A herniated disc can throw a wrench into every aspect of your life. While it’s tempting to ignore it or hope the pain will just go away on its own, it’s a gamble you may not want to take.
To protect your spinal health, see Mark Grubb, MD, at Northeast Ohio Spine Center at the first sign of trouble. Dr. Grubb offers specialized care for disc herniations, including nonsurgical treatment options and minimally invasive spine surgery.
Ignoring persistent back pain or neck pain can do more than prolong your discomfort. Here, we explain what a herniated disc can do to your body and why it’s so important to take prompt action.
A herniated disc — also called a slipped, ruptured, or bulging disc — occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in its outer wall.
It happens to over 3 million Americans a year, most often due to natural age-related wear on the spine (disc degeneration). It can also be caused by acute injuries, such as falls or car accidents, or repetitive stress from poor posture or improper lifting.
The bulging disc material can compress nearby nerves, causing pain in your back or neck, along with numbness, tingling, and weakness that radiates into your arms and legs. However, it’s possible to have a herniated disc without any symptoms.
Trying to play through the pain and continuing to engage in activities that aggravate the ruptured disc can worsen the initial inflammation and nerve compression. Over time, constant pressure on the nerves can turn an acute injury into a chronic condition that limits your mobility and your ability to work and enjoy recreational activities.
In severe cases, an untreated herniated disc may cause permanent nerve damage. This can lead to lasting weakness or numbness in your limbs, difficulty standing or walking, and bladder or bowel issues.
A rare but serious medical emergency, known as cauda equina syndrome, can occur when a large herniation compresses the bundle of nerve roots at the base of your spine. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a sudden loss of sensation in your groin and inner thigh area or loss of control over your bladder or bowels.
If you’re concerned that a herniated disc is behind your spine pain, start by giving your body some time to heal. Avoid activities that aggravate the injury, apply ice or heat, and use over-the-counter pain medications to manage discomfort.
However, symptoms that persist or worsen are a sign that it’s time to consult an expert. Dr. Grubb can confirm or rule out a disc herniation with a comprehensive physical examination and advanced diagnostic imaging.
For most patients, the initial treatment plan focuses on conservative, nonsurgical methods to manage pain and improve mobility. Depending on the severity and location of the ruptured disc, Dr. Grubb may suggest options like anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and chiropractic care.
If your symptoms aren’t improving, we can discuss more advanced solutions. A discectomy — a minimally invasive procedure to remove the portion of the disc responsible for nerve compression — may be necessary for lasting relief.
Don’t jeopardize your future health by ignoring nagging discomfort. Contact Northeast Ohio Spine Center in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, today to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options.
