As a common cause of back pain, a herniated disk happens when the soft center of a spinal disk slips out of its casing. This can affect nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs.
Some people experience no pain from a herniated disk, particularly if the disk does not press on any nerves. People also refer to the condition as a slipped disk or disk prolapse.
This article will examine the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of a herniated disk. It will also discuss the risk factors for disk herniation and strategies that may help to prevent the condition.
What causes slipped discs?
Slip discs can happen with age because with age discs tend to lose some of their protective water content due to which they can slip more easily out of place. This is more common in men than women. Certain motions like twisting, turning or lifting an object too can cause the condition. Lifting large heavy objects can put great strain on your lower back which can result in a slipped disc. People who are in physically demanding jobs are at an increased risk of experiencing a slipped disc.
People who are obese are also at increased risk for a slipped disc because their discs must support the additional weight. Weak muscles and a sedentary lifestyle may also contribute to the development of a slipped disc.
Risk factors
Factors that can increase the risk of a herniated disk include:
– Weight. Excess body weight causes extra stress on the disks in the lower back.
– Occupation. People with physically demanding jobs have a greater risk of back problems. Repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, bending sideways and twisting also can increase the risk of a herniated disk.
– Genetics. Some people inherit a predisposition to developing a herniated disk.
– Smoking. It’s thought that smoking lessens the oxygen supply to disks, causing them to break down more quickly.
– Frequent driving. Being seated for long periods combined with the vibration from the motor vehicle engine can put pressure on the spine.
– Being sedentary. Regular exercise can help prevent a herniated disk.
What are the signs and symptoms of a slipped disc?
Most herniated disks occur in the lower back, but they can also occur in the neck. Signs and symptoms depend on where the disk is situated and whether the disk is pressing on a nerve. Herniated disks usually affect one side of the body.
– Arm or leg pain. If your herniated disk is in your lower back, besides pain in your lower back, you’ll typically feel pain in your buttocks, thigh and calf. You might have pain in part of the foot as well.
For a herniated disk in your neck, you’ll typically feel the most pain in your shoulder and arm. This pain might shoot into your arm or leg when you cough, sneeze or move into certain positions. Pain is often described as sharp or burning.
– Numbness or tingling. People who have a herniated disk often have radiating numbness or tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves.
– Weakness. Muscles served by the affected nerves tend to weaken. This can cause you to stumble, or affect your ability to lift or hold items.
You can have a herniated disk without symptoms. You might not know you have it unless it shows up on a spinal image.
When to see a doctor
Seek medical attention if your neck or back pain travels down your arm or leg, or if you also have numbness, tingling or weakness.
What are the complications?
An untreated severe slipped disc can cause permanent nerve damage. In very rare cases, it can cut off nerve impulses to the cauda equina nerves in the lower back and legs and patients may lose bowel or bladder control. Long-term complications of the condition include saddle anaesthesia in which the slipped disc compresses nerves and causes the patient to lose sensation in their inner thighs, the back of their legs, and the rectum.
Prevention
To help prevent a herniated disk, do the following:
– Exercise. Strengthening the trunk muscles stabilizes and supports the spine.
– Maintain good posture. This reduces pressure on your spine and disks. Keep your back straight and aligned, particularly when sitting for long periods. Lift heavy objects properly, making your legs — not your back — do most of the work.
Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts more pressure on the spine and disks, making them more susceptible to herniation.
– Quit smoking. Avoid the use of any tobacco products.
Resources: medicalnewstoday.com, mayoclinic.org, healthline.com, thehansindia.com
