Your spine plays a vital role in your body. It gives your body structure, flexibility, and stability, allowing you to bend and freely move. With aging, developments in your spine raise your chance of complications such as a herniated disc, also known as a bulging or slipped disc. A herniated disk occurs whenever the rubbery discs that function as cushioning between the bones of your spine get dry, injured, or cracked. Therefore, the jelly-like middle filling may swell, squeezing tissues in your spine and prompting back discomfort. The orthopedic spine experts at Woodbury Spine recognize the complexities of back pain and how ruptured disks can disrupt your life and create substantial pain. For professional care of a herniated disk in Woodbury, call the office or request an appointment online today.
What Are the Risk Factors of Degenerative Disks?
A herniated disk could impact anybody, but varying factors could raise your vulnerability to the condition. However, in numerous circumstances, herniated disks are frequently caused by age-related variations in the components of your spine. Your intervertebral discs get drier and less flexible with aging, making them more vulnerable to harm.
Even the simplest actions, such as lifting a large object, might trigger problems due to the usual wear and tear of age. Other risk factors of a herniated disc include:
- Being obese
- Working in a physically demanding job
In addition, herniated discs are more prevalent in men than women.
What Are the Typical Warning Signs of a Herniated Disk?
Your spinal canal is quite small. When an intervertebral disc moves out of position, it could squeeze or irritate nerve roots, resulting in discomfort and other symptoms that vary based on where the herniated disc is located in your spine.
Some of the most common herniated disc symptoms include:
- Pain radiating from your legs or arms
- Weakness or loss of reflexes in your legs or arms
- Unusual tingling feelings or numbness in your legs or arms
- Symptoms that exacerbate with sneezing, coughing, standing, or sitting for extended periods
Often, your symptoms will get worse at night and only afflict one part of your body.
How to Treat Herniated Disks?
Adopting proper posture, weight management, and often partaking in muscle-strengthening activities to support and stabilize your spine are the greatest ways to avoid herniated discs. Unfortunately, there are times when it is unavoidable.
Whenever you come to Woodbury Spine, the orthopedic specialists team up with you to determine a precise diagnosis and create a tailored care plan to alleviate your symptoms. Treatments for herniated disks frequently comprise a blend of therapies, including:
- Physical therapy
- Epidural steroid injections
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Neurostimulation
If your pain does not respond to more conservative therapies, your doctor might suggest surgery. Some of the surgical procedures Dr. O’Brien offers at Woodbury Spine include:
- Microdiscectomy
- Discectomy and fusion
- Artificial disc replacement
Are you worried about debilitating back pain? Rely on the experienced orthopedic spine specialists at Woodbury Spine to accurately detect your back discomfort and provide the pain relief you require to restore your life quality. Make an appointment through mobile or request online to explore your care alternatives.