Herniated disc causes can vary, but the end result is basically the same in all instances – a disc develops a tear in the tough outer wall (annulus fibrosus) and the inner disc material (nucleus pulposus) leaks into the spinal column. Pain may be felt at the site of herniation due to inflamed nerve fibers in the annulus fibrosus, but it is more common for pain to spread throughout the neck, back, and/or extremities due to compression of a spinal nerve root by the extruded nucleus pulposus.

Causes of a Herniated Disc

The single most common cause of a herniated disc is the natural degeneration that accompanies the aging process. Discs lose water content, height, and elasticity, rendering them unable to support the body’s weight, hence the development of a tear or bulge. Other herniated disc causes include:

– Illness
– Obesity
– Traumatic injury
– Congenital disorder
– Poor posture
– Prolonged overexertion

Describing Your Symptoms to Help Confirm a Diagnosis

Whether your herniated disc symptoms stay localized or travel throughout your back, neck, and/or extremities, it’s important that you describe your discomfort accurately to your doctor so that he or she can make a proper diagnosis. Since discomfort associated with a herniated disc is neuropathic in nature, symptoms may not always feel “painful” in the traditional sense of the word. Rather, you may feel sensations of tingling, muscle weakness, cramping, numbness, or muscle spasms. No matter the nature of your symptoms, try to note their location and frequency, in addition to detailing any activities that mitigate or exacerbate your discomfort.

In Conclusion

Anytime you experience back or neck pain lasting more than a few days, it is highly recommended that you visit your primary care physician as soon as possible. Your pain may be caused by something as common as an aching muscle, or as serious and life threatening as an infection or tumor, so it is important that you receive swift and appropriate medical care.

When you visit your doctor and describe your back pain, he or she likely will order several tests to help in the diagnostic process. First, your doctor will test reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation. These tests can give the doctor a good idea of whether or not you have a herniated disc, and where that damaged disc is located. Blood tests also might be ordered, to help your doctor rule out an infection and other diseases. After these tests, your doctor may order an X-ray and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). These imaging tests can provide the doctor with clear, detailed pictures of your spinal column. While it is normal for the doctor to see some disc damage in all adult patients, the imaging tests can show the damage and degeneration in great detail, which helps your doctor confirm his or her diagnosis of a herniated disc.

Rarely, a herniated disc to lead to cauda equina syndrome – a serious condition that, if left untreated, can lead to permanent paralysis and incontinence. Cauda equina syndrome is caused by a spinal abnormality – such as a herniated disc – pressing upon the cauda equina (a bundle of nerves hanging off the end of the spinal cord). If you experience incontinence, numbness around the genitals, or difficulty walking, you may have cauda equina syndrome. Go to the emergency room immediately.

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for herniated discs and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: Herniated disc