Herniated Disc

Symptoms

Most of the herniated discs occur in the lumbar, although they can also occur in the cervical. Signs and symptoms depend on the segment and whether the disc is pressing on a nerve. It usually affects one side.

N

Pain – If your herniated disc is in your lumbar region, you’ll typically feel the most pain in your buttocks, thigh, and calf. You might have pain in the foot, as well. If your herniated disc is in your cervical, you’ll typically feel the most pain in your shoulder and arm.

N

Pain during coughing and sneezing – This pain might radiate into your arm or leg when you cough, sneeze or move into certain positions. Shooting or burning type pain.

N

Numbness or tingling – People who have a herniated disc often have radiating numbness or tingling.

N

Weakness – While lifting objects.

Causes

E

Age – As you age, your discs become less flexible due to degeneration and more prone to tearing or rupturing with even a minor strain or twist.

E

Weight lifting – Most people can’t rule out the cause of their herniated disc. Sometimes, using your back muscles instead of your leg muscles to lift heavy objects can lead to a herniation, as can twisting and turning while lifting.

E

Trauma – Rarely, a traumatic event such as a fall or a blow to the back is the cause.

E

Obesity – Obesity causes extra stress on the discs in your lower back.

E

Occupation – People with physically demanding jobs have a greater risk of back issues. Repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, bending sideways and twisting also can increase your risk of herniation.

E

Smoking – Smoking reduces the oxygen supply to the disc, causing it to break down quickly.

Diagnosis

E

X-rays – Can rule out causes of back pain, such as an infection, tumor, spinal alignment issues, or a broken bone.

E

CT scan.

E

MRI – This test can be used to confirm the location of the herniated segment and to see which nerves are affected.

E

Myelogram – This test can reveal pressure on your spinal cord or nerves due to multiple herniated discs or other conditions.

E

Nerve conduction study – The study measures the electrical impulses in your nerve signals when current passes through the nerve.

E

Electromyography (EMG) – The test evaluates the electrical activity of the muscles.

Treatments

Your doctor might suggest physical therapy for reducing your pain. Physical therapists can show you positions and exercises designed to minimize the pain of a herniation.

Pain killers may relieve the pain temporarily, but it does not cure in all cases. Most of these problems may be managed without surgery with physical therapy. If it is an acute case (less than 6 months) icing is recommended to reduce the muscle ache. IFT, Ultrasound, and TENS are the electrotherapy modalities in physiotherapy management. Neural mobilization is very effective to relieve tingling and numbness to the lower limbs.

Our Spinal Wellness Program is a combination of manual and advanced therapeutic modalities, specific to individual patient conditions and diagnoses. Spinal decompression is an advanced version of traction which allows a negative pressure of -150 to -200 mm Hg to help the disc shrinks to its original shape. It applies computer-controlled pulling forces at precisely measured angles to gently distract specified spinal segments. This distraction in the joints relieves pressure within the disc and any pinched nerves which promotes the movement and absorption of fluids and nutrients in the disc space. These fluids and nutrients are adequate to maintain disc health. Progressively these mechanisms can help to relieve pain.

Back ergonomic guidance and correction is critical for proper rehab and is extremely important for backache management as it helps in preventing recurrence. This consists of proper postural habits, a proper work environment, back exercises, and modifications in activities of daily living.

Elements of Spinal Wellness Program

N

Spinal Decompression Therapy

N

Pain Management

N

Exercises

N

Nutrition & Diet Management

N

Lifestyle Management

N

Ergonomics Guidance

Get a Quick Reply Here



Office

Aluva
Calicut
Perinthalmanna
Kochi

Monday to Saturday: 8:30am – 6pm



Make A Call Now

+919995089400

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a herniated disc? A herniated (or slipped/bulged) disc happens when the inner material of a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in its outer layer, which can press on nearby spinal nerves and cause pain.

What is the difference between a slipped disc and a herniated disc? They are the same thing. Slipped disc is a common term used by patients. Herniated disc, prolapsed disc, and ruptured disc all refer to the same structural event, the inner disc material pushing through a tear in the outer ring.

Does a herniated disc always need surgery? No, most herniated discs are treated conservatively without surgery at first. In about 9 out of 10 people, symptoms of associated nerve pain (sciatica/radiculopathy) improve over time, typically within a few days to a few weeks.

Can a herniated disc heal on its own? Yes. The body reabsorbs herniated disc material over time in the majority of cases. This process takes weeks to months. Conservative treatment accelerates it.

Is it safe to exercise with a disc herniation? Yes, with the right exercises prescribed by your physiotherapist. Generic gym exercises or exercises that load the spine in flexion, sit-ups, toe touches, heavy deadlifts, can worsen a herniation. Specific therapeutic exercises prescribed for your disc level and direction of herniation are safe and necessary for recovery.

My pain is in my leg, not my back. Is it still a disc problem? Possibly. Sciatica, pain radiating down the leg, is frequently caused by disc herniation pressing on the sciatic nerve in the lumbar spine. The disc problem is in your back but the pain is felt in your leg, this is referred nerve pain, not a leg injury.

When should I seek medical help for a herniated disc? If symptoms last longer than four weeks, or if you have significant leg or arm weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or pain following a fall or injury, the last group should be assessed right away.

What does non-surgical treatment for a herniated disc involve? Physiotherapy plays a central role, including positions and exercises to reduce pain and activity modification, with modalities like ultrasound or TENS in acute cases. A physiotherapy assessment will also determine whether spinal decompression is an appropriate part of your treatment.