Herniated Disk
Herniated Disk
If you are experiencing lower back pain that moves down to your buttocks and legs, you might just have a herniated disk. Herniated disk symptoms can sometimes go away on their own. In other cases, the pain will linger, go away, and recur. It is important to seek care early, by requesting an appointment with a physical therapist to evaluate your back and create a treatment plan for you. Contact us today to get started.
What is a Herniated Disk?
A herniated disk is one of the most common causes of lower back pain and leg pain. Although, it can happen anywhere along the spine, it usually occurs in the lower back. Sometimes, it is called a bulging, protruded, slipped, or ruptured disk. Your spine is made up of 24 bones (vertebrae) that are on top of one another. In between each of the bones are rubbery-like cushions called disks. These disks serve as shock absorbers when you run or walk. Each disk has two parts; the inner soft jelly-like nucleus and the tough outer ring called the annulus. A disk herniation occurs when the soft jelly-like nucleus pushes out against the outer ring through a tear. When a disk is herniated, it can affect the surrounding spinal nerve. This results in severe pain, numbness, and weakness that can travel down to the buttocks, thighs, and legs.
Diagnosing Herniated Disk
At Polygon PT, a physical therapist will examine your medical history, and evaluate your back. Your therapist will ask you to lie on your back, while lifting the affected leg, but keeping your knee straight. If you feel pain down your leg and below the knee, it is a strong indication that you have a herniated disk. Your therapist will also check for muscle strength in the lower leg, and other areas of your body if needed. You might be required to undergo imaging tests. This may be
- X-ray
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan
- CT (Computerized Tomography) scan
- Discogram
Causes of Herniated Disk
The main cause for disk herniation is a result of gradual age-related wear and tear called disk degeneration.
As you get older, the disk becomes more flexible and prone to rupturing from a minor twist or strain.
A traumatic event such as a fall can cause a herniated disk. Although, this is rare. Family history has also been seen as a cause for herniated disks.
Herniated Disk Risk Factors
Several factors can contribute to or increase your risk for a disk herniation. They include:
Sex
Men are more likely to have a herniated disk, especially between the ages of 20 to 50 years.
Obesity
Having too much weight may put pressure on the disc in your lower back
Improper lifting
Using your back muscles to lift heavy weight instead of your leg muscles can cause disk herniation
Repetitive movements
and activities that strain the spine
Sedentary lifestyle
Exercising is important in preventing herniated disk
Genetics
Some persons because of their genetic makeup, are more prone to a herniated disk.
Smoking
Excessive smoking limits oxygen from going to the disks. This causes the disks to break down more quickly.