lifting and any activity that results in pain for some time.
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