What are the warning signs of a herniated disk?
Table of Contents
What are the warning signs of a herniated disk?
That said, look out for these warning signs of a herniated disc:
- Pain and numbness on one side of your body.
- Pain that shoots down your leg (usually just one)
- Pain while walking.
- Pain that worsens after sitting.
- Pain that worsens after sleeping.
- Tingling in your hips and legs.
- Weakness in your legs.
How do you fix a herniated disc in your lower back?
Lumbar herniated disc treatments
- Physical therapy, exercise and gentle stretching to help relieve pressure on the nerve root.
- Ice and heat therapy for pain relief.
- Manipulation (such as chiropractic manipulation)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or COX-2 inhibitors for pain relief.
Can a herniated disc in lower back heal itself?
Herniated disks get better on their own over time or with nonsurgical treatment for 9 out of 10 people. If other treatments don’t relieve your symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery.
How do you tell if a disc is bulging or herniated?
“A bulging disc is like letting air out of a car tire. The disc sags and looks like it is bulging outward. With a herniated disc, the outer covering of the disc has a hole or tear. This causes the nucleus pulposus (jelly-like center of the disc) to leak into the spinal canal.”
How do I know if I have sciatica or a herniated disc?
If your pain is ongoing (chronic) or severe, your doctor might also get some imaging tests done. X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can look for herniated disks or bone spurs that clearly would be causes of sciatica. An electromyography (EMG) test can also tell them what nerves in your back are being compressed.
Can you pop a herniated disc back into place?
The discs will bulge or herniated, causing spinal damage and likely a life with chronic pain. Even the slightest increase in spacing can be enough to allow a herniated disc to pop back into place or relieve pressure from a compressed nerve.
Is rest good for herniated disc?
Most often 1-2 days of strict bed rest will calm severe back pain. Bed rest should not exceed 48 hours. Once you are back into your daily routine, you should take frequent rest breaks throughout the day- but avoid sitting for long periods of time.
How do I know if my back pain is muscular or spinal?
If the pain you feel extends to your arms, forearms, and hands, the source may be your cervical spine. On the other hand, if you feel the pain radiating to your legs, it may be a problem with the lumbar spine.
