A disc herniation is an injury to the cushioning and connective tissue between vertebrae, usually caused by excessive strain or trauma to the spine. It may result in back pain, pain or sensation in different parts of the body. Most herniated discs occur in the lower back, although they can also occur in the neck. Where the pain is felt depends on the location of the herniation in relation to the spine. In most cases a herniated or bulging disc only causes pain to one side of the body.
The pain caused by a herniated or bulging disc is the result of pressure being applied to the surrounding nerve in the spine.
If the herniated disc is in the lower back, typically the most pain will be felt in the buttocks, thigh and calf. If the herniated disc is in the neck, typically the pain will be felt in the shoulder and arm. Pain is often described as sharp or burning and can be mild to excruciating.
Herniated discs often cause a radiating numbness or tingling to the body part served by the compressed or pinched nerve.
Herniated discs may cause the muscles served by the affected nerves to weaken.
A Disc herniation is normally a further development of a previously existing disc protrusion, in which the outermost layers of the annulus fibrosus are still intact, but can bulge when the disc is under pressure.
Our clinic has the expertise and experience to administer various non-invasive treatment options that gently manipulate the spine returning it to its normal state, and in many cases relieve the pressure caused by the herniated or bulging disc providing relief to your back pain.
If you are experiencing recurrent back pain and you believe you may have a herniated or bulging disc or have already been diagnosed and are looking for a non-surgical treatment option, you should absolutely contact the Indiana Regenerative Medicine Institute for a consultation.
An intervertebral disc lies between adjacent vertebrae in the vertebral column. Each disc forms a fibrocartilaginous joint, to allow slight movement of the vertebrae and to function as a shock absorber for the spine.
A bulging disc is a condition in which the outermost layers of the anulus fibrosus of the intervertebral discs of the spine are intact but bulge when one or more of the discs are under pressure.
When a tear in the outer, fibrous ring of an intervertebral disc allows the soft, jellylike center (nucleus) to bulge out beyond the damaged outer rings (annulus), the disc is said to be herniated.
The American College of Physicians strongly advises against the use of opioids to relieve back pain.