The pain and discomfort of a herniated disk can significantly impact the quality of your life.
Here is what you should know about having a herniated disk, including what it is, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Plus, learn about the medication, self-care, surgery and lifestyle options that may help relieve pain.
What is a herniated disk?
The Cleveland Clinic describes a herniated disk as a spinal injury. Your spinal cord is made up of bony parts called vertebrae; between the vertebrae are disks that act as cushions. These make it easier to bend and move. When one tears or leaks, it is called a herniated disk. The injury typically occurs in the lower back or neck region. A herniated disk may also be called a slipped disk, a ruptured disk or a bulging disk.
Herniated disk causes and risk factors
Disk herniation often results from aging; the disks become less flexible over time. The Mayo Clinic lists the following risk factors:
- Weight: Excess weight puts a strain on the back.
- Occupation: People with physically demanding jobs that require repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing and bending are more likely to have a herniated disk.
- Genetics
- Smoking: It is believed smoking lessens the oxygen supply to the disks and may cause them to break down more quickly.
- Frequent driving: Sitting for long periods can put pressure on the spine.
- Sedentary lifestyle
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Herniated disk symptoms
Penn Medicine lists the following symptoms of a herniated disk:
- Pain that occurs on one side of the body
- Sharp pain in one part of the leg, hip or buttocks
- Numbness in part of the leg, back of calf or sole
- Weakness in one leg
- Pain when moving your neck
- Deep pain near or over the shoulder blade
- Pain that moves along your arm. It may worsen after sitting or standing, at night, when sneezing, coughing or laughing or when walking more than a few yards or bending backward.
Herniated disk diagnosis
Your health care provider will examine your pain, muscle reflexes, sensation and strength and may order diagnostic tests, including:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): The most common and accurate test for herniated disk.
- X-rays: These help doctors rule out other causes.
- Computed tomography (CT): This is to see the bones of your spine.
- Myelogram: Dye injected into your spinal cord helps locate the herniated disk.
- Electromyogram (EMG): This is used to evaluate the function of your nerves.
Herniated disk treatment
“Doctors prefer nonsurgical treatments over surgery whenever possible,” Dr. Mark Wang, an orthopedic spine surgeon at the Desert Institute for Spinal Care in Phoenix, writes. “If surgery is necessary, they will opt for the most minimally invasive option with the highest chance of success, given your condition.”
Wang lists several nonsurgical treatment options:
- Physical therapy: May also include hot and cold therapy.
- Hot and cold therapy: Cold therapy reduces inflammation and pain, while hot therapy promotes circulation and healing.
- Alternative therapies: Acupuncture and chiropractic care may help.
- Selective nerve root blocks: This is a minimally invasive steroid-anesthetic injection that interrupts the pain signal between the spinal nerves and the brain.
- Epidural steroid injections: Medicine is injected into the spinal column’s epidural space.
The Mayo Clinic lists several medications for herniated disks: