{"id":1898,"date":"2022-02-07T10:30:26","date_gmt":"2022-02-07T10:30:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/?p=1898"},"modified":"2022-04-18T12:56:34","modified_gmt":"2022-04-18T12:56:34","slug":"what-is-herniated-disc-or-slipped-disc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/what-is-herniated-disc-or-slipped-disc","title":{"rendered":"Is Herniated Disc Pain Troubling You? Here\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Everything You Need to Know."},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Herniated disc,<\/strong> also known as slipped discs, are a common cause of concern among adults older than 30. Compared to women, men are twice more likely to suffer from slipped discs during their lifetime. More often than not, a slipped disc will cause pain in the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/regular-exercise-for-lower-back-pain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lower back<\/a><\/strong> or neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you also suffering from pain along your lower back area? If yes, then it is always wise to consult an expert. Timely treatment will help you lead a comfortable and happy life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\r\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\r\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\r\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\r\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/what-is-herniated-disc-or-slipped-disc\/#What_exactly_is_a_Herniated_Disc\" title=\"What exactly is a Herniated Disc?\">What exactly is a Herniated Disc?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/what-is-herniated-disc-or-slipped-disc\/#Symptoms_of_a_slipped_disc\" title=\"Symptoms of a slipped disc\">Symptoms of a slipped disc<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/what-is-herniated-disc-or-slipped-disc\/#Who_are_at_higher_risk_of_Slipped_Disc\" title=\"Who are at higher risk of Slipped Disc?\">Who are at higher risk of Slipped Disc?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/what-is-herniated-disc-or-slipped-disc\/#Causes_for_slipped_discs\" title=\"Causes for slipped discs\">Causes for slipped discs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/what-is-herniated-disc-or-slipped-disc\/#How_Are_HerniatedSlipped_Discs_Diagnosed\" title=\"How Are Herniated(Slipped) Discs Diagnosed?\">How Are Herniated(Slipped) Discs Diagnosed?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/what-is-herniated-disc-or-slipped-disc\/#Slipped_Disc_Treatment\" title=\"Slipped Disc Treatment\">Slipped Disc Treatment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/what-is-herniated-disc-or-slipped-disc\/#Herniated_Disc_Prevention\" title=\"Herniated Disc Prevention\">Herniated Disc Prevention<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_exactly_is_a_Herniated_Disc\"><\/span><strong>What exactly is a Herniated Disc?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ever wondered <strong>what does a slipped disc feels like<\/strong> and how it is caused?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s everything you need to know about slipped discs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our spine has 33 small bones stacked on top of one another. Together, they form the spinal canal that houses and protects the spinal cord and nerves. Spinal bones are essential to our body\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s motion. They act as the central support structure, controlling all our movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our every movement, sitting, walking, bending, and more is generated through our spine. Naturally, spinal bones are susceptible to wear and tear. The spinal bones have natural shock absorbers known as discs. Spinal discs are round in diameter and flat on the top and bottom, and are attached securely to the vertebrae (spinal bones) above and below them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A herniated or slipped disc&#8217;s outer ring becomes fragile or injured, causing the internal segment to protrude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what exactly is it that slips? Let&#8217;s take a closer look at the spinal disc&#8217;s structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each disc has two parts: an outside tire-like, tough segment composed of fibro-collagenous tissue called the annulus that withstands compressive forces and an interior gel-like, softer part composed of mucoproteins called the nucleus that evenly distributes pressure across the disc. This is what it looks like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As we become older, the inner segment of the disc may rupture or explode through the outer ring. With age, our spinal discs degenerate and lose some of their water content. They grow less flexible and are more likely to rupture even with minor twisting or pressure.<strong><em> <\/em><\/strong>A slipped or <strong>herniated disc<\/strong> is the medical term commonly used for this condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Slipped discs are rarely the result of accidents or falls; rather, they are the result of years of wear and strain. You risk slipping discs if you move anything heavy by bending over and using your <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/Exercise\/Best-Muscle-Building-Shoulder-Exercises!-exercise-headaches-shoulder-pain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">back and shoulder muscles<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A slipped disc is usually diagnosed based on a physical exam and your medical history. An MRI can be used to determine the exact position of the slipped disc as well as which nerves are involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Symptoms_of_a_slipped_disc\"><\/span><strong>Symptoms of a<strong> <strong>slipped<\/strong> <\/strong>disc<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Slipped disc symptoms <\/strong>may feel like arm or leg discomfort, numbness, or weakness, while other patients experience no symptoms at all.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Symptoms vary depending on the patient, the location of the disc herniation, and how long it has been there. The majority of persons over 30 do have a herniation, however, only approximately 20% of them are symptomatic. Some common<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/herniated-disk\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20354095\" rel=\"nofollow\"> herniated disc symptoms<\/a><\/strong> include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; Mild to extreme pain around the lower back and neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; Reduced reflexes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; Burning pain running down the leg<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; Restricted motion especially while walking<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; Muscle weakness or paralysis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong> <strong> <strong>Slipped<\/strong> <\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>disk in the back symptoms<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>herniated disc<\/strong> in your lower back can also cause the following symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; Back pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; Numbness in the legs and\/or feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; Muscle weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong> <strong> <strong>Slipped<\/strong> <\/strong>disc in neck symptoms<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Herniated disk symptoms in neck are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; Pain between the shoulder or in the area of your shoulder blades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; Pain in the arm and at times across fingers and hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; Numbness or burning sensation in arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; Frequent neck pain, especially in the side and back area<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; When you bend or turn your head, your neck pain gets worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_are_at_higher_risk_of_Slipped_Disc\"><\/span><strong>Who are at higher risk of Slipped Disc?