BoneStructures
Herniated Disc
Dr JemalKhan,
Chiropractor
What is a herniated disc?
Herniated discs are most common in the lumbar spine--the partof your backbone between the bottom of your ribs and your hips.Discs are soft "cushions" between the bones of the spine.The spine holds up your body. It also protects your spinal cordand nerves. The discs in the spine let you move your backbone.
Why does a disc get herniated?
As you grow older, your discs become flatter--less cushiony. Ifa disc becomes too weak, the outer part may tear. The inside partof the disc pushes through the tear and presses on the nervesbeside it. Herniated discs are most common in people in their30s and 40s.
What are the signs ofa herniated disc?
When part of a disc presses on a nerve, it can cause pain in boththe back and the legs. The location of the pain depends on whichdisc is weak. How bad the pain is depends on how much of the discis pressing on the nerve. In most people with a herniated disc,the pain spreads over the buttocks and goes down the back of onethigh and into the calf. Some people have pain in both legs. Somepeople's legs or feet feel numb or tingly. The pain from a herniateddisc is usually worse when you're active and gets better whenyou're resting. Coughing, sneezing, sitting, driving and bendingforward may make the pain worse. The pain gets worse when youdo these things because they all put more pressure on the nerve.People with a painful herniated disc often try to change theirposition to reduce the pain. You may have found that holding yourselfup with your hands while you are sitting helps the pain. Shiftingyour weight to one side may also help.
How does my doctor knowI have a herniated disc?
After asking you questions and giving you an exam, your doctormay take x-rays and other pictures to see if you have a herniateddisc. Becoming active will help you get better faster. If yourpain is very bad, your doctor may suggest that you rest in bedfor one or two days. Sometimes stretching of the spine can helpthe pain along with chiropractic adjustments.
Will exercises help thepain?
Yes, exercises can be very helpful. Begin by stretching. Bendover forward and bend to the sides. Start these exercises afteryour back is a little stronger and doesn't hurt as much. The goalof exercise is to make your back and stomach muscles stronger.This will ease the pressure on your disc and make you hurt less.Ask your doctor about exercises for your back.
What about my posture?
Good posture (standing up straight, sitting straight, liftingthings with your back straight) can help your back. Bend yourknees and hips when you lift something and keep your back straight.Hold an object close to your body when you carry it. If you standfor a long time, put one foot on a small stool or box for a while.If you sit for a long time, put your feet on a small stool soyour knees are higher than your hips. Don't wear high-heeled shoes.Don't sleep on your stomach. These things can put more pressureon your discs.
What are my chances ofgetting better?
Your chances are good. Most people with a herniated disc are betterin about four weeks. Sometimes it takes longer. If you still havepain or numbness after four to six weeks, or if your signs getworse, talk with your doctor. Sometimes it takes surgery to relievepain. If you have trouble going to the bathroom, or have weightloss, pain at night or more pain or weakness than usual in yourbackbone, tell your doctor right away.
These might be the signsof a more serious problem.
This information providesa general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to yourchiropractor to find out if this information applies to you andto get more information on this subject.
Dr. Khan,
Chiropractor