What is a herniated disk?

A herniated disk is a spine (backbone) injury. You have a series of bones called vertebrae, which run from your tailbone to the base of your skull. Between the vertebrae are round cushions called disks. The disks act as shock absorbers between your bones, so you can bend and move easily. When one of these disks tears or leaks out, it is referred to as having a herniated disk.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disk?

Most herniated disks occur in the lower back, but they can also occur in the neck. Symptoms depend on where the disk is sitting and whether it is pressing on a nerve. Herniated disks often affect one side of the body.

You could also experience arm or leg pain. Depending on which part of the lower back is affected by your herniated disk, a general description could be whether it is L2-L5 or L3-L4-an area with lower back pain, buttock, thigh, and calf pain. You may also have pain in part of the foot.
When you have a herniated disk in your neck, the worst pain usually occurs in your shoulder and arm. Pain tends to shoot into an arm or leg each time you cough, sneeze or move into certain positions. In most cases, the pain is sharp or burning.
Pain, numbness, or tingling: Most people suffering from herniated disks feel numbness or a sensation of tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves.
Weakness: The muscles that the nerves have to supply become weakened. It can cause you to trip over things or a weakness in your ability to lift or carry objects.
You may have a herniated disk without pain. You may not know you have it unless it is visible in a spinal image.

What causes a herniated disk?

Disks contain a soft, gel-like center covered by a firmer outer layer, much like a jelly doughnut. Over time, the outer layer becomes weak and even cracks. When the inner "jelly" substance bulges through the crack, this is known as a herniated disk. The leakage can cause the material to press against nearby nerves.

Various causes can contribute to a rupture of a disk, including:

Aging.
Excessive weight.
Repetitive motions.
Abrupt strain from lifting or twisting improperly.

How is a herniated disk diagnosed?

Your doctor will perform a thorough checkup. For your physical, your provider will assess your pain, your muscle reflexes, your sensation, and your muscle strength. Your provider may also order the following tests:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This is the most common and accurate test for a suspected herniated disk.
X-rays: These help your doctor rule out other causes of your back or neck pain.
CT scan: The bones in your spine will appear on a CT scan. Your herniated disks may invade the spinal canal, compressing the nerves and spinal cord.
Myelogram: A myelogram is an injection of dye into your spine, using X-ray guidance to take a CT scan. The dye may indicate a narrowing spinal canal, commonly called spinal stenosis, and the location of your herniated disk.
Electromyogram (EMG): This involves placing small needles in several muscles and evaluating the functioning of your nerves. An EMG can help identify which nerve is affected by a herniated disk.

What can I do at home to ease the pain of a herniated disk?

Pain from a herniated disk should usually improve over time. To improve your pain as your disk heals, you can:

If your pain is severe, rest one to three days, but it's very important not to stay in bed for many days to avoid stiffness.
Medication: Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Heat or Ice: Apply heat or ice to the affected area.

How can I prevent a herniated disk?

Sometimes, it's not possible to prevent a herniated disk. You can, however, take steps to lower your chances:

Usages of proper lifting techniques: Do not bend at your waist. Bend at the knees, but keep your back straight. Your leg muscles are strong; therefore, they will help in supporting the load.
Maintaining an ideal weight: Excess weight stresses the lower back.
Good posture: Learn how to improve your posture while walking, sitting, standing and sleeping. Good posture reduces the strain put on your spine.
Stretch: It is particularly essential when you are exposed to long periods of sitting.

Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes: Shoes with high heels can dislodge your spine.
Exercise regularly: You might consider performing exercises aimed at building back and abdominal muscles that stabilize your spine.
Quit smoking: Smoking can weaken your disks, thus leaving you at risk of disk rupture. You should quit smoking.

What is the prognosis for individuals with herniated disks?

For 90 percent of people, herniated disk pain will improve over time or with simple medical care. You may find you're feeling fine within a month. If you're not, you should see your healthcare provider. Some people require more aggressive medical interventions to take into account spinal injections or surgery.