Disc Herniation Pinched Nerve

DISC HERNIATION IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF LOWER BACK PAIN AND SCIATICA

It develops when the spongy cushions in your spine break open or become damaged – resulting in painful symptoms.

lower back

UNDERSTANDING DISC HERNIATION

Your spine is comprised of a number of bones, also called vertebrae. Each of these bones is cushioned by a spongy disc, which enables spinal flexibility and absorbs shock. When one of these structures bulges or breaks open, it’s called a herniated disc. A common problem, disc herniation tends to occur due to:

NATURAL WEAR AND TEAR

As you grow older, your discs naturally lose some of their flexibility and become more susceptible to damage.

LIFTING HEAVY OBJECTS

A herniated disc is likely to develop if you use your back muscles to lift heavy objects, instead of your legs.

SPINAL INJURY

An injury to the spine may result in cracks in the hard outer layer of the disc, which can ultimately cause the structure to bulge or break open.

A herniated disc can occur anywhere along your spine and neck. However, it’s most common in the lower back, or the lumbar spine.

SYMPTOMS

A herniated disc can appear with or without symptoms. When symptoms do appear, it’s typically because the damaged disc is applying abnormal pressure to the nerve roots, causing:

PAIN IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE BODY

If the herniated disc is located in your lower back, you will likely feel the pain in your buttocks, thigh and calves. If it’s located in your neck, the pain can extend into your arm and shoulder.

NUMBNESS OR A TINGLING SENSATION

A common herniated disc symptom, numbness or tingling will occur in areas of the body that are connected to the affected nerves.

PAIN THAT WORSENS WITH CERTAIN MOVEMENTS

In many cases, pain from a herniated disc will be exacerbated by changing positions, coughing or sneezing.

RADIATING PAIN DOWN YOUR LEG

If the sciatic nerve is affected by the herniated disc, you may experience pain that radiates down your leg and foot, also known as sciatica.

DIAGNOSIS

To determine if your symptoms are caused by a herniated disc, our physiatrists will begin with a full physical examination. We’ll talk to you about the symptoms you are experiencing, and we’ll evaluate your back for pain and tender areas. From there, we will have you lie down on your back and move your legs to different positions, which can provide insight into exactly what’s causing your pain.

Frequently we may order an MRI to confirm the location of the herniated disc and obtain a baseline image before treatments, as well as to identify which nerves are involved and monitor progress and healing after treatments.

PREMIER TREATMENT FOR YOUR HERNIATED DISC

As an alternative to traditional steroid treatments, our team is actively researching new non-pharmaceutical approaches that include cell based therapies.

Disclaimer: Our healthcare practitioners use products and perform therapies cleared for general use by the United States Food and Drug Administration, but specific indications for treatment have not be evaluated and reviewed by the FDA. You are encouraged to consult with your primary care physician prior to undergoing a cell therapy.

Get on the path to comprehensive healing and long-term pain relief today.

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