Do you suffer from a back pain?

You are not alone! According to Statistics Canada, 70% to 85% of people will suffer from back pain in their lifetime.

Do you have a stabbing sensation in your back that won't go away? If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from back pain, you may be wondering what is causing your discomfort.

Systemic herniated discs are a frequent cause of back, lumbar and cervical pain.

Do you experience aches and pains following physical exertion or repeated shocks? They are frequently caused by a traumatic event such as an accident or a fall!

Does your job require you to sit for long periods of time, giving you back pain? Poor posture can lead to herniated discs!

However, it's not the only source of back pain. How can we tell if our back pain is triggered by a herniated disc? A thorough examination is required, including orthopedic, neurological, radiological and even specialized imaging tests such as magnetic resonance or CT scans, in order to obtain a clear diagnosis.

Chiropractors are able to offer you this service.

What is the pain of a herniated disc?

Many hernias are harmless and cause no symptoms. However, some can cause pain and discomfort to the point of incapacitation.

They are often the cause of back pain and neckThese can be very hard to bear, with twinges, numbness and burning sensations in the arms or legs.

In this article, we'll look at what a herniated disc and how to determine whether your back pain is caused by it.

We will also explore the different treatment options available for people with this type of back pain.

We can also provide you with tips for relieving pain and improve your quality of life!

Definition of a herniated disc

The most common type of herniation is the herniated disc, which occurs when the gelatinous inner core of a disc presses on a nerve root. This is why it can cause pain in the back, neck, arms and legs and even headaches.

The discs of the spine, composed of cartilaginous tissue, serve to absorb shocks and are essential to maintain the permeability of the holes of conjugation allowing the nervous system to function normally.

It occurs when the gelatinous center of a disc exits through a tear in the outer layer of the disc.

When a disc undergoes a herniated discIf it swells and overflows, it can exert pressure on neighboring tissues and nerves, causing unpleasant inflammation and irritation.

If you think you have it, it is important to see a health care professional for diagnosis and treatment.

How do you know if you have a herniated disc?

Having trouble moving your neck or bending over? If so, you may be suffering from a herniated disc.

Although herniated discs can affect anyone, some people are more at risk, such as individuals between the ages of 25 and 55, pregnant women, tall people and those who are overweight.

Herniated discs are common and can cause a variety of symptoms. That's right! From one person to another, the effects are not the same. Some are even asymptomatic.

See your chiropractor for a diagnosis if you experience any of the following.

First symptom of the disease: physical and muscular pain

If you have lower back pain that radiates into your leg, back or cervical spine radiating into the arm or headache, it may be a herniated disc.

Although they differ from person to person, the symptoms of a herniated disc are most commonly related to body pain.

Although it's easy to imagine that the pain caused by a herniated disc would be confined to the back and spine, it's also easy to imagine that the pain would be confined to the spine. neckSince the location of the injured disc varies, it can also affect other parts of the body. For example, it may be painful in the arms, trunk or even legs.

You may feel pain or discomfort, especially when you cough, bend over or lift heavy objects in the rib area.

Second symptom: numbness in the arms or legs

Do you feel tingling or numbness in your arms or legs? Do you feel weakness in your legs or arms? If so, you may have a herniated disc.

Indeed, since the displacement of the disc often affects the nerves, it is possible that it affects the nature of the messages transmitted and received by the brain.

Numbness may cause difficulty walking or standing.

Third symptom: a bulge or bump in the affected area

Do you have a bulge or lump in your back that you've been ignoring? This could be a sign that you have a herniated disc.

A bulge or bump in the affected area can be one of the symptoms of a hernia as muscle tension is often present to protect the underlying nervous system.

How long does a herniated disc last?

Of course, it's possible to live well and be pain-free with this diagnosis. For mild symptoms, a little rest at home and the herniated disc can disappear over time! A healthy weight, exercise, and preventive maintenance including spinal decompression care accompanied by manual therapy are excellent ways to ensure vertebral health.

Although you should make sure you are followed by a health care professional, hernias can often be treated without surgery.

Complications are rare, but compression of nerve fibres can cause lasting paralysis. If neurological deficits such as paresthesia, paralysis or sphincter disorders are present, your treatment may require emergency surgical therapy.

In any case, you should make an appointment with a health care professional to avoid complications and ensure that your nerve fibers are no longer at risk.

How to treat a herniated disc?

One of the exercises recognized by the Chiropractic Practice Guidelines Council is that of the pelvic tilt, including the child's position often taught in yoga.

Mackenzie's exercises are also effective but must be done with care, that is, making sure that they do not cause numbness or pain and cramps in the legs for example.

Depending on the severity of the hernia, in some cases wearing a compression garment may be useful.

With appropriate intervention, the presence of a hernia can usually be managed effectively, with or without surgery.

In any case, when in doubt, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible as they can be very painful and can cause serious problems, sometimes requiring surgery, if not treated correctly.

You can also do home care as a preventive measure!

Make sure you have good spinal hygiene by consulting a professional and have a routine where your posture remains healthy and you do exercises that promote flexibility and muscle tone. Chiropractors are professionals with a 5 year university education and are very helpful in not only helping you recover but also in preventing future recurrences.

When injured, rest is often essential in the early stages of recovery. However, studies show that staying active is more conducive to recovery.

Take a break and make yourself comfortable at home!

To reduce swelling and pain, you can try alternating warm water and ice compresses.

An application of heat can help relax muscles and reduce pain, while cold can help numb an area and reduce inflammation.

You can also do light activities. Be careful! Be careful and do not make heavy physical efforts that could aggravate your pain!

The sitting position must respect the natural curves of the spine. If a curve of the spine is inverted, this can promote extrusion of the nucleus pulposus onto the nerves and thus compress them.

Don't make movements that require too much effort, such as lifting or jerky movements!

Walking, stretching and gentle yoga are all excellent exercises to help relieve pain and improve mobility.

However, to avoid complications, be sure to discuss it with your chiropractor before starting any new exercise routine. Prevention is better than cure!

Keep a good posture! Make sure you are not slouching when you are sitting or standing.

Good posture is essential to avoid back pain. Make sure you stand up straight and sit up straight. It may take a little practice, but it's worth it to protect your back!

Don't let your back pain get the best of you! If you think you have a herniated disc, contact us today to make an appointment. We can help you get the treatment you need to relieve your pain.

Make an appointment online to take advantage of our free initial consultation to provide you with the best possible care so you can enjoy your life to the fullest without any barriers!

Sources:

Statistics Canada. Workers and chronic back pain. (2022, May 17). Retrieved May 17, 2022, from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/fr/pub/82-003-x/2000001/article/5301-fra.pdf?st=sRKh0wfj

7 Signs you have a herniated disc (and you don't know it). (2019, May 2). Retrieved May 17, 2022, from. https://www.selection.ca/sante/maladies-conseils/7-signes-que-vous-avez-une-hernie-discale-et-vous-lignorez/