Most people recover from a slipped disc within six weeks without treatment. Until then there are a number of treatment options that aim to help relieve the pain and improve mobility
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If you’ve ever experienced a damaged spinal disc, you understand the high level of pain it can bring. The simplest movement can make it worse or downright excruciating. Spinal discs are round, rubbery pads that go between the vertebrae and are made up of two parts: the elastic outer shell (annulus fibrosis), and the jelly-like contents (nucleus pulposus). The outer shell can handle quite a lot of pressure without damage, but certain types of injuries can damage the shell and push its contents out.
Ninety-percent of disk injuries are in the lumbar region of the lower back. Though most herniated disks put pressure on surrounding nerves causing pain, it is possible to have deformed disks without and discomfort. Herniated disks are most common in men and women who are 30 to 50 years old, however, active children and younger adults may also experience disk problems. People who exercise regularly are much less likely to experience disk issues as they tend to stay flexible longer.
When a patient has a symptomatic disc (one that presents with low back pain and/or leg pain), it is the disc space itself that is the source of pain. These discs have a number of important functions including shock absorption, keeping the vertebral column stable and giving the vertebrae ‘pivot points’ to allow movement.
What Causes Disk Problems?
When a disk is stressed, its inner “jelly-like” material begins to swell and eventually starts to ooze out of its tougher, outer membrane. If the disk becomes severely injured, all or part of the core material may push through the outer casing at a weak spot, putting pressure on surrounding nerves. Although any trauma to the lower back can bring on a disk problem, most disk problems are due to degeneration caused by aging, and the reduced flexibility that typically accompanies it. Poor muscle tone and posture are contributing factors to disk problems, as is obesity. In severe cases, insufficient collagen is thought to be at fault. However, sometimes a disk swells or tears on its own without any known cause.
Symptoms of Disk Problems
The symptoms of a damaged disc can vary according to its location and severity. Many people who show evidence on scanning of damaged discs have no symptoms. However, general signs may include:
- Back pain
- Pain radiating down the legs
- Worsening pain associated with bending over or sitting down for a long time
- Worsening pain associated with activities like coughing or sneezing
- Pain worsens at night
- Pain when walking short distances or pins-and-needles in an arm or leg.
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