Types of Spinal Disc Problems and Solutions to Deal with Them!

Spinal disc problems are of different types. Some issues may arise from age-related degeneration, and some may be due to injury or other reasons.

Here is a guide to common spinal disc problems.

Slipped Disc or Herniated Disc

It is a widespread spinal cord problem that people may experience. When the disc of the spinal cord gets slipped or ruptured, it is called a herniated disc. In this condition, the soft material inside the disc comes out through a tear and disturbs the nerves in the nearby region. It causes mild to severe pain and also other symptoms like arm pain, leg pain, numbness, and weakness and tingling sensation.

Age-related reasons do not always cause this condition. It may happen with lifting heavy objects improperly. For slip disc treatment, one must consult with a specialist doctor immediately.

Pinched Nerve

This condition is caused commonly by herniated discs. For instance, people with a herniated disc in the lower spine area, it may cause pinched nerves by putting pressure on the nerve root. It will increase the pain throughout the lower part of the body.

The most common symptoms of pinched nerves are numbness in legs and feet or hands, muscle weakness, the sensation of needles in the area of the pinched nerve – sharp ache and burning pain.

Bulging Disc

Bulging disc is not the same as a herniated disc. When someone has a bulging disc, the area around the disc will get swelled but not ruptured. So the soft membrane, in this case, does not leak through. You may find the bulges along the rear or the sides of the problematic disc.

Bulging discs may cause several conditions and symptoms. But the symptoms depend on the location of the bulged disc. If the bulged disc is in the lumbar region, you may feel pain and numbing sensation in the legs and buttocks or feet. If you have a bulged disc in the cervical region, you will see symptoms in the arms and neck region.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that involves leg pain along the large sciatica nerve present at the back of the legs. The pain is mostly tingling with numbness. The lower back may also get affected due to this condition. It is a condition that may arise from other conditions such as herniated disc, spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis.

Spinal Stenosis

It is a condition in which the open space of the spinal cord narrows down, putting pressure on the nerves and the entire spinal cord. This condition may give rise to any unpleasant symptoms depending on the severity of the disease.

Treatments for Spinal Disc Problems

There are several options available for treating spinal cord problems. The doctor will suggest the best solution after a thorough analysis of your spinal cord condition. The procedure varies from patient to patient as per the type of problem and the severity of the disease.

For slip disc treatment, surgery is one of the best ways. But there are many non-surgical treatments for other spinal disc problems. These treatments include:

• Proper rest and care
• Physiotherapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications

To know more about slip disc treatment or other issues related to spine, talk to your doctor today.