Herniated Disc What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, and How to Treat It

1. Herniated Disc: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, and How Herniated Disc: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, and How to Treat to TreatIt? It? Back pain is often known as a common medical condition. However, it may not always be a casual pain. Instead, it might indicate a condition. One of them is a herniated disc that can cause extreme discomfort and pain. We understand living and functioning normally with the pain can be challenging. However, the first step towards managing it is understanding the condition. Before you book your appointment with the best spine doctor in Ahmedabad, we want you to have some basic knowledge. Thus, this blog. Herniated disc: What is it? A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or bulging disc, is a spinal condition occurring on the inner side of the spinal disc. It happens when the soft portion pushes through the annulus fibrosus (the outer tough layer of the disc). The condition can cause inflammation, nerve compression, and pain. What are the causes of herniated discs? A herniated disc is a result of multiple factors. Some of the most common causes include: •Obesity •Genetic factors •Injury or trauma •Improper lifting techniques •Age-related degeneration

2. •Repetitive strain What are the signs and symptoms of a herniated disc? The symptoms and signs of herniated discs depend on the bulge or swelling’s location in the spine. Some common symptoms that people often notice are: Neck pain Pain around the neck, arms, and shoulder area happens when there is herniation in the cervical spine. Sciatica This refers to sensations (like numbness, tingling, and pain) traveling to the leg due to nerve compression. Limited mobility The discomfort and stiffness in the back may limit the patient’s range of motion. Numbness or weakness Nerves affected by herniated discs can weaken the muscles, making walking and lifting difficult. Lower (lumbar) back pain The patient might feel a dull or sharp pain in the lumbar (lower) back, traveling to the legs and hips. How is a herniated disc diagnosed? There are multiple ways spine specialists can diagnose herniated disc. Generally, they do it by combining some diagnostic tests like: •CT scan or X-ray to diagnose certain spinal conditions. •MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to get in-depth images of spinal nerves and discs. •Physical examination tests muscle strength, reflexes, and pain responses. •Nerve conduction studies to test nerve function and determine the compression’s severity.

3. How is a herniated disc treated? It is possible to treat herniated disc with the help of surgical and non-surgical procedures. They are: A. Non-surgical treatment options •OTC pain medications •Hot & cold therapy •Epidural steroid injections •Rest & activity modification •Physical therapy B. Surgical treatment options •Microdiscectomy •Spinal fusion •Laminectomy Wrapping up Herniated discs can disrupt the routine functions and activities. However, with accurate knowledge and early diagnosis of the condition, it can be managed. If you notice any red flags, get in touch with spine specialists. Source URL: https://mindcaretips.wordpress.com/2025/05/27/herniated-disc-causes- symptoms/