Carolina Back Institute

Causes and Treatment Options for Herniated Discs

The spinal column is comprised of muscles, bones, and nerves that provide stability, mobility, and flexibility. Another crucial element of the spinal column is the intervertebral discs. These discs sit between the vertebrae of the spine and act to prevent these bones from directly rubbing against each other. To allow for motion in the spinal column, the intervertebral discs are made of a soft, jelly-like substance. These discs can become damaged, which may result in impaired function and back pain. One common disc problem is herniation.

Herniated Disc Causes

On occasion, a herniated disc may stem from sudden blunt force, as may happen during a car accident or slip and fall injury. More frequently, however, herniated discs develop due to normal wear and tear on the body, which is why older individuals often seek the help of pain management specialists for this problem. Another factor that can contribute to a herniated disc is repetitive motion that aggravates one or more discs, causing the jelly-like interior to rupture and leak into the surrounding tissues. Congenital spinal problems can also lead to disc herniation.

Herniated Disc Symptoms

The pressure that a herniated disc puts on the spine and surrounding nerves directly influences the kinds of symptoms a person may experience. The most common sign of a herniated disc is back pain. Many people will experience limb numbness or weakness, as well. Some will suffer increased back pain when they cough, stand, or walk. In some cases, those with herniated discs may have difficulty controlling their bladders or bowels.

Herniated Disc Treatments

Rest is an important part of herniated disc treatment, but the vast majority of people require medical attention from a back specialist. A pain management expert can administer oral or intravenous medication to alleviate your back pain and inflammation symptoms. In addition, physical therapy is a significant component of herniated disc treatment for many people.

Are you experiencing back pain? Carolina Back Institute offers comprehensive herniated disc treatment for patients in the Cary and North Raleigh regions. For more information on our physical therapy services, please call (919) 781-9950.

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Download This Free App to Find Out More about Your Back Pain!

Back pain relief is one of the top reasons why people visit their physicians. The Back Pain Guide application for Android phones gives back pain sufferers helpful information for pain management and prevention.

Back Pain Guide offers users comprehensive information regarding back pain and its relationship to different parts of the body. The application explains how back pain may develop from bone or tendon problems, as well as how medical concerns like multiple sclerosis and herpes simplex can cause back pain. If you suffer from back pain, this app can be an essential tool in your pain relief arsenal.

Carolina Back Institute offers back pain solutions for patients in the greater Cary and Raleigh regions. To learn about our physical therapy and sports medicine services, please call (919) 781-9950.

When to Seek Treatment for Your Back Pain

Back pain is a problem for millions of Americans. For a fortunate few, back pain may go away on its own. However, for many more people, it is a continual source of frustration and worry. If you suffer from back pain, consider the following situations. Should any of these circumstances apply to you, be sure to consult a back pain specialist for medical attention.

Your back pain interferes with daily activities.

When back or neck pain develops, it often suppresses a person’s ability to carry on with their everyday routine. Previously simple tasks, like sitting at your desk or picking up your children, can become incredibly painful or impossible to do. If your back pain interferes with your professional or personal responsibilities, consider making an appointment with a pain management expert about your condition.

Your back pain occurs with other symptoms.

The occurrence of back pain may be your body’s way of informing you of a larger medical problem. Several conditions, such as spinal cord injury, infection, or sciatica, can induce back pain in addition to other symptoms. Limb numbness or weakness could be a sign of spinal damage or a pinched nerve. A high fever and urinary discomfort with back pain may indicate a bacterial infection. If you notice several medical issues arising at once, contact a back pain specialist for help right away.

Your back pain lasts for more than a few weeks.

No one should resign him or herself to a lifetime of back pain. If your back pain persists for more than a couple of weeks, consult a medical professional. Non-surgical treatment options are available for back pain, so don’t let it interfere with your quality of life.

Are you suffering from one or more of the above conditions? Carolina Back Institute can help. The pain management specialists at our Cary and Raleigh locations can offer safe solutions for your back pain problems. Contact us today at (919) 781-9950 for more information on our pain relief services.

Put An End To Your Back Pain

Here at Carolina Back Institute, we believe that everyone deserves affordable, effective care to make his or her pain a thing of the past. Find out how we can help you put an end to your pain and dysfunction by stopping by the following websites. To discuss your pain or injury needs with one of our physicians, call us today at (919) 781-9950.

• Our sports medicine doctors regularly treat patients healing from a broken bone. Learn why some types of fractures rarely bruise by reading this interesting piece on the National Institutes of Health website.
• The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration can help you make your office more ergonomic with this article.
• Did you know that eyestrain also causes back, joint, and muscle pain? Learn more about this condition by reading through this article from CNN.
• Understanding how broken bones heal can be beneficial to the rehabilitation process. Check out this article from HowStuffWorks.com to learn more.
• Pain caused by a sprain differs from that caused by a fracture. Find out more about each of these injuries by reading this article from KidsHealth.org