A Herniated disc is where the fluid in the disc bulges through the supporting outer layers of the disc. This can happen because of having a preexisting condition, like degenerative disc disease, or lifting something too heavy incorrectly, putting most of the pressure from the item that you are lifting into the back rather than the legs. If the herniation is caused by lifting something too heavy, there is a chance that the excessive pressure may cause the disc to rupture. In either case, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to know the severity of the injury.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Depending on the action that caused the disc herniation, it will determine the direction of the bulge. This can be a forward or a backward bulge in either the neck or low back area. When a disc herniation occurs, it can push on different nerve roots. Nerve roots are where the nerve fibers split from the spinal cord and leave the spine to innervate the tissues and organs of the body. These nerve roots have both sensory (input information) and motor (output information) components and a herniation can affect one or both of these neural pathways, causing numbing/tingling feeling or muscle weakness. Also because of the bulge, quick movements can also cause pain, both locally and referring. Some people also experience a localized dull ache that doesn’t resolve.
Herniated Disc Treatments
Treatment for Disc Herniation will depend on the stage that you are in, in the injury. If it is the acute or first stage of healing, then the massage is done to help with reducing pain, muscle spasms, and swelling and promote relaxation. During the massage, extra pillows will be used depending on what position you feel most comfortable to be in while supporting the area that has the herniation. Most times the treatment won’t be any longer than 30 minutes during this stage, as you don’t want the area to be overworked, and tax the body.
In the later stages of healing, treatment sessions can be made longer, and more techniques can be used. These techniques can include treating trigger points that affect the area of herniation, with more aggressive techniques than in the acute stage, movement in locked joints (starting with the ones farthest away from the herniation), and treating fascial restrictions. But even in these later stages, you will still be positioned and pillowed to help with supporting the herniation until it’s fully healed, which will depend on the area (neck or lower back) and the severity of the herniation.