The Dangers of a Herniated Disc and How to Avoid Them

If you are like most people, you probably don’t think about your spine until something goes wrong. And when something does go wrong, it’s usually a big problem – like a herniated disc. A herniated disc is a condition where the gel-like center of the spinal disc leaks out and pinches on the nerves or spinal cord. This can cause severe pain, numbness, and other problems depending on where the leak occurs. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of a herniated disc and how to avoid them!

What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc is a common problem in the spine where one of the discs between vertebrae slips out of its place and pinches on nerves or spinal cord. A herniated disk refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions (disks) that sit between the bones (vertebrae) that stack to make your spine.

A spinal disk has a soft, jellylike center (nucleus) encased in a tougher, rubbery exterior (annulus). Sometimes called a slipped disk or a ruptured disk, a herniated disk occurs when some of the nucleus pushes out through a tear in the annulus.

A herniated disk, which can occur in any part of the spine, most often occurs in the lower back. Depending on where the herniated disk is, it can result in pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

The lower back is most commonly affected by herniated discs. Some common symptoms of a herniated or slipped disc include:

• Pain that occurs on one side of the body.
• Sharp pain in one part of the leg, hip, or buttocks and numbness in other parts. You may also feel pain or numbness on the back of the calf or sole of the foot. The same leg may also feel weak. These are usually indications of a slipped disc in the lower part of the spine.
• Pain when moving your neck or deep pain near or over the shoulder blade. You may also feel pain that moves to the upper arm, forearm, and fingers and numbness along your shoulder, elbow, forearm, and fingers. These are common symptoms when you have a slipped disc in your neck.

The pain of a slipped disc often feels worse:

• After standing or sitting
• At night
• When sneezing, coughing, or laughing
• Bending backward or walking more than a few yards

The Dangers of a Herniated Disc

A herniated disc can be a very serious issue. Depending on where the disc slips out and pinches on the nerves or spinal cord, it can cause severe pain, numbness, muscle weakness, nerve damage and even paralysis. If left untreated, a herniated disc can result in permanent disability or chronic pain that worsens over time.

How to Avoid a Herniated Disc

There are certain steps that you can take to help avoid the occurrence of a herniated disc:

1. Exercise regularly:

Regular exercise strengthens your core muscles, which help stabilize and support your spine. Low-impact exercises such as swimming or yoga are particularly beneficial for strengthening the core.

2. Maintain correct posture:

Make sure that when you stand, sit, and walk, your spine is in its natural curves. You can do this by keeping your feet shoulder-width apart and your head level with your shoulders.

3. Avoid activities that strain the back:

Don’t twist or bend the back too far and avoid lifting heavy objects.

4. Use good body mechanics:

When lifting, make sure to keep your back straight, use your legs rather than your back muscles, and don’t twist or turn when carrying a load.

5. Get enough rest:

Your spine needs time to heal and repair after activities. Make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep each night and rest when needed throughout the day.

Chiropractic Care for Herniated Discs

Chiropractic care can be very effective in treating herniated discs. Through gentle manipulation of the spine, chiropractors can help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with herniated discs. Chiropractors are also skilled at helping patients learn how to properly move and use their bodies to prevent future episodes of back pain or herniated discs.

By following the tips above and seeking chiropractic care if needed, you can reduce your risk of experiencing a herniated disc. If you are already suffering from a herniated disc, consult with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center to discuss treatment options that will help relieve your pain and prevent further issues.