Dealing with Damaged Disks

The spine includes cushioned disks between each vertebra that reduce the stress on the spine. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring termed the annulus and a slightly squishy center referred to as the nucleus.

A herniated disk (also called a ruptured disk) occurs when part of the disk nucleus squeezes out through a tear in the annulus. This bulging nucleus is painful and can cause more pain if it presses on and irritates nerves. In the low back, if the sciatic nerve is involved, you may experience pain, numbness, tingling, and even weakness in your leg, which is often called “sciatica.”

Some common signs of a herniated disk include:

• Pain in the low back or leg that hurts more when you sit, cough, or sneeze
• Pain, weakness, or numbness in any of these areas: lower back, leg, neck, chest, shoulder, or arm

Disk herniation is more common in old age, as disks become less flexible. But sometimes a traumatic injury or overuse can cause herniation. A specialist can evaluate upper back pain or lower back pain to determine whether a disk is herniated, and he or she may recommend a combination of treatments including limited rest, modified activity, pain medication, muscle relaxants, and physical therapy. Acupuncture, chiropractic treatment or massage may help to relieve symptoms of a herniated disk. Surgery may be an option if non-invasive treatments can't alleviate your pain.

 

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