Back problems come in many shapes, forms, and irritations. If you are experiencing pain along your spine, it’s possible that you may be dealing with a damaged spinal disc. To receive the right treatment from the best spine surgeon Los Angeles has to offer, it is important that you learn about the major causes and signs of spinal disc problems so you can look for the symptoms and signs of spinal disc problems on your own.
Below, you’ll find a guide that will take you through the basic signs and causes of disc problems as well as available treatment options for you.
What Are Spinal Discs?
The spine is made up of vertebrae, which are individual bones lined up in a column along your spine. There are soft, squishy pads in between each of the vertebrae known as spinal discs, and they are responsible for protecting the vertebrae and keeping them from twisting or bending too far.
When a disc slips out of its position, it can cause tremendous pain as two vertebrae are now directly touching each other. Without properly-functioning spinal discs, your entire back is at risk of damage to nerves, ligaments, muscle, and bone.
Signs of Spinal Disc Problems: What is a Herniated Disc?
These discs in your spine are made up of a gel-like material that keeps your spine flexible. The surface of each disc acts as a protective layer to keep this gel contained.
A herniated disc occurs when the outer layer breaks and that inner gel comes out. This material can touch the roots in your spine, causing nerve pain and damage. While some patients with mild symptoms can get herniated disc pain relief at home without a doctor, many instances of a herniated disc result in prolonged pain that worsens over time.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
Also called a slipped disc or a ruptured disc, herniated discs often prove associated with radiating pain in the neck or spine. Other common symptoms of spinal disc problems include:
- Numbness. Depending on the location of your herniated disc, you might feel a tingling or numb sensation in the body part where your nerves are being affected. For some people, this may include the limbs or the buttocks.
- Pain in the limbs. The pain from the herniated disc will radiate to nearby parts of your body. If the herniated disc is in the upper part of your back, you may experience shoulder and arm pain. Lower disc problems can come with pain in the legs and feet.
- Weakened muscles. Nerve damage affects your ability to use your muscles. You may no longer be able to lift things or move around as well as you could before the pain started.
Some people do not feel severe symptoms, or any at all, when they have a herniated disc. It is still important to visit your herniated disc Los Angeles specialist to assess the state of your disc injuries.
Best Treatment for a Herniated Disc
Mild disc problems can be treated with a lot of rest. Over time, the disc may stop pressing against the nerve, giving you pain relief and stopping any swelling that may have occurred. Be sure to avoid physical movement as much as possible and try not to tense your muscles. Bedrest may end up recommended.
In more severe cases, physical therapy and herniated disc surgery will be suggested. Physical therapy often includes a series of physical exercises and massages that can provide permanent pain relief and increased mobility over time. Surgical options include a diskectomy. In this procedure, we remove part of the disc pressing against your nerves. Or a lumbar laminotomy, which involves removing part of the bone along with the disc.
Find the Best Pain Relief for Your Spine Today
At Yashar Neurosurgery, we believe our patients shouldn’t have to wait to start enjoying much-deserved pain relief. Spine problems can be difficult to diagnose without a full examination from a specialist. If you are experiencing signs of spinal disc problems, get in touch with our staff members today to schedule a consultation.
