What causes herniated discs?
The discs between each of the spinal vertebrae are made of a tough outer cover that encloses a gel-like substance in the center. This special design allows the discs to absorb shock and support spinal movement.
Over the years, the cover dehydrates and degenerates. These changes cause weakened areas in the cover.
The inner gel pushes through a weak spot, causing a bulging disc. When the outer cover ruptures, the gel spills out. That’s when you have a herniated disc.
In addition to age-related disc degeneration, being overweight, lack of regular exercise, a traumatic injury, and lifting heavy objects the wrong way can all contribute to a herniated disc.
What symptoms develop if I have herniated discs?
A bulging disc can push into the nerves and escaping gel irritates the nerves. In both cases, the nerves become inflamed and you develop neck or back pain.
Damaged nerves also cause symptoms like pain and tingling that radiate along the nerve. If your herniated disc is in your neck, the symptoms may travel down your arms. If the herniated disc is in your lower back, the pain often travels down your legs.
A herniated disc is one of the top causes of sciatica, which occurs when a pinched sciatic nerve causes excruciating pain radiating down one leg.
How do pain specialists diagnose herniated discs?
At Pinnacle Pain and Spine, our providers review your medical history and symptoms, complete a physical exam, and may order diagnostic testing.
You may need a CT scan, X-rays, or an MRI to verify your diagnosis. You may also need an electromyogram to assess electrical activity in the nerves and muscles.
How are herniated discs treated?
Our providers create a customized treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms. Your treatment may include any of the following:
- Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications
- Muscle relaxers
- Physical therapy
- Oral or injectable cortisone
- Back or neck brace
- Epidural steroid injections
- Selective nerve root blocks
- Spinal cord stimulation
If conservative therapies don’t provide enough pain relief, you may want to consider surgery. Techniques such as a discectomy to remove the disc, followed by replacing it with an artificial disc or a spinal fusion, can often be done as minimally invasive procedures.
If you have neck or back pain along with neurological symptoms like tingling in your arms or legs, call Pinnacle Pain and Spine or schedule an appointment online today.
