what does a ruptured disc look like without treatment

The outer part of a disk is made up of fibrous cartilage that keeps the gel contained. When the outer part gets tears or splits, the gel can poke out. This is what it means for a disk to become herniated

. A herniated disk is also called a “ruptured disk” or a “slipped disk.” You can think of it like a jelly doughnut whose filling has squirted out.

Full Answer

What are the symptoms of a ruptured disc?

The following are examples of the many symptoms that occur due to a rupture in the disc: 1 Tingling sensations 2 Spasms 3 Muscle Weakness 4 Numbness 5 Weakness in chest and abdomen 6 Pain in the lower extremities 7 Cramping

What is a ruptured or herniated disc?

This is known as a ruptured, herniated, or slipped disc. A ruptured disc causes severe low back pain and, sometimes, shooting pain down the back of the legs, which is known as sciatica.

Where can I get information about a ruptured disc?

The Spine Institute offers a variety of treatments for every type of neck and back pain. If you need information about ruptured discs or have any other concerns about your spinal health, contact the caring professionals at The Spine Institute at 310-828-7757 and schedule an appointment today.

How long does it take for a ruptured disc to heal?

A ruptured disc causes severe low back pain and, sometimes, shooting pain down the back of the legs, which is known as sciatica. Usually the symptoms of a disc rupture heal on their own after a few weeks to a month.

How do you know if your disc has ruptured?

A ruptured disc causes severe low back pain and, sometimes, shooting pain down the back of the legs, which is known as sciatica....Symptomssharp pain down the back of the buttocks and leg (usually one leg)tingling in part of the leg or in the foot.weakness in the leg.

Can a ruptured disk heal without surgery?

The good news is that the vast majority of herniated discs can be treated without surgery using manual therapy and exercise or with IDD Therapy disc treatment. It is only a small percentage of cases which go on to have surgery.

Can you live with a ruptured disc?

Living with a herniated disc Most people who have a herniated disc are better in about 4 weeks. Sometimes it takes longer. If you still have pain or numbness after 4 to 6 weeks, or if you feel worse, talk with your doctor. Sometimes it takes surgery to relieve pain.

Can a ruptured disc paralyze you?

With a herniated disc, the capsule cracks or breaks, and the nucleus squeezes out. This can irritate the spinal cord or nearby nerves, causing weakness and numbness in the arms or legs. A severely herniated disc can cause paralysis.

What percentage of herniated discs require surgery?

In many cases, patients with back pain, leg pain, or weakness of the lower extremity muscles are often diagnosed with a herniated disc (also called a slipped disc).

Is walking good for herniated disc?

Absolutely. Walking is an excellent choice for patients with herniated discs, as it stimulates blood flow and oxygen to the cells. It also helps keep your discs hydrated, which is important for healing. Other low-impact aerobic activities to try are swimming and cycling.

What is worse bulging or herniated disc?

Herniated discs are considered more severe than bulging discs because they put significant pressure on nearby nerves, which can cause intense pain, inflammation and difficulties with movement.

Can you make a herniated disc worse?

An untreated herniated disk can get worse. That's especially true if you continue the activities that caused it — for instance, if it developed because of your work. A worsening ruptured disk may cause chronic (ongoing) pain and loss of control or sensation in the affected area.

Is a herniated disc an emergency?

The severe case of a herniated disk is a medical emergency because of intolerable pain and discomfort. Some of its symptoms include lower back pain, sharp leg or arm pain, loss of bladder or bowel control and numbness, weakness or tingling sensation in the foot and/or leg.

How long does it take for a herniated disc to cause permanent nerve damage?

Damage to these nerves can be permanent if not treated quickly – within a day or so. This would mean that the person loses control of their bowel or bladder permanently! This problem should be seen within 24 hours by a spine surgeon.

What happens to a herniated disc over time?

Over time, the herniation tends to shrink and you may experience partial or complete pain relief. In most cases, if low back and/or leg pain is going to resolve it will do so in about 6 weeks.

What is a severe herniated disc?

A herniated disc (also called bulged, slipped or ruptured) is a fragment of the disc nucleus that is pushed out of the annulus, into the spinal canal through a tear or rupture in the annulus. Discs that become herniated usually are in an early stage of degeneration.

What is a ruptured disc?

