Herniated Disc
A herniated disc, also known as a bulging disc or slipped disc, refers to a condition in which the soft inner core of an intervertebral disc protrudes through the tough outer layer. The intervertebral discs are the cushions between the vertebrae (bones) of the spine, acting as shock absorbers and allowing for flexibility.
When a disc herniates or bulges, the inner gel-like material called the nucleus pulposus pushes out through a weakened or damaged disc area. The herniated disc can then put pressure on nearby spinal nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the size of the body supplied by those nerves. This can occur due to age-related degeneration, wear, and tear, or trauma to the spine.
The symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on the location of the affected disc. The neck (cervical spine) can cause neck pain, radiating pain into the shoulders and arms, and possibly tingling or weakness in the hands. The lower back (lumbar spine) can result in back pain, radiating pain into the buttocks and legs (sciatica), and possible numbness or weakness in the feet.
Treatment for a herniated disc typically begins with conservative measures, such as rest, pain medication, physical therapy, and exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve flexibility. In many cases, symptoms of a herniated disc improve with these non-surgical treatments.
However, surgical intervention may be considered if conservative treatments do not provide relief or if there are severe symptoms like progressive weakness or loss of bowel or bladder control. Surgical options include discectomy (removal of the herniated portion of the disc) or spinal fusion (joining two or more vertebrae together).
Suppose you suspect you have a herniated or bulging disc or are experiencing associated symptoms. In that case, seeking medical evaluation and guidance from a healthcare professional is recommended. They can accurately diagnose and suggest appropriate treatment options based on your condition.