Caring for your Herniated Disc

Certain risk factors can increase your chance of experiencing a herniated disc. Whether a herniated disc occurs because of an injury or wear and tear, these risk factors put more pressure on your spine.

Some of these factors are outside of your control but not all. The longer these controllable factors are an issue, the higher your risk of herniated discs becomes. 

Weight

Weight is a common problem leading to different herniated disc causes. Excess weight and obesity can lead to weakened back muscles. When these muscles are weak, it's harder for the spine to retain its shape and carry weight.

Because of this, your spine and discs face a higher rate of compression and curvature. The combination of increased pressure, new vertebrae angles, and weakened muscles puts you at a greater risk of a herniated disc.

Genetics

Genetics is another risk factor when it comes to developing herniated discs, especially for people with a family history of lumbar degenerative disc disease. This means your genes affect how quickly your discs wear down over time. 

However, genes aren't a deciding factor as to whether you'll experience issues with herniated discs. They play a role, but how you take care of yourself and reduce other risk factors can contribute to ensuring a healthy spine.

Smoking

Smoking can increase your risk of lumbar degenerative disc disease. Nicotine can lead to your spinal discs drying out and becoming more rigid. This occurs because nicotine deprives your spine of certain nutrients that are vital to spinal health.

Exposure to carbon monoxide from smoking also steals nutrients from your body. As your body is exposed to carbon monoxide, it can't absorb the nutrients it needs from your blood. 

Occupation

An occupation that requires physical exertion can increase your risk of experiencing a herniated disc. Jobs that require heavy lifting or frequent bending and twisting are especially risky.

Failing to lift a heavy object with your legs puts strain on other parts of your body such as your spine. Even if you don't immediately herniate a disc, repeated activities can wear down your discs.

Muscles weakness is one of the most common herniated disc symptoms. It mostly affects muscles connected to compressed nerves. This weakness can worsen over time.

Even if you're not experiencing pain, it's important to carefully monitor muscle weakness. In severe cases, you may start noticing muscle atrophy (a loss of muscle mass). 

One of the worst herniated disc symptoms is pain in the arms or legs. Pain from a herniated disc can occur in several ways. Some patients experience pain ongoing, but other patients may experience pain only as a result of certain movements. 

The way the herniation presses against the nerve can affect the way the pain feels. For example, some people may experience sharp pain when a particular joint is touched while others may experience shooting pain when straightening a limb.

Numbness and tingling are often experienced with pinched nerves. These symptoms can also be intermittent or constant and can worsen if left untreated. 

If this numbness leads to incontinence issues, you should seek emergency treatment immediately. While uncommon, this can lead to permanent paralysis of the lower limbs. 

A contained herniation, which is also called a protrusion or bulging disc, is the result of compression between the vertebrae. This compression causes the disc to protrude outward and compress the nerves around it.

This type of herniation is the most likely to go unnoticed and untreated. Contained herniated disc symptoms are often associated with mild pain or discomfort. 

A non-contained herniation, or disc extrusion, occurs when the outer layer of the disc breaks apart. The soft material inside of the disc leaks out into the spinal canal. This can happen as a result of a sudden injury or the worsening of a contained herniation.

Severe pain, numbness, and tingling are common symptoms of this type of herniation. They force the most pressure on the nerves surrounding the spine.

One of the potential consequences of not treating a non-contained herniation is a sequestered herniation. The exposed fragment of the disc can detach from the damaged disc and move to different areas of the spine. 

This type of herniation is rare, but it can have more acute symptoms than other types. You are also more likely to experience bowel or bladder incontinence with this type of herniation.

Once you've scheduled an appointment with your doctor or surgeon, there are a few tests they can recommend to diagnose the cause of discomfort. Your doctor may recommend multiple tests depending on your symptoms.

X-Rays

X-rays are often the first attempt at diagnosing back-related injuries. However, it's important to note that a disc herniation doesn't show on a traditional x-ray. 

An x-ray helps rule out any problems with the vertebrae of your spine. This includes fractures and signs of arthritis. 

Computed Tomography Scan (CT/CAT scan)

A computed tomography scan also called a CT or CAT scan, helps your doctor see the shape and size of the spinal canal. The image produced by a CT scan can help doctors see large disc herniations. However, it might miss smaller ones.

CT Scan with Myelogram

A CT scan with a myelogram helps show any pressure on the spinal cord. Before an x-ray or CT scan, the medical team injects a special dye into the spinal canal. While it shows compression, it doesn't necessarily identify the reason for the compression.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the most effective methods of diagnosing a herniated disc. Unlike an x-ray or a CT scan, an MRI can show nerve roots and the spinal cord.

This technology produces a 3D image with the use of magnets. It makes it easier to spot small herniations, tumours, and more. To learn more about MRI's, be sure to visit our article on the topic.

To heal a herniated disc quickly, you have to be dedicated to working with your medical team. This involves taking prescribed pain medications, attending prescribed treatments, and scheduling follow-up visits.

However, it's important to note that the best course of treatment may not always be the fastest course of treatment. 

A non-surgical herniated disc treatment typically involves some combination of medication and physical therapy. For mild to moderate pain, doctors start by prescribing a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or a steroid injection.

Before starting physical therapy or visiting a chiropractor, you'll likely start with light activities that don't cause pain to keep you active. Bed rest can cause your body to become stiff and painful. Eventually, you'll be directed to a physical therapist for an evaluation and treatment plan.

The type of surgery you might undergo for a herniated disc depends on the type and location of the herniation. There are a few different approaches that can relieve pain.

• The protruding part of the disc is removed to relieve pressure
• The entire disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc
• A portion of the spine is permanently fused to immobilize it

Lumbar spine surgery helps relieve sciatica and leg pain caused by a herniation on the lower portion of the spine. The surgeon makes a small incision down the center of the back. They remove a portion of the lamina and move the muscle aside to gain access.

Cervical spine surgery helps relieve pain caused by a herniation of a disc in the upper portion of the spine. The incision is either made from the front or back of the neck depending on the location of the herniation.