Herniated Disc Explained

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The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae and a sponge-like material in between the bones called discs. Discs protect the vertebrae from grinding against each other or touching nerves and helps keep the spine supple. But when a disc bulges out or pops open, it causes great pain because it presses onto nerves. This is a herniated disc, but doctors and chiropractors may also call it a slipped disc or ruptured disc.

Herniated discs appear more often in the lower back, but also appear in the neck and upper back. This condition does not get better on its own. There is no drug available that cures a ruptured disc, although some drugs can temporarily alleviate the pain.

Causes

Herniated discs commonly affect the aged beginning at age 35. Both men and women are affected. The skeleton, including the spine, loses its elasticity and strength as it ages. Discs inevitably become unable to hold onto the moisture levels of a youthful spine and degenerate. Since discs deteriorate so gradually, it is difficult for patients or even their doctors to pinpoint just what event caused the disc to slip or bulge.

Back injuries or a traumatic injury such as an auto accident or a fall from a ladder may also cause a herniated disc that can affect people of any age. Being overweight causes a constant strain on the lower spine and can make a person more prone to a herniated disc than a person of ideal body weight.

Symptoms

People experience vastly different symptoms of a slipped disc depending on where in the spine the ruptured disc is and how many nerves it presses on. The most common symptoms are back pain, pain that shoots down the buttocks and legs or no pain at all. Numbness down the leg, back or buttocks may also be symptoms of a slipped disc or a stroke. Always get any strange numbness in the body checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible.

People may also experience pain or a strange tingling sensation down one or both arms. These sensations may come and go or only occur when doing certain activities like lifting objects, sneezing or coughing. An arm or leg may suddenly become very weak, making simple tasks such as walking or holding a spoon very difficult. This weakness may or may not be accompanied by pain, numbness or tingling. Never ignore these sensations, even if they are not painful.

About the Author:
County Line Chiropractic is your Miami Chiropractor with offices throughout South Florida. Whether you need a massage or MRI consider us your Fort Lauderdale Chiropractor For more information call 1-800-811-1231.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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