Back pain seems to become more common as we age. But how do you know if that nagging ache in your back is a sign of something more serious?
“Pain is the most common indicator that brings people into the doctor’s office to have their back checked,” says Shirvinda Wijesekera, MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon at MidState Medical Center.
Dr. Wijesekera discusses three symptoms of a herniated disc, why it causes so much pain, and treatment options.
The symptoms of a herniated disc
Other symptoms to look for, according to him, are:
Arm, leg, or buttock pain, particularly if the herniated disc is in your lower back. The pain can travel down the calf.
Tingling or numbness. This can be caused by nerves affected by the slipped disc in your back, legs, arms, or buttocks.
Weakness in one or both arms or legs.
Its scientific basis
The spine is a series of bones connected by cushions, or discs, that allow us to move freely and without pain.
According to Dr. Wijesekera, the discs between the vertebrae in the spine are firm and rubbery on the outside and filled with a soft center, similar to a jelly donut.
“We call them the spine’s shock absorbers,” he says.
Accidents, overuse, and even minor twists and bends can cause a disc to herniate or slip out of place. When a disc herniates, it can either hit nerves and cause pain, or the substance inside can leak out and put pressure on nerves.
Options for treatment
As debilitating as that may sound, Dr. Wijesekera notes that up to 90% of people with herniated discs see their symptoms improve without surgery.
“We want surgery to be used only as a last resort,” he says.
First, he suggests remedies such as:
- Rest
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
“We’d like to see it finished in six months because we don’t want the nerves to scar,” he says.
When a doctor can assist
If surgery is required, the options include removing the portion of the disc that is irritating the nerve or inserting a replacement disc.
“Living with pain is not always the solution; we simply have something to fix,” Dr. Wijesekera says. “The body is amazing. It has the ability to repair itself.”
Erin Balsa is a highly skilled and knowledgeable health journalist with a passion for educating the public on important health and wellness topics. With extensive experience in both traditional and digital media, Erin has established herself as a trusted voice in the field.