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Did you know... The spine is cushioned by small, spongy discs. When these discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for the spine. When a disc is damaged, it may bulge or break open, causing a herniated disc.
Causes
A herniated disc is usually caused by simple wear and tear on the disk. As you age, the discs dry out and may not be as flexible. Injury to the spine can also cause a herniated disc, creating tiny tears in the hard outer layer of the disk. When this happens, the gel inside the disc is forced out through the tears or cracks in the outer layer, causing the disc to bulge or break open.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a herniated disc include:
- Numbness
- Weakness in the affected area
- Pain in the buttock and down the leg
- Backache
If you have weakness or numbness in both legs, along with loss of bladder or bowel control, seek medical care immediately.
Treatment
Your doctor may ask you to rest if you experience severe pain; however bed rest for more than one or two days can actually weaken the muscles and worsen the pain. Staying active may help.
In addition, treatment may include applying heat or ice for 15-20 minutes every two to three hours. Exercise and medication may also reduce the pain.
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