FAQs About Herniated Discs
Lower back pain is experienced by many people, and it can develop from numerous things being wrong. Sometimes the pain is the result of doing something as simple as sitting in a chair each day, such as if you do it for long hours due to the type of job you have. If you are beginning to notice that the pain is beginning to affect your lower extremities like your legs, a herniated disc might be the cause. You should schedule an appointment to see a specialist as soon as possible in case treatment is necessary on the herniated disc to prevent the pain from getting worse. After reading through the content below, you will know more about herniated discs and how to treat the pain that they cause.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
Your spinal cord is made up of numerous bones that are called vertebrae. To prevent too much friction between vertebrae when you move your back, there are discs between each of them that act as cushions. The discs are made of an outer part that is firm and a center that is soft and provides the cushioning for vertebrae. A disc becomes herniated when the soft center of it begins to wear down. The vertebrae then has less cushioning and can cause mild to severe pain when they move.
How Does a Disc Become Herniated?
The main reason for a disc becoming herniated is due to the back getting injured. For instance, if you don't sit in your chair properly on a regular basis, it can injure your spinal cord. It is important to sit in a position that allows your spinal cord to be as straight as possible. Another way that a disc becomes herniated is from natural processes when growing older. It is important to get diagnosed so the specific cause of your herniated disc can be pinpointed.
What Are the Treatment Options?
There are a few methods for treating a herniated disc, but it depends on how severe it is and your level of pain. It is actually possible for a herniated disc to heal on its own, but treatment by a specialist is ideal if you need prompt pain relief. Various medications for inflammation and pain can be prescribed as a treatment method. Undergoing physical therapy is another option for treated a herniated disc, which can be combined with taking medication. Surgery is an option if the condition is too severe for other treatment methods to work.
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