Disc herniation

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Disc herniation
Synonyms	Slipped disc, ruptured disc
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Back pain, leg pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness
Complications	Cauda equina syndrome, chronic pain
Onset	Typically between ages 30 and 50
Duration	Variable
Types	N/A
Causes	Degenerative disc disease, trauma, lifting injuries
Risks	Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, genetic factors
Diagnosis	Physical examination, MRI, CT scan
Differential diagnosis	Spinal stenosis, sciatica, muscle strain
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Physical therapy, medication, surgery
Medication	NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, steroids
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Disc herniation is a medical condition that occurs when the inner core of a disc in the spine leaks out through the disc's outer layer. This can cause pain and other symptoms, depending on the location of the herniation and the type of tissue that becomes involved.

Causes

Disc herniation is often the result of a gradual, aging-related wear and tear called disc degeneration. As you age, your spinal discs lose some of their water content, which makes them less flexible and more prone to tearing or rupturing with even a minor strain or twist. Most people can't pinpoint the exact cause of their herniated disc.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a herniated disc can vary greatly depending on the location of the herniation and your own response to pain. If the herniated disc is not pressing on a nerve, you may experience a low backache or no pain at all. If it is pressing on a nerve, you may have pain, numbness or weakness in the area of the body to which the nerve travels.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of disc herniation is typically made through a physical examination and imaging tests. During the physical exam, your doctor will check your back for tenderness and may ask you to lie flat and move your legs in certain ways to determine the cause of your pain.

Treatment

Treatment for disc herniation depends on the severity of your symptoms. For many people, symptoms improve over time with conservative treatment, such as medication and physical therapy. Surgery may be recommended if conservative treatments fail or if you have severe pain, weakness or numbness that makes it difficult to perform basic activities.

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See also

• Spinal disc herniation
• Lumbar disc disease
• Cervical disc disease
• Spinal stenosis

References

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