It is a problem where, a part of disk creates pressure continuously through another weak part of the respective disk. This also creates pressure on the nearby nerve and the spinal cord. Herniated disk actually irritate nerves which lie nearby and this irritation cause huge pain and also creates weakness in the legs and arms. Some patients also experience herniated disk problem without any symptoms. Surgery is not normally required for patients who are suffering from herniated disk.
Cause
Some jobs that require squatting or constant sitting can result in herniated disk and general wear and tear due to aging will be a cause for herniated disk. Athletes who usually play contact sport are much prone to herniated disk. A spinal disk loses water content when age increase and this leads to herniated disk. This causes the bone to be less flexible and leads to rupture and tear even with a small twist. In most cases, doctors can not pinpoint the actual cause of herniated disk.
Risk factors
Some of the risk factors which can cause herniated disk include;
- Genetics – Herniated is a heredity disease passed through genes.
- Weight – Your overweight cause huge stress and pressure on your disk and lower back.
- Occupation – Some jobs which require constant pushing, pulling, lifting and twisting can increase the risk of herniated disk. Physically demanding jobs have hugely prone to herniated disk.
Treatment
Properly planned exercise and medication can cure herniated disk at an early stage. If you have moderate and mild pain you can take pain medication to get remedy. Narcotics are usually prescribed by doctors when pain does not relieve with normal medication. Physical therapy is prescribed by doctors. Some exercise and positions can minimize herniated disk like short term neck and lower back bracing and electrical stimulation.
