Spokesperson:
Problems related to back pain can present a great deal of challenges in day to day life. Bad sitting posture, lifting heavy weights, and standing for long hours can all lead to mild to severe back pain. However, a few back problems can also cause pain in legs and arms along with fatigue and weakness.
A common reason for back problems is herniated disk in the spinal area that irritates a nerve close to it. Depending on the location of a herniated disk, the symptoms can vary from numbness in arms or legs along with weakness.
Spine is made up of a stack of individual bones and herniated disk refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions that sit between these bones. Sometimes a slipped disk or a herniated disk in the spine shows no symptoms at all and requires a spinal X ray to be diagnosed.If a person experiences a discomfort in the neck or back that travels down the legs and causes tingling, it is critical to see a doctor.Disk herniation often occurs as a result of ageing related wear and tear also known as disk degeneration. Ageing reduces the flexibility in the disks and makes them more susceptible to tearing and rupturing with a small strain or twist. It is extremely difficult to pinpoint a single cause of disk herniation but sometimes when back muscles are used to lift heavy weights the disk in the spinal area ruptures.
A few simple steps as follows can help in prevention of spinal disks:
- Exercise – Include workout that helps in strengthening the trunk muscles as that will lead to stabilising and supporting the spine.
- Maintain Good Posture – This will help in reducing pressure on the spine and disks. Try to keep the back straight and aligned especially while sitting for long periods. While lifting heavy objects make sure the legs do most of the work not the back .
- Maintain a healthy body mass index – Excess body weight can put stress on the spine making it more prone to herniated disks. Adapt a healthy diet to keep the weight under control.
Physical therapy and lifestyle changes can prove to be extremely helpful in reducing pain and discomfort. The key to effectively managing a herniated disk is to take muscle relaxants and take a few steps to minimise the activities and movements that cause the discomfort.
Treatment
The treatment procedure may consist of several stages depending on the condition of the problem. Some patients with severe disk problems or herniated disks may require surgery. If conservative treatment options fail then the patients are suggested to undergo surgery. During the surgery, the protruding portion of the disk is removed.
Conclusion
A herniated disk in the spine can cause a great discomfort and may also interfere in day to day activities. Fortunately, conservative treatment usually helps in reducing the symptoms but if the pain is severe one should seek further treatments. Keeping a healthy lifestyle that combines physical activity and a good sleep routine will help in keeping such problems at bay.
