A herniated disc can be the source of pain at your back or your legs, and can cause feelings of weakness. The discs in the back act as shock absorbers, and protect each of the vertebrae. Located between each vertebra, the spinal discs deteriorate as we age, and as they become less resilient, they are more susceptible to injury. Spinal discs can rupture, or slip to one side and pinch the nerves of the spine.
A herniated disc occurs when the disc ruptures due to trauma or a fall, or from repetitive stress. While a back injury can feel as though it has come from nowhere, for example, striking after a sneeze or a simple motion like bending to pick up an object, a ruptured disc is usually some time in the making. Our spinal discs generally begin losing their flexibility around thirty years of age, and the tissues are slower to mend themselves after minor wear and tear.
The ways in which we experience a herniated disc are as varied as the causes. Because the nerves in the spine are pinched or displaced, the signals they send to the brain can be distorted as well. One of the most common ways in which a herniated disc might manifest itself is a pain akin to electric shock.
Depending on the location of the ruptured disc, the shocks may shoot down the arms, as is the case with upper back and neck injuries. Or, in the case of lower back injury, the shocks can shoot through the legs. Individuals can also experience numbness or tingling sensations resulting from a ruptured disc. Often described as feeling "asleep," the tingling and numb sensations are also felt in the arms if the upper back is injured, and the legs if the lower back is hurt. Feelings of weakness are also common symptoms of a herniated disc. However, an individual experiencing severe numbness in the legs, any numbness around the genitals, or complications in urination or defecation should seek immediate medical attention. This could be a condition know as cauda equina syndrome, a condition which requires prompt surgical treatment.
As you can see, the nervous system is a delicately balanced system, and when that balance is tipped and the nerves become bunched, pinched, or otherwise compressed, you could experience any number of symptoms, ranging from inconvenient, to uncomfortable, to urgent. To fully assess the extent of your back injury, you should speak with your doctor, who will likely test your strength, range of motion, reflexes, and sensitivity. Your doctor may also need to perform an MRI to correctly diagnose a herniated disc. The MRI alone cannot accurately determine whether your symptoms are caused by a herniated disc, as damaged tissue is visible, even in "healthy" spines. However, in conjunction with the physical examination, the MRI can help your doctor accurately locate the source of your symptoms and formulate a treatment strategy.
Author Resource:-
www.OSC-Ortho.com is the leading orthopaedic resource for patients suffering from any bone or spinal disorder. Visit us at our website to learn more about how we can help you.
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