Epidemiology. Disc herniation can occur in any disc in the spine, but the two most common forms are
lumbar disc herniation and cervical disc herniation
. The former is the most common, causing low back pain (lumbago) and often leg pain as well, in which case it is commonly referred to as sciatica.
What is most common location of herniated discs in spine?
Herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine. Herniated discs are more common in
the lower back (lumbar spine)
, but also occur in the neck (cervical spine). The area in which pain is experienced depends on what part of the spine is affected.
What is the most common treatment for herniated discs?
- Physical therapy, exercise and gentle stretching to help relieve pressure on the nerve root.
- Ice and heat therapy for pain relief.
- Manipulation (such as chiropractic manipulation)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or COX-2 inhibitors for pain relief.
Do most herniated discs heal?
Usually a
herniated disc will heal on its own over time
. Be patient, and keep following your treatment plan. If your symptoms don’t get better in a few months, you may want to talk to your doctor about surgery.
Do most people have a herniated disc?
You may have heard this one before: 50
percent of all normal and asymptomatic adults have at least one herniated disc
(sometimes referred to as a slipped disc.) However, unlike many other buzzy medical “factoids,” this one is more myth than truth.
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.
What is the fastest way to heal a herniated disc?
Treatment with rest, pain medication, spinal injections, and physical therapy
is the first step to recovery. Most people improve in 6 weeks and return to normal activity. If symptoms continue, surgery may be recommended.
Can you push a herniated disc back into place?
The discs will bulge or herniated, causing spinal damage and likely a life with chronic pain. Even
the slightest increase in spacing
can be enough to allow a herniated disc to pop back into place or relieve pressure from a compressed nerve.
What activities should you avoid with a herniated disc?
- Sitting too much. Sitting puts more stress on your spinal discs, especially when slouching forward in a seat. …
- Doing laundry. …
- Vacuuming. …
- Feeding a pet. …
- Strenuous exercise. …
- Shoveling snow or gardening. …
- Learn more:
How long does it take a herniated disc to heal without surgery?
How long does a herniated disc take to heal without surgery? How long a herniated disc takes to heal often ranges
between six and eight weeks
. Additionally, patients with this condition often heal just fine without surgery.
How long does it take a herniated disc to reabsorb?
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.
Can a chiropractor fix a herniated disc?
To treat a herniated disc, your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan that may include
spinal manipulation
—also known as adjustments—and other chiropractic techniques to help ease your herniated disc symptoms.
Is a herniated disc a permanent injury?
Herniated discs are
a common permanent injury
, typically caused by a car crash or a job accident. The individuals responsible, including the at-fault driver, could be held legally liable. Individuals injured on the job can seek workers’ compensation benefits through their employer’s insurance coverage.
Can I make my 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 massage make herniated disc worse?
Practicing Herniated Disc Massage Safely
If pressure is too much,
it can lead to excess muscle guarding and actually make the issue worse
. Your ability to relax should be your gauge to what you can do.
