What is a herniated disc? When th...

What is a herniated disc?

When the smooth part between the bones in the spine presse upon the nerves around the backbone, it is called a herniated disc. The word "herniate" (say: her-nee-ate) means to belly or to stick out. Sometimes this question is called a ruptured disc.

Herniated discs are in the greatest degree common in the lumbar spine--the part of your backbone between the bottom of your ribs and your hips. Discs are smooth "cushions" between the bones of the spine. Picture 1 indicates part of the spine. The spine clutchs up your body. It also shields your spinal cord and mights The discs in the spine obstacle you move your backbone.

on what account does a disc get herniated?

As you sprout older, your discs become flatter and les cushiony. If a disc becomes too weak, the exterior part may tear. The inside part of the disc pushes in consequence of the tear and presses forward the nerves beside it. Picture 2 exhibit tos how a disc looks when it prepares pushed through the tear and presse onward a nerve. Herniated discs are chiefly common in people in their 30 and 40s

What are the signs of a herniated disc?

When part of a disc presse forward a nerve, it can cause pain in the back and the leg The location of the pain be pendents on which disc is weak. for what cause bad the pain is be pendents on how much of the disc is pressing upon the nerve. In most the public with herniated discs, the pain spreads athwart the buttocks and goes down the back of single in kind thigh and into the calf. an people have pain in the two legs. Some people's legs or feet be moved numb or tingly.

The pain from a herniated disc usually is worse when you are active and wins better when you are resting. Coughing, sneezing, sitting, driving, and bending forward may make the pain worse. The pain get by hearts worse when you make these mental actions because there is more squeezing on the nerve.

folks with painful herniated discs many times try to change positions to make less the pain. You may have construct that holding yourself up with your hands while you are sitting helps the pain. Shifting your weight to single in kind side also may help. in what way does my doctor know I have a herniated disc?

After asking you questions and giving you an exam, your doctor may take x-rays and other pictures to behold if you have a herniated disc.

What can be done for the pain of a herniated disc?

Your doctor may hint medicine for the pain. You can probably be more active after you have taken the pain medicine for couple days. Becoming active will help you finish better faster. If your pain is simple your doctor may suggest that you stay in bed for a day or two

If the pain medicine does not help, your doctor may give you a ball near your backbone. This might stop your pain. You may ne more than single in kind shot.

Sometimes stretching of the spine by dint of your family doctor or a chiropractor can help the pain.

Will exercises help the pain?

Ye exercises can be helpful. Begin according to stretching. Bend over forward, and then bend to each side. Start these exercises after your back is a little stronger and does not damage as much. The goal of exercise is to make your back and stomach muscles stronger This will ease the press on your disc and make you afflict less. Ask your doctor about exercises for your back. Your doctor may want you to behold a physical therapist to learn about safe back exercises.

What about my posture?

dutiful posture (standing up straight, sitting straight, lifting with your back straight) can help your back. Bend your knee and hips when you lift something, and hold fast your back straight. Hold an goal close to your body when you carry it. If you stand for a lengthy time, put one foot upon a small stool or coachman's seat for a while. If you sit for a lengthy time, put your feet forward a small stool so your knee are higher than your hips. Do not wear high-heeled shoe Do not be motionless on your stomach. These things can offer more pressure on your discs. Picture 3 exhibit tos good posture in lifting, standing, and sitting.

What are my chances of getting better?

Your chances are serviceable Most people with a herniated disc are better in about four weeks. Sometimes it takes longer If you still have pain or numbnes after four to six weeks, or if your enigma gets worse, talk with your doctor. Sometimes it takes surgery to relieve pain.

If you have plague going to the bathroom or have weight los pain at night, or more pain or weakness than usual in your backbone, betray your doctor right away. These might be the signs of a more serious problem

COPYRIGHT 2003 American Academy of Family Physicians

COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group