OverviewWhat is a herniated disk?A herniated disk is an injury of the spine (backbone). You have a series of bones (vertebrae) in your spine, stretching from the base of your skull to your tailbone. Between your vertebrae are round cushions called disks. The disks act as buffers between your bones, allowing you to bend and move with ease. When one of these disks tears or leaks, it’s called a herniated disk. Show
Are herniated disks common?Every year, up to 2% of people get a herniated disk. Herniated disks are a leading cause of neck and/or arm, and back and/or leg pain (sciatica). They can happen anywhere along the spine, but herniated disks most often occur in the lower back or the neck. It’s rare for a herniated disk to be in the mid-back. Who gets herniated disks?People ages 30 to 50 are most likely to get a herniated disk. The problem affects men twice as often as women. Other risk factors include:
Symptoms and CausesWhat causes a herniated disk?Disks have soft, gel-like centers and a firmer outer layer, like a jelly doughnut. With time, the outer layer weakens and can crack. A herniated disk happens when the inner “jelly” substance pushes through the crack. The leaked material may press on nearby spinal nerves. Several factors can contribute to a disk rupture, including:
What are the symptoms of a herniated disk?Herniated disk symptoms vary depending on where the problem is in your spine. Symptoms worsen with movement and get better with rest. Herniated or slipped disk in the back (herniated lumbar disk)It’s common for a herniated disk in the lower back to cause “sciatic nerve” pain. This sharp pain usually shoots down one side of your buttocks into your leg and sometimes the foot. Other symptoms of a herniated disk in your lower back include:
Herniated or disk in the neck (herniated cervical disk)Symptoms of a herniated disk in your neck include:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is a herniated disk diagnosed?Your healthcare provider will do a thorough exam. During the physical, your provider will assess your pain, muscle reflexes, sensation and muscle strength. Your provider may also order tests such as:
Management and TreatmentWhat can I do at home to relieve herniated disk pain?In most cases, pain from a herniated disk can go away in time. To ease pain while your disk heals, you can:
When should I see a doctor?Initially, you can treat herniated disk pain at home. But you should see your doctor if:
What is the best slipped disk treatment?You may need more advanced treatments if your symptoms aren't getting better. Your healthcare provider might recommend:
Will I need to have spinal surgery?Herniated disks get better on their own over time or with nonsurgical treatment for 9 out of 10 people. If other treatments don’t relieve your symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery. There are multiple surgical techniques for relieving pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, including:
PreventionHow can I avoid getting a herniated disk?It's not always possible to prevent a herniated disk. But you can reduce your risk by:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat is the outlook for people with herniated disks?For up to 90% of people, herniated disk pain gets better on its own or with simple medical care. You’ll probably feel better within a month. If you don’t, you should see your healthcare provider. Some people need more aggressive medical measures, such as spinal injections or surgery. Will a herniated disk get worse?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. See your healthcare provider if you still have symptoms after four to six weeks of conservative care. Living WithWhat should I ask my doctor? Questions to ask your doctor include:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Having a herniated disk can make you reluctant to move. But don’t head to bed — too little movement can make pain worse when you get up again because muscles stiffen. Try to stay active and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for stretching. Gentle movement coupled with an over-the-counter pain reliever helps most people feel better in a few weeks. Will a bulging disc heal on its own?Herniated Disk (Slipped, Ruptured or Bulging Disk) A herniated disk is also known as a slipped, ruptured or bulging disk. It's one of the most common causes of neck, back and leg pain. Most of the time, herniated disks heal on their own or with simple home-care measures.
How do you fix a bulging disc?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.
What kind of pain does a bulging disc cause?It can cause pain in the buttocks, legs, or back. It can also affect your ability to walk. Bulging discs usually affect multiple discs. This condition develops over time and can cause other disc degeneration-related issues, like lumbar stenosis (narrowing of spinal canal).
How do you know if back pain is muscle or disc?Your spinal disc is at the bottom of your back, so if you have pain in your lower back, you may assume it is a slipped disc. Furthermore, the feeling of pain will differ between the two. Muscle pain will feel like post-workout soreness, while disc pain will feel debilitating and tingly.
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