Understanding Your Back Pain

There are many reasons as to why people suffer back pain, and one of those reasons can be as a result of a herniated disc.

Between each vertebrae in your spine (the bony parts), sits a spinal disc. The discs allow flexibility and movement to occur and absorb shock from when you move. As a result of degeneration or trauma, the discs within the spinal region can become damaged therefore causing a weakened area that then allows the nucleus propulsus (gel-like middle) to seep out.

Due to the leaking of the nucleus propulsus, the nerve can then become compressed that exit the spine and irritation which is the painful stimulus felt as back pain. Herniated discs can occur at any segment of the spine however they are more common and likely to occur in the Lumbar (lower) region as this section of the spine takes more load and more stress is placed upon this area.

Depending on what disc is herniated means that you may experience symptoms in different areas of your body. An example is when a disc in pinching a nerve in the Lumbar region you may experience pain in your buttock and down your leg; commonly known as Sciatica. Another example is if there is a herniated disc in your Cervical Spine (neck region) and this can then lead to pain felt in down the arm.

There are many different treatment options that can be carried out in order to treat and manage disc herniations, along with prescribed home exercises to gain the best results whilst treating this injury. Early management is key to recovering from disc herniations along side advice on preventative methods, if you feel you are suffering from back complaints, don't hesitate to get in touch!

The Injury Clinic