A herniated disk is a common spine injury. The disk is the cushion between the vertebrae in your spine. When it becomes herniated or bulges out, it can pressure the spinal cord or the nerve roots exiting the spine. Pittsburgh disc herniation can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms or legs.
What are the causes of disc herniation?
There are many causes of disc herniation. Some include:
- A sudden twisting or bending injury
- Aging and wear and tear on the spine
- Being overweight
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
What are the symptoms of disc herniation?
The symptoms of disc herniation vary depending on which nerve is being compressed. They can include:
- Pain in the back, neck, or arms
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Difficulty walking
How is a disc herniation treated?
There are many treatments for disc herniation; below, find a detailed explanation of the treatment options:
Non-surgical treatments
Non-surgical treatments are the first line of treatment for disc herniation. They include:
- Rest
- Ice packs
- Physical therapy
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Surgery
If the non-surgical treatments do not relieve the symptoms, surgery may be needed. The surgery options include:
Discectomy: This is the most common surgery for disc herniation. The surgeon removes the disk portion that is pressing on the nerve.
Microdiscectomy: This is a less invasive surgery than a discectomy. The surgeon uses a microscope to remove the disk fragment.
Spinal fusion: This surgery joins two or more vertebrae to stop them from moving. It is used if the herniated disk is causing severe spinal compression.
Artificial disk replacement: This surgery replaces the damaged disk with an artificial one.
What are the risks associated with surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with disk herniation surgery. These include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Damage to the spinal cord or nerve roots
- Risks associated with anesthesia
- Failed surgery
How long does it take for a herniated disc to heal on its own?
Most people who have a herniated disk will recover without surgery. The healing time varies from person to person, but typically it takes 6-12 weeks for the disk to heal on its own.
Why are herniated discs worse at night?
Herniated discs are worse at night because the disks are compressed when lying down. It puts pressure on the nerve roots exiting the spine, which can cause pain and other symptoms.
How can you prevent disc herniation?
There are some things you can do to help prevent disc herniation:
Maintain a healthy weight: A healthy weight puts less stress on the spine, and it can help you avoid disk herniation.
Exercise regularly: Exercise helps keep the spine strong and healthy, which can help prevent disc herniation.
Avoid twisting or bending injuries: These types of injuries can cause disc herniation.
Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing a herniated disk; avoid it if you can.
Wear a back brace: If you are prone to back injuries, wearing a back brace can help prevent them.
Practice safe lifting: Incorrectly lifting heavy objects can cause a herniated disk. Always lift with your legs and use a weight belt if needed.
If you are experiencing any of the disc herniation symptoms, consult your doctor at Steel City Spine and Orthopedic Center for diagnosis and treatment. Early treatment can help prevent further damage to the spine.
