A herniated disk refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions (disks) between the individual bones (vertebrae) that stack up to make your spine.

A spinal disk is a little like a jelly donut, with a softer center encased within a tougher exterior. Sometimes called a slipped disk or a ruptured disk, a herniated disk occurs when some of the softer "jelly" pushes out through a tear in the tougher exterior.

 

A herniated disk can irritate nearby nerves and result in pain, numbness or weakness in an arm or leg. On the other hand, many people experience no symptoms from a herniated disk. Most people who have a herniated disk don't need surgery to correct the problem.

 

Symptoms

Most herniated disks occur in your lower back (lumbar spine), although they can also occur in your neck (cervical spine). The most common signs and symptoms of a herniated disk are:

• Arm or leg pain. If your herniated disk is in your lower back, you'll typically feel the most intense pain in your buttocks, thigh and calf. It may also involve part of the foot. If your herniated disk is in your neck, the pain will typically be most intense in the shoulder and arm. This pain may shoot into your arm or leg when you cough, sneeze or move your spine into certain positions.

• Numbness or tingling. People who have a herniated disk often experience numbness or tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves.

• Weakness. Muscles served by the affected nerves tend to weaken. This may cause you to stumble, or impair your ability to lift or hold items.

You also can have a herniated disk without knowing it — herniated disks sometimes show up on spinal images of people who have no symptoms of a disk problem.

When to see a doctor

Seek medical attention if your neck or back pain travels down your arm or leg, or if it's accompanied by numbness, tingling or weakness.

 

Causes:

Dr. David offers effective treatments to relieve the pain and other symptoms caused by herniated discs as well as to heal and repair the discs themselves. Depending on the cause of the herniated disc, which could be subluxation and imbalance elsewhere in the spine, he will provide adjustments to allow the disc to return to its natural position and treat the condition that leads to herniation. 

 

Each patient receives fully customized care to address his or her specific needs. Not only does each patient have a unique situation, but treatments that work for one patient may or may not work for another. Dr. Billauer ensures that his patients receive the attention and care they need to live a healthy and active life.

 

Risk factors

Factors that increase your risk of a herniated disk may include:

• Weight. Excess body weight causes extra stress on the disks in your lower back.

• Occupation. People with physically demanding jobs have a greater risk of back problems. Repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, bending sideways and twisting also may increase your risk of a herniated disk.

• Genetics. Some people inherit a predisposition to developing a herniated disk. ֿ

 

 

Complications:

Your spinal cord doesn't extend into the lower portion of your spinal canal. Just below your waist, the spinal cord separates into a group of long nerve roots (cauda equina) that resemble a horse's tail. Rarely, disk herniation can compress the entire cauda equina. Emergency surgery may be required to avoid permanent weakness or paralysis.

Seek emergency medical attention if you have:

• Worsening symptoms. Pain, numbness or weakness may increase to the point that you can't perform your usual daily activities.

• Bladder or bowel dysfunction. People who have cauda equina syndrome may become incontinent or have difficulty urinating even with a full bladder.

• Saddle anesthesia. This progressive loss of sensation affects the areas that would touch a saddle — the inner thighs, back of legs and the area around the rectum.

 

Can anything be done to prevent a herniated disc?

It is not always possible to prevent a herniated disc, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

 

• Use proper lifting techniques. Do not bend at the waist. Bend your knees while keeping your back straight and use your strong leg muscles to help you support the load.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts pressure on the lower back.

• Practice good posture when walking, sitting, standing, and sleeping. For example, stand up straight with your shoulders back, abdomen in, and the small of your back flat. Sit with your feet flat on the floor or elevated. Sleep on a firm mattress, and sleep on your side, not your stomach.

• Stretch often when sitting for long periods of time.

• Do not wear high-heeled shoes.

• Exercise regularly to keep the muscles of your back, legs, and stomach strong. Engage in regular aerobic exercise . Try to balance flexibility with strengthening in a regular exercise program.

• Stop smoking.

• Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.