The symptoms of a herniated disc don’t always seem clear cut. If the root of the problem is in the neck or back, then why do symptoms appear in the upper or lower extremities? This article will explore the answer to this question and identify some of the methods that can be used to alleviate the symptoms caused by herniated discs. If you need information specifically regarding your unique situation, be sure to consult with your physician. Only he or she can speak to your spinal health.

Localized Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

The intervertebral discs are comprised of tough outer shells (annuli fibrosi) and gelatinous centers (nuclei pulposi). A herniated disc occurs when an annulus develops a crack or tear, allowing the nucleus to escape and seep into the spinal canal. Tiny nerves traverse the annuli and these nerves can become damaged when the annulus ruptures. The nucleus contains an enzyme that can greatly aggravate the nerves in the annulus, which accounts for much of the localized pain associated with a herniated disc.

Radiating Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

In the event that a disc’s nucleus seeps through a crack in the annulus and enters into the spinal canal, a spinal nerve root or even the spinal cord itself can become compressed. Pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness can travel along the length of the compressed nerve and may be experienced in the upper or lower limbs. If a neural structure in the cervical spine is affected, symptoms may be experienced in the head, neck, upper back, shoulders, arms, or hands. A herniated disc in the lumbar spine can cause symptoms to appear in the lower back, hips, buttocks, legs, or feet.

Treating a Herniated Disc

In most cases, the prescribed treatment regimen for a herniated disc involves relieving a patient’s pain and discomfort without surgery. While a patient may be experiencing symptoms in the arm, for instance, treatment should focus on the root of the problem in the neck.

Almost all patients will be advised to treat the symptoms of a herniated disc with medication, namely over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. Patients who suffer from certain cardiovascular or gastrointestinal conditions may be advised to take an over-the-counter analgesic like acetaminophen instead. Occasionally, a patient may be prescribed a narcotic pain reliever or muscle relaxant, but these medications are typically reserved for patients who are experiencing significant pain. Other nonsurgical treatments include physical therapy, the application of heat and/or ice, and lifestyle modifications such as losing weight.

In the event that nonsurgical treatments prove ineffective after several weeks or months, a patient may be advised to consider surgical treatment. While nonsurgical treatments focus on relieving the symptoms a herniated disc causes, surgical treatment aims to decompress the affected neural structure. Before consenting to an operation, a patient may want to receive a second or third opinion to ensure that surgery is, in fact, warranted and that their condition was even properly diagnosed to begin with. Patients who do indeed require surgery may want to inquire about minimally invasive procedures as alternatives to open neck or back surgeries.

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 disc symptoms. 

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 disc symptoms. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/herniated_disc/symptoms/

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 disc symptoms. 

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Herniated Disc Symptoms