A herniated disk is a condition that can occur anywhere along the spine, but most often occurs in the lower back. It is sometimes called a bulging, protruding, or ruptured disk. It is one of the most common causes of lower back pain, as well as leg pain, or sciatica.
Evidence of a bulging disc may range from mild tingling and numbness to moderate or severe pain, depending on the severity. In most cases, when a bulging disc has reached this stage it is near or at herniation. Tingling or pain in the fingers, hands, arms, neck or shoulders.
Bulging discs are confirmed with an MRI and usually measured in millimeters. A small bulge may be considered 1-3 millimeters, whereas anything over 4 millimeters is considered moderate. A bulge of 7 millimeters +, is considered severe.
An untreated herniated disk can get worse. That's especially true if you continue the activities that caused it — for instance, if it developed because of your work. A worsening ruptured disk may cause chronic (ongoing) pain and loss of control or sensation in the affected area.
However, progressive arm or leg numbness and weakness, problems walking, loss of bowel or bladder function are considered medical emergencies and you should call your physician or go to a hospital immediately.
Treatment with rest, pain medication, spinal injections, and physical therapy is the first step to recovery. Most people improve in 6 weeks and return to normal activity. If symptoms continue, surgery may be recommended.
If you suspect you have a herniated disk or your doctor has confirmed this diagnosis, there are a few things you should avoid. Avoid lifting heavy objects or bending at the waist at any time. Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes. They put pressure on your lower back and send your spine out of alignment.
If the disc is lower in your back, it may irritate your sciatic nerve, which can cause pain that radiates through your buttock and down your leg. The good news is that in most cases — 90% of the time — pain caused by a herniated disc will go away on its own within six months.
The best way to foster healing in these cases is to rest, avoid activities that cause pain, and take over-the-counter pain killers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms. During your home treatment, you can also: Alternate applying heat and cold. Stay as active as you can.
Stage 4: Herniated Disc
In the case of a herniated or sequestrated disc, fragments from both the annulus and nucleus have broken through the posterior longitudinal ligament into the epidural space. The fragments are now outside the segment compressing most of the spinal nerve.
A bulging disk can push against the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to severe pain and problems with mobility. Treatment may include a combination of medication, physical therapy, and self-care. In severe cases, a person may need surgery.
Disc herniation is pathologically divided into 4 stages of herniated nucleus pulposus: 1) bulging, 2) protrusion, 3) extrusion, 4) sequestration.
If your disc-related symptoms are debilitating and consistent, seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Unless your symptoms are immediately severe or potentially life-threatening, you will likely be advised to try nonsurgical treatments for several months.
Some common symptoms of a herniated or slipped disc include: Pain that occurs on one side of the body. Sharp pain in one part of the leg, hip, or buttocks and numbness in other parts. You may also feel pain or numbness on the back of the calf or sole of the foot.
Walking is a gentle form of exercise that has the potential to be beneficial if you have a bulging or herniated spinal disc. We explain why below. Walking isn't too strenuous, which is one reason it tends to be beneficial even with a bulging disc.
L4-L5 disc bulge, slipped disc, spondylosis, bone-spur, and joint pain is treatable without injections or surgery. Avoid the L4-L5 surgery by opting for our corrective non-surgical treatment to fix and repair spinal discs and joints.
Some common symptoms that come from bulging discs are pain and tingling throughout the entire upper body, muscle spasms, and lower back discomfort or pain. If you suffer with this condition, then a chiropractor may be able to fix a bulging disc and relieve your pain.
Herniated spinal discs are fairly common. Fortunately, surgery is not typically required for a herniated disc. In fact, only about 10 percent of herniated disc patients end up needing surgery, according to research cited by Harvard Health.
Sleep on Your Back
Lying on your back with a thinner pillow is the best sleeping position for herniated discs in the neck. It reduces the risk of putting undue pressure on the spinal discs of the neck. For herniated disc in the lower back, roll up a towel under your lower back.
The optimal sleeping position for a herniated disc is on your back. Lying on your back keeps your spine in a neutral position so you have less chance of pinching the nerve. For added comfort, nestle a small pillow or rolled-up towel under your knees and lower back.
A herniated disc can worsen from poor sitting habits, such as slouching or sitting uninterrupted for hours.
Depending on your superannuation policy, You could claim: A total and Permanent Disability payout, which is on average anywhere between $50,000 – $350,000. Income protection benefits of up to 95% of your average pay for a period of about 2-5 years, depending on the details of your income protection cover.
Naproxen (Aleve)
Naproxen sodium is a type of propionic acid. A person can take it to relieve the pain associated with a herniated disk. Though dosing can vary, a typical dosage is 1–2 tablets — 220 milligrams (mg) each — every 8–12 hours.