Herniated Disc: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Table of Contents

What causes a herniated disc?
Herniated disc symptoms
How is a herniated disc diagnosed?
Herniated disc treatments
How to prevent a herniated disc?
Frequently Asked Questions About Herniated Disc

Do herniated discs heal on their own?
What is the fastest way to heal a herniated disc?
What makes a herniated disc worse?

Summary

A herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc or a ruptured disc, is a condition where one of the discs that cushion the bones of the spine (vertebrae) bulges out and presses on a nearby nerve. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the back, neck, arm or leg, depending on the location and severity of the herniation.

What causes a herniated disc?

The most common cause of a herniated disc is aging. As people get older, the discs lose their flexibility and become more prone to tearing or cracking with even a minor strain or twist. This is called disc degeneration. Other factors that can increase the risk of a herniated disc include:

Obesity
Smoking
Poor posture
Repetitive lifting, bending or twisting
Trauma or injury to the spine

Herniated disc symptoms

The symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on the location and size of the herniation and the nerve that is affected. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience severe pain and disability. The most common symptoms of a herniated disc are:

Back or neck pain that may radiate to the arm or leg
Numbness, tingling or burning sensation in the affected area
Muscle weakness or spasms
Difficulty moving or controlling the arm or leg
Loss of bladder or bowel control (rare but serious)

The symptoms of a herniated disc may worsen with certain movements, such as coughing, sneezing, bending or twisting. They may also vary throughout the day, depending on the position and activity of the person.

How is a herniated disc diagnosed?

To diagnose a herniated disc, a doctor will ask about the medical history and the symptoms of the person. The doctor will also perform a physical exam to check for signs of nerve compression, such as reduced reflexes, muscle strength, sensation and mobility. The doctor may also order one or more imaging tests, such as:

X-rays: to rule out other causes of back pain, such as infection, tumor, fracture or spinal alignment problems
MRI: to show the detailed structure of the spine and the location and extent of the herniation
CT scan: to provide cross-sectional images of the spine and the surrounding tissues
Myelogram: to inject a dye into the spinal fluid and then take a CT scan to show the pressure on the spinal cord or nerves
Nerve conduction studies and electromyography: to measure the electrical activity and function of the nerves and muscles

Herniated disc treatments

The treatment for a herniated disc depends on the severity of the symptoms and the response to conservative measures. Most people with a herniated disc can improve with nonsurgical treatments, such as:

Medications: to relieve pain, inflammation and muscle spasms, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, neuropathic drugs, muscle relaxants, steroids or opioids
Physical therapy: to strengthen the muscles that support the spine, improve posture and flexibility, and reduce pressure on the nerve
Heat or ice therapy: to ease pain and inflammation by applying heat or cold packs to the affected area
Massage, acupuncture or chiropractic care: to relax the muscles, improve blood flow and stimulate the natural healing process
Lifestyle changes: to avoid activities that worsen the symptoms, lose weight if overweight, quit smoking, and practice good ergonomics at work and home

If the symptoms do not improve or worsen after six weeks of conservative treatment, or if the person has severe pain, weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control, surgery may be considered. The goal of surgery is to remove the herniated portion of the disc and relieve the pressure on the nerve. The most common types of surgery for a herniated disc are:

Microdiscectomy: to make a small incision in the back and use a microscope and special instruments to remove the herniated disc material
Laminectomy: to remove part of the bone (lamina) that covers the spinal canal and create more space for the nerve
Artificial disc replacement: to replace the damaged disc with an artificial one that mimics the natural movement and function of the spine
Spinal fusion: to join two or more vertebrae together with screws, rods or bone grafts to stabilize the spine and prevent further herniation

The type of surgery depends on the location and size of the herniation, the overall health and preference of the person, and the expertise of the surgeon. The risks and benefits of surgery should be discussed with the doctor before making a decision.

How to prevent a herniated disc?

