Are herniated disks common?
Every year, up to 2% of people get a herniated disk
. Herniated disks are a leading cause of neck and/or arm, and back and/or leg pain (sciatica). They can happen anywhere along the spine, but herniated disks most often occur in the lower back or the neck.
Is a herniated disc serious?
A herniated disc is a common spinal disorder, and it typically responds well to conservative treatment like gentle exercise or over-the-counter pain medication. But
some ruptured disc symptoms warrant a trip to your doctor to prevent serious—and potentially permanent—nerve complications
.
Are herniated discs forever?
The good news is that
in most cases — 90% of the time — pain caused by a herniated disc will go away on its own within six months
. Initially, your doctor will likely recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever and limit activities that cause pain or discomfort.
Can you live a normal life with herniated disc?
Living with a herniated disc
Your chances of getting better are good
. Most people who have a herniated disc are better in about 4 weeks. Sometimes it takes longer. If you still have pain or numbness after 4 to 6 weeks, or if you feel worse, talk with your doctor.
Who is at risk of herniated disk?
People ages 30 to 50
are most likely to get a herniated disk. The problem affects men twice as often as women. Other risk factors include: Sitting for long periods in the same position.
Can a herniated disc take years to heal?
The average amount of time it takes for a herniated disk to heal is four to six weeks
, but it can get better within a few days depending on how severe the herniation was and where it occurred. The biggest factor in healing a herniated disk is time, because most often it will resolve on its own.
What percentage of herniated discs require surgery?
When & How to Seek Medical Care
Fortunately,
the majority of herniated discs do not require surgery
. With time, the symptoms of sciatica/radiculopathy improve in approximately 9 out of 10 people. The time to improve varies, ranging from a few days to a few weeks.
Can you make a herniated disc worse?
Can you make a herniated disc worse?
The pain from a herniated disc usually is worse when you are active and gets better when you are resting
. Coughing, sneezing, sitting, driving, and bending forward may make the pain worse.
Can a herniated disc paralyze you?
With a herniated disc, the capsule cracks or breaks, and the nucleus squeezes out. This can irritate the spinal cord or nearby nerves, causing weakness and numbness in the arms or legs.
A severely herniated disc can cause paralysis
.
What happens if you let a herniated disc go untreated?
If a patient has a herniated disc and does nothing to treat it,
severe nerve damage and pain can result
. Some of the symptoms of untreated herniated discs include: Back/Neck pain. Nerve pain in the arms/legs.
What happens if you have a herniated disc for years?
A severe case of a bulging disc can
cut off nerve impulses, even causing permanent nerve damage
. Additionally, you may experience sharp paints, incontinence, bowel movement irregularity, or even partial paralysis as the issue worsens.
Can a chiropractor fix a herniated disc?
Nine out of ten individuals with a herniated disc can heal their condition through non-invasive procedures. If you want to explore conservative options for recovery, chiropractic care is an excellent place to start.
A chiropractor can help you heal naturally and relieve your pain.
How can I prevent my herniated disc from getting worse?
Skip movements that involve significant axial loading on the lower back, such as squats and leg presses
. Avoid toe-touches, sit-ups, and yoga poses that worsen the pain and lead to significant bending of the back.
Are herniated discs genetic?
The medical literature has shown a hereditary tendency for disc degeneration
, and disc degeneration is associated with an increased risk for a herniation. One extensive study found that a family history of lumbar herniated discs is the best predictor of a future herniation.
How do you know if your herniated disc is getting worse?
Some people’s legs or feet feel numb or tingly.
The pain from a herniated disc usually is worse when you are active and gets better when you are resting
. Coughing, sneezing, sitting, driving, and bending forward may make the pain worse.
Is herniated disc surgery worth it?
Your doctor might recommend surgery as an option for your herniated disc if:
Your symptoms have lasted at least 6 weeks and make it hard to do your normal activities, and other treatments haven’t helped
. You need to get better quickly because of your job or to get back to your other activities as soon as possible.
Can I exercise with a herniated disc?
Exercise can be an enjoyable and satisfying way to treat symptoms associated with a herniated disc
. You and your doctor can work together to develop a program that you can stick with and will reduce your pain. Ultimately, exercise will help you feel better, and it should help relieve your pain from a herniated disc.
Can you feel a herniated disc with your fingers?
Sensations of tingling and numbness
Patients with herniated discs located in the neck can feel numbness and tingling in the hands, fingers, and arm.
Can you push a herniated disc back into place?
If you have back pain from a bulging disc,
do not have your friend try to force it back into place
. This will likely increase, rather than relieve, your pain.
Is a Microdiscectomy major surgery?
Even though microdiscectomy recovery times are generally much faster than more invasive spinal surgeries,
they’re still major procedures
that involve general anesthetic.
Is it common to have multiple herniated discs?
First,
it is quite common to have multiple herniated discs in the lumbar spine
. In studies of people who were not experiencing back pain, many had disc herniations that caused no pain symptoms. Second, the term “disc herniation” is very broad, and can describe mild bulges to extreme protrusions that cause pain.
Is a discectomy major surgery?
Discectomy is a common but major surgery
with significant risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options. Consider getting a second opinion about all your treatment choices before having a discectomy.
How long is bed rest for herniated disc?
Most often 1-2 days of strict bed rest will calm severe back pain. Bed rest
should not exceed 48 hours
. Once you are back into your daily routine, you should take frequent rest breaks throughout the day- but avoid sitting for long periods of time.
