What Really Is A Herniated Disc? How Fanwood Back Relief Center Can Help

A spinal disc herniation is the term that describes an abnormality of the intervertebral disc. It can also be known as a slipped, ruptured, or torn disc. (As a quick aside - the term "slipped disc" is old, out-dated and incorrect.  Discs do not "slip.")

This process occurs when the inner core (nucleus pulposus) of the intervertebral disc bulges out through the outer layer of ligaments that surround the disc (annulus fibrosis). This bulge in the annulus fibrosis causes pain in the back at the point of herniation. If the protruding disc presses on a spinal nerve, the pain may spread to the area of the body that is served by that nerve (like sciatica).

Between each vertebra in the spine is a pair of spinal nerves, which branch off from the spinal cord to a specific area in the body. Any part of the skin that can experience hot and cold, pain or touch refers that sensation to the brain through one of these nerves. In turn, pressure on a spinal nerve from a herniated disc will cause pain in the part of the body that is served by that nerve.

The causes of herniated discs are not entirely known, but are probably due to the function of the spine and long-term wear and tear. The two most common locations for a herniated disc in the lower back are at the disc between fourth and fifth lumbar vertebra (L4-5) and at the disc between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra (L5-S1). These two discs account for 98 percent of all painful disc herniations. A disc herniation can occur elsewhere along the spine, but low lumbar herniation is by far the most common.

 Note:  The two most common discs for herniation can cause the symptoms associated with sciatica!

Usually a patient's main complaint is a sharp, cutting pain. In some cases, there may be a previous history of episodes of localized low back pain, which is present in the back and continues down the leg that is served by the affected nerve. This pain is usually described as a deep and sharp pain, which gets worse as it moves down the affected leg. The onset of pain with a herniated disc may occur out of the blue or it may be announced by a tearing or snapping sensation in the spine that is thought to be the result of a sudden tear of part of the annulus fibrosis.

Disc herniation commonly occurs as a result of an injury such as a fall, lifting something to heavy incorrectly or a sudden injury to the spine. The extent of the disc herniation will dictate the treatment. At Fanwood Back Relief Center we utilize the latest in the state of the art technology to remedy a disc herniation. Technology paired with a high-level skill set from our practitioners is what make Fanwood Back Relief Center the facility of choice for many disc herniation sufferers.

Treatments offered to disc herniation patients of Scotch Plains Pain & Rehabilitation:

• Spinal Decompression
• Laser Therapy
• Chiropractic
• Physical Therapy
• Soft Tissue Therapy
• Spinal Bracing

When considering a remedy for Disc Herniation, Fanwood Back Relief Center should be your first stop. Feel free to contact us at https://www.fanwoodbackrelief.com/special/for a free consultation.

If you are looking for faster service, give us a call at 908-288-7129. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $245 value).