Understanding Herniated Discs
A herniated disc, also referred to as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing. This condition can result from a variety of causes, including age-related wear and tear (disc degeneration), trauma, or lifting heavy objects improperly. The herniated portion of the disc can irritate nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg, depending on the location of the herniation.
Common symptoms of a herniated disc include intense lower back pain, pain that radiates to the arms or legs, tingling or numbness in extremities, and muscle weakness. These symptoms can significantly impact daily activities, making it challenging to perform routine tasks and reducing overall quality of life.
