Table of Contents
What are the three causes of herniated disc?
3 Common Herniated Disc Causes
- Herniated Disc Cause #1: Wear and Tear on the Spine. Pain from a herniated disc is often the result of daily wear and tear on the spine.
- Herniated Disc Cause #2: Injury.
- Herniated Disc Cause #3: A Combination of Degeneration and Injury.
- The 4 Stages of a Herniated Disc.
How does a herniated disc happen?
A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like center of a disc ruptures through a weak area in the tough outer wall, similar to the filling being squeezed out of a jelly doughnut. Back or leg pain, numbness or tingling may result when the disc material touches or compresses a spinal nerve.
Is herniated disc a serious problem?
A herniated disc is a common spinal disorder, and it typically responds well to conservative treatment like gentle exercise or over-the-counter pain medication. But some ruptured disc symptoms warrant a trip to your doctor to prevent serious—and potentially permanent—nerve complications.
Is herniated disc permanent?
Most of the time, pain associated with a herniated disc goes away on its own over a period of weeks or months and does not cause permanent damage to the spine or nerves. A herniated disc can occur in any part of the spine, but it is most common in the lower back (the lumbar spine) and the neck (the cervical spine).
Can stress cause herniated disc?
Damage or stress can cause part of the annulus fibrosus to weaken. This leads it to balloon outward from the spinal column. If the weakened cartilage ruptures, the nucleus pulposus can make its way out of the disc and onto nearby spinal nerve tissue.
Why do I keep getting herniated discs?
Disk herniation is most often the result of a gradual, aging-related wear and tear called disk degeneration. As you age, your disks become less flexible and more prone to tearing or rupturing with even a minor strain or twist. Most people can’t pinpoint the cause of their herniated disk.
Can you become paralyzed from herniated disc?
With a herniated disc, the capsule cracks or breaks, and the nucleus squeezes out. This can irritate the spinal cord or nearby nerves, causing weakness and numbness in the arms or legs. A severely herniated disc can cause paralysis.
Can a herniated disc take years to heal?
The average amount of time it takes for a herniated disk to heal is four to six weeks, but it can get better within a few days depending on how severe the herniation was and where it occurred. The biggest factor in healing a herniated disk is time, because most often it will resolve on its own.
What not to do when you have hernia?
Avoid fruit juices, coffee and caffeinated beverages because they may cause hiatal hernia symptoms to appear. Alcohol and carbonated sodas may also cause problems. Herbal teas are fine, but stay away from peppermint tea because it may cause heartburn.
How bad is a hernia?
In many cases, a hernia is no more than a painless swelling that presents no problems and needs no immediate medical attention. A hernia may, however, be the cause of discomfort and pain, with symptoms often becoming worse when standing, straining, or lifting heavy items.
How dangerous are hernias?
Typically, hernias are not dangerous. Most hernias cause minor discomfort or mild pain. Emergency situations, such as the intestine getting stuck occur infrequently, but can be life-threatening.
What does a hernia feel like female?
The most common symptoms of hernia in women are: A sudden tearing sensation felt in the groin or belly button. A bulge or swelling that may come and go with severe, slight or even no pain at all. When lifting something, coughing or sneezing, pain may be felt. Also pelvic pain for a very prolonged time may be indicative of hernia.