If you have been injured in an accident and are suffering from pain in your back, neck, or spine, you may have a herniated disc. This can be a very painful injury, and it is important to get the right treatment if you want to recover quickly.
What is a herniated disc? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about herniated disc injuries, from the symptoms to the treatment options.
Symptoms
Below are some of the symptoms:
Pain in the back, neck, or spine: This is the most common symptom of a herniated disc. The pain may be sharp or dull, and it can radiate into the arms or legs.
Numbness or tingling: You may feel numbness or tingling in the affected area. This is caused by the pressure on the nerves from the herniated disc.
Weakness: You may feel weakness in the affected area, especially if the herniated disc is pressing on a nerve root.
Muscle spasms: You may experience muscle spasms in the affected area. These are caused by the inflammation of the muscles and nerves.
Other symptoms:
- The pain may get worse when you cough or sneeze
- The pain may get worse when you sit or stand for long periods of time
- The pain may be relieved by lying down
- You may have trouble moving your arms or legs
Causes
There are a number of things that can cause a herniated disc, including:
A fall or other accident: This can cause the discs in your spine to rupture or herniate.
Lifting something heavy: If you lift something heavy, it can put pressure on the discs in your spine and cause them to herniate.
Repetitive motions: Repetitive motions, such as bending or twisting, can also cause the discs in your spine to herniate.
Aging: As you age, the discs in your spine begin to degenerate and lose their cushioning effect. This can make them more likely to herniate.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. They will be able to diagnose your injury and recommend the best course of treatment.
Treatment
There are a few different treatment options for herniated disc injuries. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the severity of your injury.
Rest: For a mild herniated disc, your doctor may recommend that you rest for a few days and take over-the-counter pain medication.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles around the affected area and take pressure off of the disc.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the herniated disc. This is usually only recommended if other treatments haven’t worked.
If you have a herniated disc, it is important to get the right treatment so that you can recover quickly. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, be sure to see a doctor right away. They will be able to recommend the best course of treatment for your specific injury.
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