Have you been experiencing numbness or pain in your spine? You may have a herniated disc. A herniated disc, also known as a ruptured or slipped disc, is one of the most common causes of back, neck, and leg pain. It is usually caused by problems with the spongy spinal discs that provide comfort and stability to your spine. Disc herniation can often be treated with surgery. This article will help you understand disc herniation, its types, stages, and tips for prevention.
What is Disc Herniation?
Your vertebral column is protected by soft, rubbery cushions called spinal discs that keep your vertebrae from grinding against each other. Each spinal disc comprises two parts:
- A soft jelly-like center called a nucleus and
- A tough and fibrous exterior known as an annulus
A herniated or slipped disc occurs when a tear in the annulus causes the nucleus to leak out and put pressure on nearby nerves. Obesity, heavy lifting, or sudden movements are the most common causes of disc slips.
Types of Disc Herniation
Our spine is divided into distinctive regions, including the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Depending on the location of pain or numbness, disc herniation can be divided into three basic types.
Cervical
When a disc herniates in the cervical region, it is called cervical herniation. Anyone suffering from cervical herniation will experience pain in the neck that might radiate into their shoulder and arm.
Thoracic
Twelve spinal discs protect the vertebrae in your upper and mid-back. When any of these discs slip or rupture, it leads to thoracic herniation. The resulting pain or numbness may move from the back to the front of the chest or upper abdomen.
Lumbar
Lumbar herniation occurs when any of the five discs protecting your lumbar vertebrae rupture or herniate. The pain or numbness arising in the lower back due to lumbar herniation can radiate into the hip and leg.
4 Stages of Disc Herniation
Spinal disc herniation progresses through four stages until the disc is completely herniated.
Stage 1: Disc Protrusion
Disc protrusion occurs when the jelly-like material on the inside of the spinal disc, the nucleus pulposus, slightly pushes against the outer shell, the annulus fibrosus. Consequently, the disc abnormally bulges to one side. A protruding disc may (but not necessarily) irritate the nearby spinal nerve, causing slight pain or numbness.
It is worth mentioning here that a bulging disc does not always cause chronic discomfort. In fact, the disk usually returns to its original condition.
Stage 2: Prolapsed Disc
Over time, the disc slightly changes its position. The inner nucleus pulposus pushes against the outer fibrous layer but does not tear it completely. The pressure on the spine increases, and the patient may start to experience tingling sensations, numbness, or pain. However, the herniation process is still incomplete.
Stage 3: Disc Extrusion
At this stage, the gel material finally breaks the outer wall but still stays intact. The symptoms of this phase can be easily managed with non-surgical treatments such as:
- Physiotherapy
- Posture correction exercises
- Medication
- Heat and cold therapy
- Lifestyle changes
Stage 4: Sequestered Disc
During sequestration, the nucleus pulposus leaks into the epidural space, fully detaching itself from the disc. At this stage, the herniation is complete. A sequestered disc can lead to critical issues if left unaddressed. Patients often become bedridden due to discomfort and sometimes require a surgery called discectomy.
Is It Dangerous to Leave a Herniated Disc Untreated?
Yes, untreated herniated discs can cause serious health problems. Since it is a form of spinal injury, you are at risk of the following symptoms if it gets worse:
- Paralysis
- Chronic pain
- Nerve damage
- Urinary problems
- Fecal incontinence
- Saddleback anesthesia (Loss of sensation in inner thighs, around the rectum, and down the back of legs)
Consult a medical professional if you experience any symptoms of the herniated disc. The treatment of disc herniation depends on the extent to which your disc has been damaged. You may need diagnostic tests such as a CT scan, and then your doctor will suggest effective treatments.
Tips to Prevent Herniated Disc
The best way to avoid herniated discs is to make lifestyle changes and adopt healthy habits. Since herniated discs mostly occur in the neck, mid-back, or lower back, most prevention tips focus on these areas.
- Maintain good posture: Poor posture puts pressure on your spinal discs and can potentially lead to herniation. Improve your posture and maintain an aligned spine during daily activities like sitting, walking, or running.
- Stop smoking cigarettes: The nicotine present in cigarettes can deprive your body tissues of oxygen and nutrients. This can contribute to the deterioration of the spine.
- Exercise regularly: Regular exercise strengthens your back and leg muscles, improves your cardiac health, and helps you maintain a healthy weight, thereby reducing the risk of disc herniation. To establish a strong core, try exercises like swimming, walking, and cycling.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obese individuals are at a higher risk of disc herniation as there is more strain on their back and knees. Maintaining a healthy weight is a good way to protect your spine long term.
- Lift safely: Even small twists while lifting heavy items can lead to a slipped disc. It’s important to practice safe lifting techniques, especially if you are lifting items repeatedly.
Disc Herniation: When Should You Seek Help
Minor disc herniations do not interfere with your daily activities. However, if the pain, numbness, or discomfort increases to a level where you are having difficulty performing routine tasks, you should contact a healthcare provider. Since injuries are one of the common causes of disk herniations, immediately seek assistance if you notice any new symptoms post-injury. According to a survey, 90% of herniated disc patients recover with non-surgical treatments.
Get Your Spine Treated Today
Disc herniation usually results from obesity, injury, and sudden twists or movements. It can be cervical, thoracic, or lumbar and is divided into four stages. The early stages include a protruding and prolapsed disc, and the later stages include extrusion and sequestration of the spinal disc. To avoid a herniated disc, you should maintain good posture and a healthy weight. Other prevention methods involve quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and practicing safe lifting techniques. It’s important to seek medical assistance if the pain in your neck or spine persists for too long or does not go away with simple treatments.
Oklahoma Spine & Pain Management has an experienced healthcare team that can help you manage pain and recover from a herniated disc. Contact us today for holistic treatment!
