{"id":6396,"date":"2024-09-02T11:52:55","date_gmt":"2024-09-02T06:22:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.flexifyme.com\/blogs\/?p=6396"},"modified":"2025-12-03T12:43:59","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T12:43:59","slug":"disc-herniation-causes-symptoms-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.flexifyme.com\/blogs\/disc-herniation-causes-symptoms-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Disc Herniation: Causes, Symptoms & Best Treatment Options | FlexifyMe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We may often dismiss that sudden back pain to tiredness, or those extra miles on the treadmill. Not until the shooting pain becomes more frequent- in fact, it is a sharp, stinging pain accompanied by unexplained weakness. That’s when you realise it could be something more serious, like a slipped disc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In medical terms, a slipped disc is called a disc herniation. But, what exactly is a disc herniation and why does it occur even in healthy people?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog, we demystify disc herniation, its causes, symptoms and what treatments are available to reduce the painful effects of this condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Disc Herniation <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A herniated disc is a condition affecting the spine which originates in the back of the neck. The spine is made up of 24 vertebrae which are connected by numerous joints. In between the bones, there are discs present. Each disc has a nucleus pulposus or a jelly-like centre. Due to age-related degeneration, heavy physical work like lifting or pulling or sudden trauma, the discs get affected and become weak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to this, tears may be formed in the discs. It is through these tears that the jelly-like centre starts to leak out. Often, there may be a reduced water content in this area also due to degeneration.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This bulging out or leaking of the nucleus pulposus, is referred to as a disc herniation. This leads to pressure on the spinal area and the nerves, causing excruciating pain or even leading to spinal cord dysfunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Disc Herniation <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Herniation of disc is broadly categorised into three types. Here is a discussion on them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protrusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This occurs when due to the pressure of the vertebrae, the weak discs start to bulge outwards, like a sack being pushed out. Subsequently, there is pressure on the surrounding nerves and this causes back pain<\/a>. The herniated disc here does not spill over into the spine but stays \u2018contained\u2019 like a sack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disc Extrusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In this herniation, there is intense pressure on the nerves. As the term extrusion implies, the nucleus pulposus is pushed out through the outer layer, also called the annulus fibrosus. This results in inflammation in the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, disc extrusion also causes intense back pain and swelling. In certain cases, it may even cause tingling and numbness. If you witness any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor immediately and not mistake it for a common back ache. This kind of uncontained disc herniation has a larger possibility of getting healed compared to protrusion herniation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sequestered Herniation <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is also referred to as a free fragment. A step further than the disc extrusion stage. Here the nucleus pulposus is not only pushed outwards, but it breaks away entirely from the annulus fibrosus. Resultantly, it becomes a free fragment that floats around the spinal nerves, albeit causing tremendous pain and inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, if there is herniation in the neck region, it can cause intense pain in the arm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disc Herniation Causes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Disc<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A herniated disc can occur due to degeneration of the discs present in the spinal area. The degeneration can be due to numerous reasons. Let us understand these causes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overuse of the back area<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who have the occupation of lifting heavy objects, frequently, are at a high risk of getting a slipped disc. This is due to the pressure caused on the nerves in the lower back area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sudden turning or twisting to lift heavy objects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is especially true in the case of people who are usually more sedentary and not accustomed to physical activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vigorous physical movement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In a few cases, starting a rigorous exercise regime without a proper warm-up or learning period can cause injuries like herniation of the disc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ageing process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Degeneration of the disc with age, along with a reduction in the water content that envelopes it, can also cause herniation of the disc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Excess weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are overweight, there is added pressure on the back muscles and the spine. This can result in a higher chance of a slipped disc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poor muscle strength or low fitness level<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Being thin, but not necessarily fit can lead to poor stamina or strength. Instead, individuals who follow a regular fitness regime along with a balanced diet, are more likely to have good muscle and bone health. Hence, their body can sustain heavier physical activity and the risk of a ruptured disc is lesser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trauma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An injury sustained at any time, such as a fall or a back injury, can have repercussions later, in the form of a ruptured disc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disc Herniation Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Disc<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although extreme pain in the back area is the main disc herniation symptom, there are many others as well. Let us find out what signs to watch out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n