The Inside Scoop on Herniated Discs

The Inside Scoop on Herniated Discs

A herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc, is a condition of the intervertebral disc in the spine that can cause back pain and difficulty with normal functioning. The spine is made up of 26 vertebrae, and between each vertebrae is a cushioning referred to as the discs. The discs serve the purpose of keeping the vertebrae in line and absorbing shock. A herniated disc occurs when the soft jelly like material of the disc leaks out through a crack in the disc.

Herniated discs are very common and can occur anywhere along the spine, but most often affect the lower back and the neck. A disc herniation causes pain when the fluid leaking out of the disc presses on the surrounding nerves of the spine.

Herniated discs can happen to anyone at any age. The most common symptoms of a herniated disc include:

·      Lower back pain

·      Neck Pain

·      Buttocks pain

·      Numbness or tingling

·      Muscle Weakness

A herniated disc is diagnosed with a physical examination, account of your symptoms and diagnostic testing. Fortunately, a majority of patients with a herniated disc can avoid surgery and resolve their back pain caused by a herniated disc with non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, acupuncture and exercises geared towards relieving the pain of the disc.

Physical therapy for a herniated disc is the most effective first line of treatment as it helps relieve pain, helps reduce inflammation and fosters a healing environment without medication. Treatment for a herniated disc may also include massage therapy and acupuncture.

At Sarrica Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, our Doctor of Physical Therapy, Marcello Sarrica, can evaluate your back or neck pain to help you find the root cause of the pain and provide the most effective treatment option for you. If you are experiencing pain, please call us at 347-560-6920.