While it is not possible to prevent a herniated disc from occurring, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing one or to prevent the symptoms from worsening. Some of the preventive measures include:

Exercising regularly to keep the muscles of the back and abdomen strong and flexible. This can help support the spine and reduce the pressure on the discs. Some of the recommended exercises are walking, swimming, cycling, yoga and pilates. However, avoid exercises that involve twisting, bending or lifting heavy weights, as these can increase the stress on the spine and the discs.
Maintaining a good posture when sitting, standing, working or sleeping. This can help align the spine and prevent unnecessary strain on the discs. Use a chair that supports the natural curve of the spine, and avoid slouching or hunching over. Adjust the height of the computer screen, keyboard and mouse to avoid neck strain. Use a pillow that supports the head and neck, and avoid sleeping on the stomach.
Maintaining a healthy weight to avoid excess load on the lower back and the discs. Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of disc degeneration and herniation. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in calcium, vitamin D, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can also help nourish the discs and prevent inflammation.
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these can impair the blood flow to the discs and accelerate the aging process. Smoking can also reduce the oxygen supply to the tissues and weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to heal and fight infections. Alcohol can dehydrate the body and the discs, making them more prone to injury and inflammation.
Avoiding activities or movements that can trigger or worsen the symptoms of a herniated disc, such as lifting, twisting, bending or driving for long periods. If these activities are unavoidable, use proper techniques to protect the spine and the discs. For example, lift with the legs and not the back, keep the object close to the body, and avoid twisting the spine. Take frequent breaks and change positions to avoid stiffness and fatigue. Use a lumbar support or a cushion to reduce the pressure on the lower back when sitting or driving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Herniated Disc

Here are some frequently asked questions about herniated disc, and their answers.

Do herniated discs heal on their own?

A herniated disc may heal on its own, but this does not mean that the disc itself has returned to its normal state. Rather, it means that the symptoms caused by the disc pressing on a nerve have subsided, either because the disc has shrunk in size, the inflammation has reduced, or the nerve has adapted to the pressure. However, some people may need surgery or other treatments to relieve their pain and prevent further complications.

What is the fastest way to heal a herniated disc?

There is no quick fix for a herniated disc, but some people may heal on their own in a few weeks to months by resting, avoiding activities that cause pain, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Others may need more treatments, such as physical therapy, injections, or surgery, depending on the severity of their symptoms and the location of the herniation. The best way to prevent or delay a herniated disc is to maintain a healthy spine by exercising, stretching, using proper lifting techniques, and avoiding smoking and alcohol.

What makes a herniated disc worse?

Some activities and factors that can make a herniated disc worse are prolonged sitting, bending, twisting, lifting, driving, smoking, and being overweight. These can increase the pressure on the disc and the nerve, causing more pain and inflammation. To prevent or reduce the symptoms of a herniated disc, it is advisable to avoid these activities and factors, and follow the doctor's recommendations.

Summary

A herniated disc is a common spinal condition that can cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the back, neck, arm or leg. It occurs when one of the discs that cushion the vertebrae bulges out and presses on a nerve. The most common cause of a herniated disc is aging, but other factors such as obesity, smoking, poor posture, repetitive lifting, bending or twisting, and trauma or injury can also contribute to it.

The diagnosis of a herniated disc is based on the medical history, physical exam, and imaging tests of the person. The treatment options vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and the response to conservative measures. Most people can improve with nonsurgical treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, heat or ice therapy, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and lifestyle changes. However, some people may need surgery to remove the herniated disc material and relieve the pressure on the nerve.

The outlook for a herniated disc is generally good, as most people can recover with conservative treatment within a few weeks or months. Some people may have residual or recurrent symptoms that require further treatment or surgery. The best way to prevent or delay a herniated disc is to maintain a healthy spine by exercising regularly, stretching before and after physical activity, using proper lifting techniques, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, sleeping on a firm mattress and using a pillow that supports the neck, eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

A herniated disc is a treatable condition that can affect anyone at any age. By following the doctor's advice and taking care of the spine, most people with a herniated disc can enjoy a good quality of life and resume their normal activities.

We hope this article has helped you understand more about herniated disc, and how to prevent and treat it. If you are looking for a high-quality and affordable brace for herniated disc, you can order the Back Brace for Lower Back Pain - Lumbar Support Belt for Women & Men from Zofore Sport online and get free shipping and delivery within the US.

References

American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) “Herniated Disc”
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) “Herniated Disk in the Lower Back”
WebMD “Herniated Disk Diagnosis”
MedlinePlus “Herniated disk”
National Library of Medicine (NLM) “Disc Herniation”

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