A herniated disc is one of the more common spinal conditions for adults in the US. However, even with this knowledge, many people don’t know very much about herniated discs and what causes them to occur. The neurosurgeons here at Georgia Brain & Spine Center strongly believe that understanding spinal conditions is critically important to help patients who may someday experience them. That’s why we wanted to discuss herniated discs, what may cause them to occur, and potential treatment options.
The bones (or vertebrae) of the spine are cushioned by small, round discs that are located between each individual vertebra. These discs act as shock absorbers for the spinal bones. Each disc consists of a soft inner portion as well as a tough outer ring. A herniated disc (sometimes referred to as a bulged, slipped, or ruptured disc) occurs when the softer inner portion of the disc protrudes through the tougher outer ring. This rupture then causes the disc to put pressure on the spinal nerves, resulting in pain that can be severe. Although a herniated disc can occur in any part of the spine (including the neck), they are most common in the lower back area.
A herniated disc can be caused by several different things. For some people, they may occur naturally as a result of aging. In some cases, a certain motion or physical activity like lifting something too heavy can be the cause. Accidents including falls or motor vehicle accidents can cause a disc to become ruptured. Certain risk factors like being overweight, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle can also potentially contribute to herniated discs. Additionally, a herniated disc can be a sign of degenerative disc disease in some people.
The first step towards treating a herniated disc is getting a proper diagnosis. This is something our experienced brain and spine experts can do here in our office. Once a diagnosis is made, we will discuss all the available treatment options. This includes non-surgical options including physical therapy, pain-killing injections, or medicines like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for people with more moderate pain or discomfort. In cases where the pain is more severe, may benefit from a spinal surgery procedure to provide relief.
If you or a loved one has experienced a herniated disc, there’s no reason to let debilitating pain disrupt your quality of life. The neurosurgeons here at Georgia Brain & Spine Center have many years of experience in diagnosing and treating spinal conditions like herniated discs and will do everything in our power to ease your discomfort and get you feeling your best again. For more information, or if you would like a second opinion on an initial diagnosis, please contact Georgia Brain & Spine Center at 1 (800) GO-SPINE to schedule a consultation today. And follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news, updates, and much more.