Herniated disc is a condition that happens when a disc thrust out into the spinal canal. As part of the natural aging process, disc degenerates and the inner disc material can thrust out into the spinal canal. A herniated disc can affect any section of the spine but the most common is in the lumbar spine and the neck or the cervical spine.
According to Laser Spine Institute, about 90% of herniated disc happens in the lumbar section specifically in the lumbar segments four and five or in the lumbar segment five and sacral segment 1. When herniation occurs in this area it usually puts pressure on the nerve roots in the lumbar segment five or sacral segment one thus resulting to pain and other symptoms. Indeed herniated disc is often identified in the lumbar region but it can also occur in the cervical region and about 10 percent of disc herniation happens in the cervical area.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
Lumbar Herniated Disc
Disc herniation in the lumbar section can cause tingling and numbness in the legs down to the feet. It can also cause back pain although you have to take note that back pain can be a cause of other diseases than herniated disc so that proper diagnosis should be done.
Cervical Herniated Disc
In the cervical spine symptoms can include pain, tingling and numbness that often spread from the neck to the shoulders down to the arm and even to the fingers. Depending on which nerve root is affected then the above symptoms can be experience in different section of the body from your neck down to your shoulders, arms and even down to the tip of your fingers.
The pain that results from herniated disc often gets worst when you are on the go and usually gets much better when you are resting. When you feel pain it may get worst when you are driving, sneezing, coughing, bending forward and even sitting. Pain usually gets worst when you have this movement since it can put pressure in the nerves.
Treatment for such conditions depends on the severity of the herniation. Most of this condition do respond to conventional type of treatment although there are some cases that needs back surgery which is not very viable since it comes with high risks, long period of recovery as well as hospital stays.
It is better then if you can prevent such condition to occur by observing safe practices at home and in your workplace to avoid any kind of injury. It is then important that you know what kind of activity you should be involve with and always take precautions to make sure your back and neck remains healthy.