Back Pain: Signs You May Have a Slipped Disc

If you’ve ever suffered from a slipped disc, you know how painful it can be. But what if you are just having extreme pains and wondering what the cause of it is? Read on to find out if you may have a slipped disc, and what to do about it.

What Causes Slipped Discs?

Your vertebra is composed of a series of stacked bones running along your spine. Those bones have special cushions called discs. They function as protective shock absorbers that protect your body from the stress it experiences with everyday activities, including even simple things such as walking or lifting heavy objects.

When the inner portion of the disc is weakened or injured, it can protrude through the outer ring, causing a painful sensation. When it starts to compress the nerves or muscles near your spine, this is especially painful and may require surgery.

What Are the Symptoms of a Slipped Disc?

• Pain that escalates with movement
• Numb feelings
• Pain reaching from your back to your arms or legs
• Muscle weakness
• Extreme fatigue accompanied with worsening pain in your back
• Aching or burning feelings

Treatments for a Slipped Disc

Whether or not you require surgery depends on the severity of your slipped disc, and particularly how far off place it has shifted.

Minor cases require only simple stretching or physical therapy exercises, while more serious cases of slipped discs call for surgical operations to repair or even remove the disc.

A pain killer may help reduce the pain, and avoiding heavy lifting is also recommended. Your doctor or physical therapist can determine how much or how little action you should take to remedy this. You may also be prescribed muscle relaxers to relieve muscle spasms. These include narcotics or nerve pain medications like gabapentin or duloxetine.

Surgical Options

If your symptoms return after four to six weeks, this usually means you will need to have an operation. The surgery that removes the damaged or protruding portion of the disk is called a microdiscectomy.

Clearway Pain Solutions can help you with managing your pain, whether from slipped discs or other ailments. Call us today to schedule a consultation and talk to a physician. We’re here to help you get back on your feet as soon as possible.