Pain from a herniated disc can stop you in your tracks. Dr. Carlos Diaz is a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist who is the director at Spine, Sport & Physical Medicine Center in Sarasota, Florida. He’s dedicated to using his extensive experience in treating spinal issues such as herniated discs with nonsurgical treatments that can effectively resolve your symptoms and get you moving again without pain. If you’re experiencing symptoms related to a herniated disc, call today for an appointment with Dr. Diaz or schedule your visit online.
Spinal discs are small, rubbery structures that act as cushions between the bony vertebrae in your spine. These discs contain a softer inner material that sometimes shifts into the tougher exterior and causes a bulge (herniation) in the disc. When this bulge presses on nearby nerves running through the spinal column, it irritates them and causes pain. Other common names for herniated discs included a ruptured or slipped disc.
Herniated discs can occur anywhere along your spine but are most often located in the lower back and neck. You may not notice any symptoms initially, but as the herniated disc presses more directly on the affected nerve, it can cause:
Rarely, compression of spinal nerve roots can cause loss of bladder or bowel control, which may indicate a more serious condition called cauda equina syndrome. This condition requires immediate medical attention at your local emergency room.
The most common culprit is due to degenerative changes in the discs that occur as part of the natural aging process, causing them to become less flexible. Other factors that may increase your risk of developing a herniated disc include:
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, treatments may include:
