We’re built to move and twist and turn, but sometimes all that motion causes strain on the back. One of the most common outcomes is a herniated disc, a tear in the soft pads that fit in between the bones that form the spine. At Comprehensive NeuroSpine Dr. Casas can fix your herniated disc and work with you to develop strategies so it doesn’t happen again. Make an appointment online or call today to learn more about treatments for Herniated Disc.
Think of your back as a stack of bone with soft cushions, or discs, nestled in between each one. The discs have a hard exterior with a jelly-like substance inside. A tear in the hard outside layer can cause the jelly to leak through. That’s why a herniated disc is sometimes called a slipped disc or a ruptured disc.
The most common location for a herniated disc is in the lower back, between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. Not only does the lower back bear the weight of the upper body, but it’s also involved in bending and lifting. So it’s not surprising that the back may feel the effects of all this activity over time.
A herniated disc often occurs as the result of the aging process. The discs lose some of their water, making them less flexible. As a result, a tear can occur even with a simple twist or turn.
People often find it difficult to identify exactly when this problem began. Sometimes it can be linked to lifting heavy objects using your back muscles instead of the leg and thigh muscles. Occasionally, a fall or blow to the back can cause a herniated disc.
If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Casas:
There are three integral components to successful herniated disc prevention:
Strengthening your muscles ensures that your spine remains supported by healthy tissue.
Train yourself to always have good posture and lift heavy objects with your legs, not your back. This prevents unnecessary pressure on your spine and discs.
Extra weight adds pressure on the spine and disc and, as a result, makes them more prone to herniation.
If you feel you might be suffering from a herniated disc or want to learn more about how you can continuously prevent herniation, contact Dr. Casas at Comprehensive NeuroSpine today by phone or online.
