A herniated disc occurs when the discs between the vertebrae slip or tear due to excessive strain, falling, heavy lifting, physical stress, excess weight, or age-related degeneration. There are five lumbar vertebrae in our spine, and the discs between them play a crucial role in protecting the spine and spinal cord by acting as cushions against weight and physical stress. The deterioration and displacement of these discs result in a herniated disc.
A herniated disc can press on the nerves exiting the spinal cord, causing pain, numbness, and tingling sensations. This pressure can lead to pain in the back, buttocks, thighs, knees, legs, and feet.
Many people experience back pain at some point in their lives, and a herniated disc is one of the causes of such pain. A herniated disc can cause severe pain, numbness in the legs, and radiating pain down the leg. However, with treatment over a few weeks or months, recovery can sometimes occur without the need for surgical intervention. In some cases, however, surgery may be necessary if recovery is not achieved despite treatments.
A herniated disc is caused by excessive wear of the spinal discs, accidents, injuries, or other factors. The gel-like structure in the center of the discs between the vertebrae begins to push outward, pressing on the outer part of the disc. This causes the disc to herniate, and pain starts. If the disc is severely damaged, the gel may leak out and cause intense pain in the legs. This pain occurs when the gel irritates the nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs.
The most prominent symptom of a herniated disc is back pain. However, not all back pain is indicative of a herniated disc. The pain from a herniated disc typically lasts for a few days and subsides over time, but it is often accompanied by leg pain, numbness, and weakness. The symptoms of a herniated disc include:
To diagnose a herniated disc, a doctor will first perform a physical examination. Imaging techniques such as X-rays and MRIs may be used. Reflex tests on the knees and ankles, as well as tests to assess muscle weakness, may also be conducted. Especially in patients under 35, if the straight leg test suggests a high likelihood of a herniated disc, the diagnosis may be made based on this result.
The treatment for herniated discs in the lower back and neck depends on the severity of the condition. In the initial phase, recovery can be achieved with medication, physical therapy, exercises, and posture adjustments. However, in some cases, if recovery is not achieved despite treatment, surgical intervention may be necessary. In very severe cases, supportive treatments such as cupping, leech therapy, and ozone therapy may also be used.
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