The spinal discs which go to make up your spinal column are vital elements of your back as they perform the function of separating each of the vertebrae in your spine. Any shock is absorbed when you start any movement and in so doing they protect your back bones from injury.
Each back disc is made up of two main parts. Firstly, the strong outer covering called the annulus. And secondly, a soft jelly like center called the nucleus. The nerves of the spine are located directly behind each spinal disc. This is the source of the pain experienced with protruding discs. The cause of the pain is the pressure on the nerves that occurs from the changes that are taking place in the damaged disc.
Bulging spinal discs which are more usually known as a herniated spinal disc are extremely painful. If you ever suffer from a bulging spinal disc what happens is that the outer layer known as the annulus becomes corrupted and the protective jelly like substance in the middle of the spinal disc begins to shift and exposes a much weaker and more sensitive element of the disc. What occurs is what you would describe as a bulge in the spinal disc wall and that is why it is commonly known as a bulging or herniated disc. The pressure that occurs as a result of of the bulge is exerted upon the spinal nerves and this in itself is what results in severe and acute pain.
The pain associated with a herniated disc can be felt in different areas throughout the body. The most frequent area, and where almost 90% of occurrences of herniated discs happen is in the lumbar area or lower back. The symptoms experienced can vary dependent on the exact location of the herniated disc. Leg pain is a common occurrence as is pain in the hips if the lower back is the affected area. Other people can experience arm pain if the herniated disc is in the upper back or in the region of the shoulder. Medical examination carried out by a competent doctor is the only way to confirm whether a bulging or herniated disc is present. The usual medical procedures to confirm the injury are by MRI scans, X-ray investigation and a CT scan.
Exactly what can you do with regards to a slipped disc in your lower back? To begin with, the therapy you receive relies on the degree of the pain you've got from your slipped disc.Your doctor will analyse your needs best and advocate the best treatment. Rest plays a huge role in the actual recovery of the herniated disc. This will help to to relieve the pressure and strain on your spine. A good bed mattress in addition to a pillow beneath your knee joints in bed can help reduce the pain sensation. A word of caution though. A lot of rest is not encouraged following the original onset of pain, as it could make the muscles get weaker and intensify the disorder.
Mild exercise is often suggested and you may be referred to a physical therapist. Under their instruction they will give you the correct exercises to improve and strengthen your back muscles, reducing inflammation and pain. You can also be shown ways to improve your posture to offer maximum rest and less stress to your spine. In the treatment of pain relief, doctors often prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin. However, if the pain is more severe, you may be offered an epidural steroid injection. As well as relieving pain they act as an anti-inflammatory as well.
If the pain is so severe that it is affecting your quality of life and mobility, surgery may be suggested. This is often used as a last resort due to the possibility of permanent nerve damage. Surgery is usually considered in cases when the protrusion of the disc is more in the spinal canal. The surgery is aimed at relieving the pain and reducing further wear and tear.A bulging disc can be very painful, so it is important to know which activities you should avoid so as not to aggravate the condition. You should protect your back when lifting, learning the correct techniques. Using a good posture when sitting or standing. The correct chair and mattress that support your back are essential.
Maintaining a healthy weight can make a difference in controlling the pain of your bulging disc. Less pounds usually means less stress on your back.General exercise is important to maintain your lumbar region versatile and in good physical shape. It's also sensible to be aware that growing older is another risk element for bulging discs. Discs often get weaker and much less flexible as we age. Sadly there's little that can be done about the aging process, but looking after yourself might help in controlling the influences of your slipped disc.
Each back disc is made up of two main parts. Firstly, the strong outer covering called the annulus. And secondly, a soft jelly like center called the nucleus. The nerves of the spine are located directly behind each spinal disc. This is the source of the pain experienced with protruding discs. The cause of the pain is the pressure on the nerves that occurs from the changes that are taking place in the damaged disc.
Bulging spinal discs which are more usually known as a herniated spinal disc are extremely painful. If you ever suffer from a bulging spinal disc what happens is that the outer layer known as the annulus becomes corrupted and the protective jelly like substance in the middle of the spinal disc begins to shift and exposes a much weaker and more sensitive element of the disc. What occurs is what you would describe as a bulge in the spinal disc wall and that is why it is commonly known as a bulging or herniated disc. The pressure that occurs as a result of of the bulge is exerted upon the spinal nerves and this in itself is what results in severe and acute pain.
The pain associated with a herniated disc can be felt in different areas throughout the body. The most frequent area, and where almost 90% of occurrences of herniated discs happen is in the lumbar area or lower back. The symptoms experienced can vary dependent on the exact location of the herniated disc. Leg pain is a common occurrence as is pain in the hips if the lower back is the affected area. Other people can experience arm pain if the herniated disc is in the upper back or in the region of the shoulder. Medical examination carried out by a competent doctor is the only way to confirm whether a bulging or herniated disc is present. The usual medical procedures to confirm the injury are by MRI scans, X-ray investigation and a CT scan.
Exactly what can you do with regards to a slipped disc in your lower back? To begin with, the therapy you receive relies on the degree of the pain you've got from your slipped disc.Your doctor will analyse your needs best and advocate the best treatment. Rest plays a huge role in the actual recovery of the herniated disc. This will help to to relieve the pressure and strain on your spine. A good bed mattress in addition to a pillow beneath your knee joints in bed can help reduce the pain sensation. A word of caution though. A lot of rest is not encouraged following the original onset of pain, as it could make the muscles get weaker and intensify the disorder.
Mild exercise is often suggested and you may be referred to a physical therapist. Under their instruction they will give you the correct exercises to improve and strengthen your back muscles, reducing inflammation and pain. You can also be shown ways to improve your posture to offer maximum rest and less stress to your spine. In the treatment of pain relief, doctors often prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin. However, if the pain is more severe, you may be offered an epidural steroid injection. As well as relieving pain they act as an anti-inflammatory as well.
If the pain is so severe that it is affecting your quality of life and mobility, surgery may be suggested. This is often used as a last resort due to the possibility of permanent nerve damage. Surgery is usually considered in cases when the protrusion of the disc is more in the spinal canal. The surgery is aimed at relieving the pain and reducing further wear and tear.A bulging disc can be very painful, so it is important to know which activities you should avoid so as not to aggravate the condition. You should protect your back when lifting, learning the correct techniques. Using a good posture when sitting or standing. The correct chair and mattress that support your back are essential.
Maintaining a healthy weight can make a difference in controlling the pain of your bulging disc. Less pounds usually means less stress on your back.General exercise is important to maintain your lumbar region versatile and in good physical shape. It's also sensible to be aware that growing older is another risk element for bulging discs. Discs often get weaker and much less flexible as we age. Sadly there's little that can be done about the aging process, but looking after yourself might help in controlling the influences of your slipped disc.
About the Author:
Mylos Kortden has been reporting about mid back pain and mid back pain treatments for many years, he has made available a really functional help guide to losing your upper back pain in 7 days. For a limited length of time you can get a free of charge copy when you go to his lower back pain remedy site.
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