Herniated Disc Q & A

What is a herniated disc?

The vertebrae in your spine are cushioned from each other by discs. If one of these discs becomes weakened or injured, you have a herniated — or slipped — disc.

Discs cushion your spine from the daily impact of activities like walking, twisting, and lifting. They’re made up of two parts: a tough exterior and a softer interior, reminiscent of a jelly doughnut. When you have a herniated disc, the interior of your disc begins to protrude through a tear in the tough exterior.

As your disc bulges, it can irritate nerves in the area, leading to a variety of unpleasant side effects including pinched nerves. A nerve is pinched when you experience numbness, pain, or weakness in peripheral nerves located outside of the spinal cord.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

Herniated discs are most common in your lower back, but they can appear in your neck. They can cause several symptoms, including:

• Sciatica
• Muscle weakness
• Pain when walking
• Burning, aching, or tingling sensations
• Pain in the neck, back, arms, legs, or hips
• Pain and numbness on one side of your body

Herniated discs can also cause the shooting pain and discomfort that’s aggravated by certain movements.

What causes a herniated disc?

Several factors can lead to herniated discs, such as:

• Weak muscles
• Injury or trauma
• Being overweight
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Lifting heavy objects
• Disc degeneration due to aging
• Certain movements like twisting

Men are at higher risk of developing herniated discs than women. When left untreated, a herniated disc can cause permanent nerve damage.

How is a herniated disc diagnosed?

To diagnose your herniated disc, your doctor at Posture Perfect Wellness Center performs a physical examination to identify the source of your discomfort. This involves evaluating your muscle strength and nerve function as well as your response to pain during touch and movement.

Based on your exam, your doctor might recommend imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to look for soft tissue or bone damage along your spine.

How is a herniated disc treated?

Your doctor at Posture Perfect Wellness Center strives to treat your herniated disc with innovative and conservative methods whenever possible. These might include:

• Pain relievers or muscle relaxants
• Spine injections to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain
• Chiropractic treatments like manipulation or mobilization
• Physical therapy to increase back strength and reduce pain

We service patients from all over the DFW area including North Dallas, Addison, Carrollton, Plano, Garland, Irving, Allen, Richardson, and University Park, Highland Park, Frisco and McKinney. 

Call Posture Perfect Wellness Center or schedule an appointment online to treat your herniated disc today.