Disc Herniation
In between each of the bones (vertebrae) in your spine, there are discs that serve as your body's shock absorbers. These are attached to the vertebrae by ligaments. Disc herniation occurs when one slips and protrudes into the spinal canal, usually pressing on a nerve and causing pain. It most commonly occurs in the lower back (lumbar region). Disc herniation is also called a ruptured or slipped disc.
What Causes Disc Herniation?
- Degeneration of the disc and ligaments due to aging
- Excessive strain or trauma
What Are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?
Symptoms will vary depending on the location and severity. In general, look for:
- If it's not pressing on a nerve, you will have a moderate backache.
- If a nerve is involved, the pain will be more intense, sharp and radiating. Some describe as feeling like an electric shock.
- Numbness and weakness.
How Is Disc Herniation Evaluated?
Keep a pain diary of your symptoms to show your physician. Write down:
- The day, time and duration of pain
- Pain location
- Pain intensity, rating it from one to ten, with ten being excruciating
- If the pain is intermittent or chronic. If intermittent, what movement causes it?
- What you were doing before or during the pain onset
- Physical activities that you participate in. (Have you started something new?)
- Medications you take regularly
Your physician also may order:
- CT scan (computed tomography scan)
- EMG/NCS (electromyogram and nerve conduction studies)
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging
- Myleogram
- X-rays
How Is Disc Herniation Treated?
Non-surgical options
Surgical options
For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).