Back pain is one of the most common health complaints, with one of the most notable being disc problems (or herniated discs). This occurs when the jelly-like substance between the vertebrae is affected, leading to pressure on the surrounding nerves. This condition can cause severe pain in the back or limbs, muscle weakness, and numbness in various areas of the body.
To shed light on this condition and how to manage it, Sidati interviewed Amina, a 54-year-old woman who suffered from disc pain and managed to control and overcome it through her personal experience.
My Experience with Disc Pain
Amina says, “In 2022, I started experiencing lower back pain, which gradually became a daily issue. After the diagnosis, the doctor told me I had a herniated disc between the fourth and fifth vertebrae."
She added, "The main cause of my disc problem was my incorrect posture while sitting for long hours at my office job, along with the lack of regular physical activity." Amina emphasized that taking quick treatment steps was crucial to avoid further complications.
What is a Herniated Disc?
Amina explains, based on what her doctor told her: “A herniated disc happens when the jelly-like substance between the vertebrae protrudes and presses on the surrounding nerves, causing pain in the back or limbs, along with numbness and muscle weakness. The doctor explained that early diagnosis helps prevent complications.”
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
According to Amina’s experience and doctors from Johns Hopkins Medicine, the symptoms include:
Pain in the lower back or neck: This is the most common symptom, and if the herniated disc affects the sciatic nerve, the pain can extend down the leg, a condition known as "sciatica."
Numbness or tingling: The affected person may feel significant numbness or tingling in areas near the injury, such as the buttocks, thighs, or arms. This suggests the herniated disc is in the neck area.
Muscle weakness: Pressure on the nerves can lead to muscle weakness, making it difficult to lift objects or walk.
Severe pain: The pain can be persistent and worsens with daily activities like bending, twisting, or even coughing and sneezing.
Loss of bladder or bowel control: In rare cases, a herniated disc can lead to Cauda Equina Syndrome, which causes urinary incontinence. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Diagnosing a Herniated Disc
Amina describes her diagnosis: “The first step was to have an MRI scan, which is the most accurate method for determining the location of the herniated disc and its effect on the nerves.” Early diagnosis, she emphasized, played a critical role in effectively managing the condition.
The MRI showed that Amina had a moderate herniated disc pressing on the sciatic nerve, causing pain radiating down her leg.
Treatment Options for a Herniated Disc
1. Non-Surgical Treatment:
Amina began physical therapy with a physiotherapist right away. She explains: “We used techniques to improve the flexibility of the spine and strengthen the supporting muscles.” According to WebMD, 90% of patients with a herniated disc experience improvement within 6 weeks of physical therapy.
Amina also received anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, and she underwent a cortisone injection to reduce the pressure on the nerves, an approach recommended when conventional medications fail.
2. Surgical Treatment:
Amina shared, “After three months of physical therapy and some pain medications, the pain didn’t go away completely, so I was advised to undergo surgery. The surgery was a microdiscectomy, a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing a portion of the damaged disc.” According to Spine-health, this surgery is safe and effective for more than 95% of patients.
3. Stem Cell Therapy:
In addition to Amina's experience, there are emerging treatments like stem cell therapy, which has shown promise in regenerating damaged discs, according to a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. However, this method is not widely available and may not be an option for all patients.
Prevention Tips for Herniated Discs
Amina emphasizes that prevention is better than cure. Here are some of the best ways to prevent a herniated disc, according to Harvard Health Publishing:
Maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise regularly, focusing on strengthening the back and abdominal muscles.
Avoid lifting heavy weights incorrectly.
Practice good posture while sitting at work or driving.
Conclusion
Amina’s experience with herniated disc pain highlights the importance of early diagnosis and a balanced approach to treatment. While physical therapy and medications can work for many, surgery may become necessary if conservative treatments fail. Preventative measures like regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and proper posture are crucial in reducing the risk of future disc problems.
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