A herniated disc is a condition that affects your spine resulting in pain, weakness, and numbness in your leg muscles. Although it can affect any part of your spine, Roswell herniated disc usually affects the lower back. The condition can improve with conservative treatment, but your specialist might recommend surgery if that is not the case.
A herniated disc condition can limit your ability to perform normal daily activities. If your situation worsens, seek medical attention.
Symptoms of a herniated disc
- Pain in your back and legs
- Muscle weakness and spasms
- Numbness or sensation of pins and needles
- Tingling sensation
- Burning sensation
Who is at risk of getting a herniated disc?
Although a herniated disc can be hereditary, your lifestyle choices might sometimes increase the possibility of getting the condition. The following people are at a higher risk of getting a herniated disc:
- Overweight or obese people
- People who smoke
- People who lead sedentary lifestyles
- People who do a lot of repetitive lifting and twisting
Treatment options
The first treatment approach that your specialist will use will be medications. The medications will relieve you of pain and minimize other symptoms of the condition. The medications that you can use include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Steroid injections
- Anesthetic medications
If your situation does not improve with the administration of medicines, your specialist might recommend surgery to remove the damaged or inflamed disc. There are two primary surgeries that you can undergo.
1. Discectomy surgery
This surgery focuses on removing part or all of the damaged discs. It involves a cut on your back muscles. The recovery from the surgery might take around 6 weeks. You might return to work sooner if your job is not physically tasking compared to someone whose job requires lifting and bending.
2. Microdiscectomy surgery
The surgery only involves the removal of only the damaged part of the disc by using small incisions. Your specialist might also combine the surgery with spinal fusion. A spinal fusion involves implanting a donor bone or bone graft into your spine.
The bone that specialists use might come from the iliac crest from your pelvis. With time, the bone graft will fuse into your spinal vertebral bones and form a solid and stable support system for your spine.
Prevention
Since your lifestyle choices can increase your likelihood of getting the condition, you can adjust your daily habits. You can incorporate the following tips into your lifestyle and minimize the chances of getting a herniated disc.
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
- Practice good posture
- Exercise regularly
- Eliminate smoking
- Eat a balanced diet
If you exhibit any of the symptoms associated with the condition, it is important to talk to your primary healthcare provider. Likewise, you can avoid daily tasks like strenuous exercise or home chores that pressure your lower back.
When to see a doctor
Visit APEX Spine and Neurosurgery if you experience any of the above symptoms and receive a comprehensive evaluation. You will receive personalized treatment depending on your condition. Call or book an appointment online and restore your moving ability.
