Many patients complaining about back pain, leg pain, or other weakness of the lower extremity muscles can be diagnosed with herniated discs. Herniated discs occurs when the cushion that sits between the spinal vertebra is moved outside its normal position. The pain caused by a herniated disc occurs because the spinal nerves are very close to the edge of spinal discs. As the spinal disc becomes less elastic, it can rupture. When the disc ruptures, a portion of the spinal disc pushes outside its normal boundary causing herniated discs. When a herniated disc bulges the spinal cords, nerves can become pinched. Normally there is a little extra space around the spinal cord and spinal nerves, but when the herniated disc is pushed out of place, these structures compress. When herniated discs rupture it begins to pinch the nerves. Herniated discs can be caused suddenly by such things as a fall or an accident, or can occur over time with repetitive strain put on the spine. Herniated discs occur when the space for the nerves is further diminished, and irritation of the nerve results. Common symptoms of a herniated disc include:
- Pressure on the nerve can cause abnormal sensations, commonly experienced as electric shock pains. When the compression occurs in the cervical (neck) region, the shocks go down your arms, when the compression is in the lumbar (low back) region, the shocks go down your legs.
- Patients often have abnormal sensations such as tingling, numbness, or pins and needles. These symptoms may be experienced in the same region as painful electric shock sensations.
- Because of the nerve irritation, signals from the brain may be interrupted causing muscle weakness. Nerve irritation can also be tested by examining reflexes.
All of these symptoms are due to the irritation of the nerve from the herniated discs. All of these symptoms can be caused by a herniated discs pressing against the nerves.
While some herniated discs may require surgery, very often they can be treated through non-surgical means. The cranial and structural bodywork we perform at Surgical Alternative has been effective at treating herniated discs. Our goals is to help some of those people that suffer from these and many other painful conditions. For more information or to read other testimonials and blogs Check US OUT!
