What is a Herniated Disc?

Most people have heard of slipped or herniated discs before, but many are not entirely sure of what this means or how this back injury can be caused. A herniated disc is a medical condition that occurs when a gel-like material contained inside the spinal discs leaks out and puts pressure on the spinal nerves. Slip discs can affect any part of an individual’s back, from the lower, to the middle and all the way up to the neck.

What are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?

Pain is one of the most common symptoms of a herniated disc and can range from mild to extreme and even debilitating in some cases. Depending on the position of the herniated disc, people may experience a combination of pain in their back, but also in their buttocks, legs, and feet.

Other common symptoms include numbness, tingling, and a ‘pins and needle’ sensation in the affected area. Some people may also experience a feeling of weakness in the affected area as well.

What are the Causes and Treatment Options?

Herniated discs can be caused by a variety of factors, including bad posture, poor lifting technique, physcial trauma, or even age-related wear and tear. Depending on the severity, a doctor may recommend several treatment options such as physiotherapy, hot or cold therapy, or even prescribed painkillers to help ease the pain.

In more extreme cases, surgery may be necessary. For most cases, however, people can reduce the severity of their pain by staying active and adhering to their doctor’s strict recommendations.

As with any medical condition, the best way to prevent a herniated disc is to stay active, practice good posture and lifting techniques, and visit your doctor as soon as you experience any of the symptoms described in this article. If caught early enough, you can often avoid more severe cases of a herniated disc and find relief without requiring extensive medical treatments.