Greenwich
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It is difficult to live your life with back pain, especially when it is caused by an issue in your spine. The pain can be unbearable at times, and people try many possible solutions to find relief. When they can’t find an easy solution, they come to a place like CT Spine & Orthopedic for a more detailed assessment.
Many people come into our offices with herniated discs as the cause of their pain. Not only is it painful, but it can lead to more serious complications if left untreated. Fortunately, it is possible to treat a herniated disc. In fact, it is a relatively common procedure at CT Spine & Orthopedic. We can help you fix the cause of your pain and get you back to your daily life.
A herniated disc is a condition where the soft part of your spine sticks out of the hard outer casing. In every disc in your spine, there are two parts: the soft inner disc and the hard outer disc. Normally, the hard outer disc offers protection, while the soft inner disc provides cushioning and flexibility.
When there is an opening in the hard outer disc, the soft inner disc can push through. This can be painful if a nerve is pinched or it puts too much pressure on the spinal cord. If left untreated, pain can persist, and the soft disc can either tear or push out more and risk damaging the spinal cord. It also stops providing effective cushioning for the hard disc, making it grind uncomfortably on the other discs.
While painful, herniated discs are not a major threat to your health. For the most part, they are debilitating due to the pain that they cause. If left untreated for a long time, it can cause damage to other parts of your spine. However, most herniated discs are not serious enough for surgery.
Herniated discs are relatively common and can be caused by a range of stretch or back injuries. Most often, people with a lower back injury have herniated discs. They can be caused by stress on the back, repetitive motions, or impacts that tear the lining between the parts of the spine. Then, the soft part of the disc starts to poke through the tear and forms a herniated disc.
Herniated discs are often the result of workplace injuries. More specifically, physical labor without correct posture can cause a tear that leads to a herniated disc. This is why some professions require back support and other protective gear to reduce the strain on your back and prevent stress-related injuries.
Herniated discs are also associated with impact trauma, like the kind experienced in car accidents. The sudden increase in stress on the back during the accident can cause a tear that leads to a herniated disc. In cases where the spine is damaged by trauma, surgery may be needed to correct the problem. Having a spinal surgeon reset the hernia and make sure that nothing else is broken not only reduces pain but also makes it easier for the body to heal.
More often than not, you will know that you have a herniated disc because of the pain that they can cause. In trauma incidents that cause back pain, it is common practice to check the spine for herniated discs and other types of damage. If you are in a car accident or suffer a serious back injury, they will likely check this in the emergency room or whatever medical facility you go to.
You may not know that it is a herniated disc at first. It often takes the help of a trained medical professional to confirm that you have a herniated disc. Regardless, it is important to take steps to treat your back pain even if you are unsure if you have a herniated disc. Take steps to stop putting stress on your back and seek medical help as soon as possible to make sure that you don’t make the situation worse.
It is important to note that you can have a herniated disc that is not painful. It is less common, but you can have a non-painful herniation that heals on its own. The painful ones tend to be more serious and may require surgery to repair the damage.
How you treat a herniated disc depends on how serious they are. A minor herniation that is not painful can heal on its own over time. To prevent more serious damage, you should take it easy for a few days so that the disc can slide back into place and the tear can heal.
If your herniated disc is painful, it should be examined by a physician. The pain means that the damage may be more serious, and you may need surgery to put everything back in place. A painful disc can heal on its own in most cases, but seeing a specialist can help relieve the pain and ensure that you don’t accidentally make the problem worse.
Back pain makes it hard to get through the day and can indicate a serious problem. However, you don’t have to live with back pain. CT Spine & Orthopedic can help you treat your pain.
If you or a loved one is experiencing back pain and you think you may have a herniated disc, have it assessed by an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible. The sooner you get it treated, the sooner you can get back to living without pain. Contact the Greenwich, CT herniated disc specialists at CT Spine & Orthopedic at (866) 553-0612 or through the contact form on our website so we can help you with your back pain.
