Causes and Treatments for a Herniated Disc

A herniated disc is a common cause of pain in the lower back. When the discs that cushion the vertebrae in the spine bulge out of place, they can rupture, and put pressure on the nerve roots.

When this happens, it results in varying degrees of pain in the back. Herniated discs can also cause pain, weakness, and numbness in the lower extremities of the body.

A herniated disc can happen anywhere in the spine, but ruptured discs typically happen in the lower back. This type of back injury is more common in people ages 35 and older. Here are some common causes and treatments for a herniated disc in the back.

Causes of a Herniated Disc

As you age, the fluid in the intervertebral discs that help maintain flexibility in the spine starts to disappear. When this happens, the discs become less pliable, and more prone to tears. And because the discs are already vulnerable to damage, the consistent pressure from everyday wear and tear can cause them to bulge out and rupture.

Some everyday activities that can cause the kind of stress on the spine that leads to slipped discs can include slumping, heavy lifting, repetitive movements, sleeping in awkward positions, being overweight, lack of exercise, and twisting and bending motions. Accidents, impacts, and falls that result in trauma to the spine can also cause herniated discs.

The herniated disc putting pressure on the nerves roots is what actually causes the pain in the back. And sometimes a slipped disc can affect other parts of the body, too. If the disc puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, it can cause a condition known as sciatica. This condition causes a burning sensation, and a painful pins-and-needle type feeling to shoot from the lower back all the way down the distance of the legs, hips, and calves.

Herniated Discs Treatments

Herniated discs are painful, and can interfere with your daily activities. But if you refrain from activities and movements that aggravate, or worsen the herniated disc, it will usually resolve itself over time. Heat and cold packs can be applied to the affected area to help relax the muscles, and ease spasms.

Anti-inflammatory or oral steroid medications may be prescribed by your doctor to reduce inflammation, and relieve pressure on the nerves. Depending on your situation, your doctor may decide to administer steroid injections directly to the affected area.

In truly severe cases where other treatments are not effective, surgery may be required. However, surgery for a herniated disc is a serious procedure, so it is often used as a last resort.

With your doctor’s approval, you can start implementing gentle back stretches, and exercises to regain your flexibility, strengthen your core muscles, and reduce your risk of future herniated discs.

A herniated disc can be painful to deal with, and it can interfere with the quality of your life. But with a little rest, the application of heat and cold packs, gentle exercises, and medications to reduce inflammation, you’ll be back into the swing of things in no time.