Overview
A herniated disc is a condition where a vertebral disc’s outer wall has split or torn and the gel-like fluid in the center has leaked into the spinal canal. They can occur anywhere in the spinal column in addition to the cervical discs in the neck, but they are most commonly found in the lower back due to the weight and stress on the lumbar vertebrae.
Learn more in the video below.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment options may include:
- Anti–inflammation medications
- Cortisone injection (epidural injections)
- Cortisone (oral)
- Muscle-relaxant medications
- Pain medication
- Physical therapy
- Surgical operations
- Rest
- Exercise
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms include:
- Local pain at the area of injury
- Incontinence
- Muscle spasm in neck
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness, weakness, and/or tingling in leg
- Shooting pain (down one or both arms)
- Shooting pain (often on one side of the body)
- Shooting pain (down the buttock into the back of leg)
- Stiff neck
DIAGNOSIS / TESTS
Diagnostic tests include:
- Abnormal sensation in the foot or leg
- Blood tests
- CAT scan
- Electromyogram (EMG)
- MRI
- Neurologic examination
- Physical examination
- Positive straight leg raising test
- X-rays
TYPES
Common forms of herniated discs include:
- Disc protrusion
- Disc extrusion
- Disc sequestration
CAUSES
Causes & contributing factors may include:
- Bending of the spine
- Degeneration of the spine
- Heavy lifting
- Overweight
- Traumatic event (fall or blow to the back)
- Twisting and turning while lifting
FACTS
- A herniated disc is also known as a pinched nerve, prolapsed disc, slipped disc, herniated disc of the spine, or ruptured disc.
- Vertebral discs are often compared to a jelly doughnut with a soft middle.
- Vertebral discs act as cushions between vertebrae minimizing impact on the spinal column.
- The most common location on a spinal column for a herniated disc is between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae.
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OUR OFFICE:
The Pain Experts of Arizona
3370 South Mercy Road
Suite 321
Gilbert, AZ 85297
Phone: 480-550-9393
Fax: 480-999-3375
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