A herniated disc often causes localized pain as well as radiating numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. But what causes these symptoms? Why do they sometimes appear in the upper or lower extremities? This article will provide answers to these questions in a very general sense. If you’d like information specific to your unique situation, be sure to speak with your physician.

Intervertebral Discs – An Overview

Intervertebral discs are pad-like structures located between adjacent, articulating vertebrae. When the neck and back move and bear weight, the discs are tasked with absorbing pressure to reduce the amount of impact that is placed on the vertebrae. Discs have two main components: the annuli fibrosi (the outer shells) and the nuclei pulposi (the gelatinous centers). The annuli are responsible for absorbing impact while the nuclei help distribute pressure evenly in all directions.

Herniated Discs

A herniated disc occurs when a weakened annulus ruptures, allowing the nucleus to escape and seep into the spinal canal. Herniated discs most often occur as a result of the natural aging process and the degenerative changes that occur because of the constant wear and tear that is placed on the spine. Around middle age, a person’s discs lose water content, become less flexible, and harden, making them less adept at absorbing impact and distributing pressure, making them prone to herniating.

Herniated Disc Causes

When the expelled nucleus comes into contact with the spinal cord or a spinal nerve root, the affected neural structure can become severely irritated. This irritation, as well a muscle weakness, tingling, and numbness, can spread along the length of the affected nerve into seemingly unrelated areas of the body. In the case of a herniated disc in the cervical spine, symptoms can occur in the head, neck, upper back, shoulders, arms, or hands. Herniated discs in the lumbar spine can cause discomfort in the lower back, hips, buttocks, legs, or feet.

Treating Herniated Discs

The pain and discomfort that a herniated disc causes can usually be alleviated through the use of conservative, nonsurgical treatments. Some common treatments for herniated discs include:

– Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain and/or reduce inflammation

– Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the muscles and ligaments in the neck and back

– Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to scramble nerve signals and introduce heat deep into the muscles

– Weight loss and other lifestyle modifications to improve spinal health

– The application of ice (cryotherapy) to numb pain and reduce inflammation

– The application of heat (thermotherapy) to promote healing and reduce tension

While most patients are able to find relief through the use of the above treatments, some may require surgery to decompress the affected neural structure. Modern technology has made it possible for decompression operations to occur endoscopically. This offers a number of advantages over traditional open neck or back surgery, including a smaller incision, and no overnight hospitalization. If your physician has advised you to undergo surgery to relieve the symptoms that a herniated disc causes, ask him or her if you’re a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure as an alternative.

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 to treat the symptoms that a herniated disc causes. 

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute treats the symptoms that a herniated disc causes. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/herniated_disc/causes/

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 to treat the symptoms that a herniated disc causes. 

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Herniated Disc Causes