More than 2% of the entire population will suffer from a herniated disc every year. Even though this is a common problem, many still wonder what is a herniated disc and what are signs of a herniated disc I should be looking for.
A herniated disc occurs when one of the discs that sit between the vertebrae of your back is injured. Part of the inner substance of the disc begins to protrude from the outer protective layer, which is very uncomfortable and can cause all kinds of problems. Most commonly, a herniated disc can put too much pressure on the spinal nerves.
Luckily, a herniated disc can be treated and often will resolve on its own when the right precautions are taken. It’s important to take care of yourself when you have this problem to avoid further injury, so watch for these signs just in case!
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Loss of Strength
Since one of the common herniated disc causes is a lack of muscle surrounding the spine, it makes sense that a common sign is a lack of strength.
Often someone who has a slipped disc will feel like they can’t use their muscles how they used to, whether that be in regards to lifting objects or even simply moving around. This weakness will make it difficult to perform your regular physical activities.
Excessive Ongoing Pain
That kind of weakness will almost always be accompanied by some pain, which is another indicator that you have a herniated disc. Pain from a herniated disc usually starts at the disc and radiates to the arms or legs and can be very intense. It’s often described as a shooting or burning pain that can take your breath away.
This type of pain can be so difficult to manage that patients turn to an endoscopic discectomy to find some relief.
Numbness and Tingling
While weakness and pain are tough symptoms to deal with, the hardest herniated disc symptom is the nerve pain it can cause. This results in the patient feeling numbness or tingling down their arm or leg, which can be disconcerting. It’s important to talk to a doctor when you start to experience any signs of nerve issues to get the help you need quickly.
Signs of a Herniated Disc to Watch For
Once you know the signs of a herniated disc you can be on the lookout whenever you’re doing a lot of physical activity or pushing your limits. Serious back pain is never something to take lightly and you should do all you can to protect yourself from injury.
The key to herniated disc prevention is to keep your back muscles as strong as possible so they can hold your spine in place properly. And then to be conscious of your limits and take precautions to not overdo it and strain those muscles by working them too hard. It’s important to take it easy when you suffer an injury and give your body time to recover.
If you’re interested in learning more about the best health and wellness practices, check out our other articles today!
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