Herniated discs, commonly referred to as bulging, ruptured, or slipped discs, are conditions where the soft inside of a spinal disc protrudes through a tear in its tough exterior. The spine is made up of a series of vertebrae, and between each vertebra is a disc. These discs act as shock absorbers and are comprised of two main components: a soft, jelly-like center and a more rigid outer ring. Over time and due to factors like aging and wear-and-tear, these discs can become damaged, leading to herniation.
Herniated discs predominantly occur in two main areas of the spine: the lumbar spine (low back) and the cervical spine (neck). They are especially common between the ribs and hips. In contrast, herniated discs in the thoracic region, which is the mid-back area, are considerably rarer, accounting for only 1 in every 200 to 400 disk herniations.
The primary symptom associated with a herniated disc is pain in the affected area. This pain can manifest as neck or back pain, depending on the location of the herniation. If the herniated disc applies pressure on the spinal nerves or cord, it can lead to radiating pain, which can extend into the arms or legs, depending on whether the herniation is in the cervical or lumbar region. This is often accompanied by sensations like pins and needles, numbness, or weakness.
A cervical herniated disc might exert pressure on a cervical spinal nerve, causing symptoms like neck pain, numbness, pins and needles, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, or arms. In severe cases where a large disc herniation compresses the spinal cord within the spinal canal, there can be numbness, stiffness, and weakness in the legs.
There are various treatment options for herniated discs. Nonsurgical treatments include physical therapy, medications, and injections. When these conservative measures don’t provide relief, surgical interventions such as minimally invasive surgery, fusions, or disc removal might be considered to alleviate pressure on the affected nerves or spinal cord.
For comprehensive understanding and detailed information on herniated discs and their treatments, you can visit these expert sources:
University of Texas Health Science Center
Hospital for Special Surgery
Baylor College of Medicine
And Harvard Health among others.
In conclusion, herniated discs can cause significant pain and discomfort, but with the right treatment, many people find relief and return to their regular activities.
