A ruptured disc is also referred to as a herniated disc or a slipped disc, and it can be a very painful condition to deal with. At South County Spine Care Center, our physicians are committed to finding minimally invasive methods for dealing with ruptured discs or other forms of back pain. For more information about ruptured disc treatment, contact our office today.
What causes a ruptured disc?
A ruptured disc most frequently occurs in your lower back. It is often caused by natural aging – as you get older, your discs lose water content, causing them to become dry and weaker.This is referred to as disc degeneration, and it is normal. However, some factors can make a ruptured disc more likely:
- Lifting incorrectly – You should use your legs to lift heavy objects, not your back. Lifting with your back or twisting while lifting can make you more likely to experience a ruptured disc.
- Being overweight – The extra weight puts more stress on the discs in your back.
- Inactivity – Long periods of being sedentary (or even driving) can put pressure on your discs.
What are the symptoms of a ruptured disc?
Before beginning ruptured disc treatment, our South County Spine Care professionals will want to talk with you about the symptoms you are experiencing in order to confirm your condition.
In some cases, your disc can be ruptured and you may not experience any discomfort. But if the disc places pressure on nearby nerve roots or the spinal cord, you will experience pain and other symptoms on the affected side of your body. You might feel pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
The exact location can vary according to the location of the ruptured disc. If the ruptured disc is in your lower back, you’ll feel those sensations in the lower back and down your legs. If the ruptured disc is in your neck, your symptoms will likely be felt in your shoulders or arms.
In some cases, a ruptured disc can also cause you to experience muscle spasms and deep, debilitating muscle pain.