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As with other medical conditions, our lifestyle choices have a significant impact on our spinal cord health, especially the spinal discs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; People who are obese or overweight are at greater risk of rapturing their spinal disks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; People involved in physical work, especially those lifting heavy loads, are at higher risk of back pain and consequently suffering from a slipped disc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; People who have long sitting hours at work are most likely to suffer from herniated disk drug old age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; People with a family history of disc problems are at higher risk of developing a herniated disk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; People who smoke regularly are also at higher risk of slipped discs. Smoking reduces oxygen supply to the discs. The reduced oxygens weaken the disk and make them vulnerable to load or injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Causes_for_slipped_discs\"><\/span><strong>Causes for slipped discs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The two most common causes for a slipped or <strong>herniated disc<\/strong> are Natural degeneration and Trauma.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Natural degeneration<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As you get older, your discs may become weaker. When this happens, the jelly-like nucleus substance spills into the spinal canal, putting pressure on the surrounding nerves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Trauma<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sudden trauma or accident can also lead to slipped discs. In other cases, injury from Poor lifting technique during exercise or Poor sleeping posture may also cause slipped discs in the lower back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other common causes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; Dehydration<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; Muscle weakness<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; Sitting long hours &#8211; Supported, without support, slouching, etc<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; Wrong-way to get up from the bed and chairs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; Wrong-way to lift heavy household items<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Are_HerniatedSlipped_Discs_Diagnosed\"><\/span><strong>How Are Herniated(Slipped) Discs Diagnosed?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your doctor will perform a thorough physical exam for <strong>herniated disc diagnosis<\/strong>. The doctor will take note of all your symptoms. Examine the muscle reflexes, sensation, and strength around the affected area. Your provider may also suggest tests such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Herniated-Disc-Pain-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"herniated disk, slipped disc\" class=\"wp-image-1900\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Imaging tests help your doctor get to identify the source of slipped discs. The most common imaging scans include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong>MRI: <\/strong>High-accuracy<strong> <\/strong>imaging test for a suspected <strong>herniated disc <\/strong>is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong>X-rays: <\/strong>X-rays are used to rule out other potential reasons for back or neck pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong>CT Scan: <\/strong>A computed tomography (CT) scan shows your spine&#8217;s bones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong>Myelogram:<\/strong> A myelogram is a CT scan that includes injecting dye into your spine under X-ray supervision. The dye can show where your <strong>herniated disc<\/strong> is located.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u2014\u008f &nbsp; &nbsp;  <strong>Electromyogram (EMG): <\/strong>Tiny needles are inserted into muscles around the spinal cord to assess nerve function. An EMG is used to assess which nerves are affected by a <strong>herniated disc<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They&#8217;ll want to know when you first started experiencing symptoms and what activities make your discomfort worse. Together with this information and the image scans, the doctor will be better equipped to determine the cause of your pain or discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Slipped_Disc_Treatment\"><\/span><strong>Slipped Disc Treatment<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The pain from a slipped disc should go away on its own within a few weeks unless it is exceedingly severe. However, severe pain may make daily activity difficult. You may face discomfort in performing tasks that require the application of force. After a thorough assessment of your discomfort, your doctor will provide a comprehensive treatment plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your doctor will recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/Exercise\/4-Exercises-To-End-Back-Pain-exercise-headaches-back-pain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>herniated disc exercises<\/strong><\/a> in addition to meds. Practice them, Stay patient, and stick to the treatment plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your recovery could take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the amount of the disc injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Things to Keep in Mind<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are wondering, <strong>how to fix a slipped disc<\/strong> on your own?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most slipped disc pain subsides on its own within 3-4 weeks. Treating a slipped disk on your own may aggravate is never wise. In the worst case, you may do more harm to it. Talk to an expert physiotherapist before taking up any form of exercise or activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Herniated_Disc_Prevention\"><\/span><strong>Herniated Disc Prevention<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The most important investment in your life is your health. When it comes to taking care of your spinal discs, you can get all the information you want on the internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the meantime, here are some key things to keep in mind to keep your spinal discs healthy forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1. Follow a healthy diet and quit smoking<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. Maintain a healthy weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. Do low-impact exercises that will keep you fit and won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t kill your back or knees.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4. Avoid any exercises that put stress on the spinal column<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there is no better way to cure a <strong>herniated disc<\/strong> than to hear from an expert. At Kayawell, we have brought expert health advice to your fingertips. All you have to do is <strong>fill out this form<\/strong> and instantly connect to the best <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/kayawell.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">health providers<\/a><\/strong> who specialize in the care of patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Herniated disc, also known as slipped discs, are a common cause of concern among adults older than 30. Compared to women, men are twice more likely to suffer from slipped discs during their lifetime. More often than not, a slipped disc will cause pain in the lower back or neck. Are you also suffering from [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1901,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1898","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthcare"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1898","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1898"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1898\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1901"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1898"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1898"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1898"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}