Although it's most common in people between the ages of 30 and 60, a herniated disc can occur at almost any age and significantly impacts our quality of life. So, what is a herniated disc, what are its symptoms? What are its treatment and prevention methods?

A herniated disc in the spine, also known as a slipped disc, is a medical condition that affects the vertebrae. So, what are the symptoms of a herniated disc? How is it treated?

WHAT IS A HERNIATED DISC?

Your spine is made of a jelly-like substance. The vertebrae are made up of 26 bones, cushioned by soft discs. These discs are what allow your spine to move and bend. But if a disc between two vertebrae begins to slip, it can irritate surrounding nerves and cause extreme pain. This is what we call a herniated disc.

WHAT CAUSES A HERNIATED DISC?

A herniated disc is most 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, making them less flexible and more prone to tearing with even a small stretch or bend.

Sometimes, when you try to lift large, heavy objects using your back muscles instead of your legs and thigh muscles, the twisting and turning that occurs during lifting can lead to a herniated disc.

Rarely, a traumatic event, such as a fall or a blow to the back, can cause a herniated disc.

RISK FACTORS IN HERNIATED DISC

Factors that increase your risk of a herniated disc include:

Weight: Excess body weight puts extra stress on the discs in your lower back.

Job: People who work in physically demanding jobs are at greater risk of back problems. Repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, side bending, and twisting can also increase the risk of a herniated disc.

Genetic: Some people have a predisposition to a herniated disc.

SYMPTOMS OF A HERNIATED DISC

The most common symptoms of a herniated disc are:

Arm or leg pain: If your herniated disc is in your lower back, you'll typically feel the most intense pain in your hips and calf. The pain may also involve parts of your foot. If your herniated disc is in your neck, the pain will typically be most intense in your shoulder and arm. This pain may radiate down your arm or leg when you cough, sneeze, or bend your spine into certain positions.

Numbness or tingling: People with a herniated disc often experience numbness or tingling in the part of the spine where the affected nerves are located.

Muscle weakness: Muscles around the affected nerves tend to weaken. This can impair your ability to lift or hold objects.

You may also have a herniated disc without knowing it: Herniated discs sometimes appear similar to the spinal discs of people without a disc problem.

If your neck or back pain radiates down your arm or leg or is accompanied by numbness, tingling or weakness, you should definitely seek medical attention.

COMPLICATIONS IN HERNIATED DISC

Your spinal cord doesn't extend into your lower spine. Just below your waist, the spinal cord branches into a group of long nerve roots (cauda equina) that resemble a horse's tail. Rarely, a herniated disc can compress the entire cauda equina. Emergency surgery may be necessary to prevent permanent paralysis.

Get emergency medical help if:
Worsening symptoms: Pain, numbness, or weakness may increase to the point where you are unable to perform your daily activities.

Bladder or bowel dysfunction: People with cauda equina syndrome (caused by compression of the nerves and nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord) may experience incontinence. They may be unable to hold in urine or stool.

Numbness between legs: This progressive loss of sensation affects the inner thighs, the back of the legs, and the areas around the rectum.

So, should a herniated disc be operated on?

If you have a neurological deficit or motor loss, commonly known as partial paralysis, or if you experience persistent pain that interferes with your social and professional life, you should consider surgery. A half-hour microsurgical or endoscopic procedure can provide relief. You should discuss the surgical method with your doctor.