Are you experiencing back pain for some time now? It can be a herniated disc. A herniated disc puts extra pressure on your nerves and muscles around the spinal cord. As a result of this extra pressure, you start experiencing back pains, strange neck pains, extremity symptoms, etc. All these pains are indicative of one or more herniated discs. However, to know if you have this specific problem, continue reading below.
Symptoms of a herniated disc
Symptoms vary greatly, depending on the size and position of the herniation. If it doesn’t put any pressure on nerves, the patient might suffer from low backaches or no pain at all. If on the other hand, the herniation is pressing on nerves, the person will experience numbness, pain, weakness in the surrounding region.
If you have a herniated disc in the lower back portion of your body, it causes sciatica. Pressure on one or multiple nerves in this region results in burning, tingling, and a sense of numbness, which extends from the buttocks to the foot.
If the herniated disc is exerting pressure on the nerves in the neck region, it causes cervical radiculopathy.
Due to this, the person experiences a sharp pain in the neck or between shoulder blades. The pain usually extends from the arm down to the fingers causing numbness and a tingling sensation. Symptoms, in this case, include aching, extreme sensations, and pain with certain neck positions.
Luckily, a lot of people suffering from the pain of herniated disc has got relief by practising physiotherapy. With regular physiotherapy sessions, one can get back to his/ her normal lifestyle.
What are herniated discs?
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc or ruptured disc is a part of the disc nucleus which protrudes out of the annulus, into the exterior region. A protruding disc causes pain because the spinal cord has restricted space. It’s inadequate to accommodate the spinal nerve and the displaced herniated disc. Diseases like herniated discs are genetically inherited as per studies. According to researchers, genetics has a strong role to play in endplate herniations at 40 to 49 years of age.
The spinal cord consists of several bones, namely the cervical spine, the lumbar spine, and the thoracic spine. Herniation can occur at any portion of your spinal cord. Usually, they occur in the lumbar region but often can occur in the cervical spine. Each disc has a gelatinous internal component and a tough exterior ring. When the disc protrudes through the outer ring, it results in herniation. That protruding disc is called the herniated disc. A person experiences pain, discomfort, and numbness due to this pain. The pain is caused due to several reasons. For instance, twisting and turning can increase pain. Lifting heavy objects can also do the same.
You must be wondering why aged people suffer more from this problem. That’s because as we age, these spinal discs start to lose some of their gelatinous water content. Because of that, they are more likely to slip out of the place, thus protruding outside.
Causes of herniation
A single severe injury or strain can result in a herniated disc. However, if you are an aged person, herniation can take place naturally, as the liquid content inside your discs starts to degenerate. As the degeneration process begins, any minor twist or strain can cause one or more discs to rupture.
Certain individuals are more vulnerable. As a result, they may suffer from this disease in several places. If you have been experiencing extreme backaches for some time now, consult a well-known doctor at Health Bound. It is known to have the best team of doctors, who would examine your issue and come up with appropriate test results.
Common treatments for herniated discs
In recent times, correct physiotherapy sessions can completely cure herniated discs. Contact the best physiotherapists at Health Bound and fix an appointment with them. They will diagnose the degree of herniation at first and then verify if a herniated disc is the actual cause of your pain. If a herniated disc is identified, they would create a treatment plan for you, according to your immediate needs.
How is physiotherapy useful in treating herniated discs?
Physiotherapy sessions usually include several exercises and stretches, which are aimed at relieving your pain, enhancing your body function, and facilitating the natural healing process of your body.
Physiotherapy also involves passive treatments like electric stimulation, tissue massage, hot and cold therapy, etc. Deep tissue massage relieves deep muscle tensions and spasms caused due to herniation. Hot and cold therapy increases blood flow to the herniated region of the spine.
These treatments are addressed to increase stability, strength, posture, and flexibility. Physiotherapists at Health Bound will teach you core stabilizing exercises to muscle exercises which strengthens your body. You will also be taught proper stretching and flexibility techniques. Not only that, you have to follow certain restrictions in your daily life. In short, physiotherapy is one of the quickest, affordable, and safest ways to cure and prevent the herniated disc from occurring further.
If you are experiencing back pains for quite some time, immediately contact a physiotherapist today. These issues shouldn’t be neglected at any cost. A proper diagnosis is the only way to find out if the pain is caused by a herniated disc. Only then can you follow a customised treatment plan. So without delaying any further, contact your nearest physiotherapist and recover fast.
James Wallace has been an advocate for mental health awareness for years. He holds a master’s degree in counselling from the University of Edinburgh.