Ruptured Disc. A ruptured disc is also referred to as a herniated disc condition. To better understand this all too common source of back pain, one must first learn about the spine. The spinal column extends from the base of the skull to the pelvis. It is comprised of thirty-three vertebrae. These vertebrae allow for motion ...

Why do my discs break?

The most common cause of a ruptured disc is the natural process of aging. Overtime, the discs lose their elasticity or gradually degenerate. This is due to the loss of water content in the discs – making them brittle and less flexible.

Why does my spine tear?

Being overweigh can cause vertebrae to congest, squeezing the discs between. Exposure to this type of pressure can eventually trigger a tear in the outer wall.

How do discs work?

They work together with the vertebrae to support movement in the spine. They are in a stack-liked position where the discs lie in between the individual vertebrae. Due to the normal wear and tear – the constant pressure they are exposed to – the discs slowly degenerate overtime.

What is the outer layer of a disc?

Discs have a tough exterior (annulus fibrosus) with a soft gel in the middle (nucleus pulposus). Both are composed of water, collagen and proteoglycans, but the fluid content is much higher in the inner core. As with other bodily structures exposed to regular wear and tear, the discs degenerate over time.

Where does the visual of the spine come from?

Unlike the open back surgery, the surgeon’s visual of the spine structure comes from the camera. In order to relieve the affected nerve or the spinal cord, the inner substance that went out from the disc and sometimes bone fragments are vaporized.

Does smoking cause disc damage?

Smoking releases toxins in the body that prevent the spine form receiving certain nutrients. As we age, the discs begin to degenerate and without the essential nutrients to keep it healthy, it could easily deteriorate more. This can lead to a tear in the outer wall of the discs. Hence, stopping smoking habits allows the normal circulation to flow, providing essential nutrients to the spine, thereby strengthening the discs to avoid ruptures in occurring. Depending on the gravity of the habit, there are various things one can do to quit smoking.

What Causes Spinal Discs to Rupture?

Ruptured discs are often caused by excessive stress, such as what might happen if you repeatedly bend or twist, lift heavy or awkward objects, or sustain a hard impact from a fall or sports-related collision. Even something you might mindlessly do, such as picking up your child or grandchild, may cause a spinal disc to rupture.

What Symptoms Might You Notice?

Symptoms associated with a ruptured spinal disc usually become noticeable once protruding disc material irritates a sensitive nerve root. In addition to localized pain limited to the affected area, you may also notice numbness, tingling sensations, or general weakness extending to nearby extremities.

How Is a Diagnosis Made?

Before treatment can be discussed, other spine-related problems need to be ruled out. This process normally involves a thorough examination, a review of your medical history, a discussion of your symptoms, and appropriate image tests. You may also be asked to make some simple movements so your range of motion can be assessed.

How Are Ruptured Spinal Discs Treated without Surgery?

Since the human body has a remarkable ability to heal, most ruptured discs respond well to conservative (non-surgical) treatments. Recommendations also depend on the severity of your symptoms and the location of the damaged disc. If symptoms are mild or moderate, treatment may involve:

What Are the Surgical Treatment Possibilities?

If your symptoms are severe or potentially life-threatening or if non-surgical treatments aren’t providing relief after several months, surgery may be your best option.

How do you know if you have a herniated disk?

Arm or leg pain. If your herniated disk is in your lower back, you'll typically feel the most pain in your buttocks, thigh and calf.

What does it feel like to have a herniated disk in your neck?

If your herniated disk is in your neck, you'll typically feel the most pain in your shoulder and arm. This pain might shoot into your arm or leg when you cough, sneeze or move into certain positions. Pain is often described as sharp or burning. Numbness or tingling.

What is the name of the soft disk that lies between the vertebrae?

Herniated disk. Herniated disk. The rubbery disks that lie between the vertebrae in your spine consist of a soft center (nucleus) surrounded by a tougher exterior (annulus). A herniated disk occurs when a portion of the nucleus pushes through a crack in the annulus. Symptoms may occur if the herniation compresses a nerve.

What causes a herniated disc?

Factors that can increase your risk of a herniated disk include: 1 Weight. Excess body weight causes extra stress on the disks in your lower back. 2 Occupation. People with physically demanding jobs have a greater risk of back problems. Repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, bending sideways and twisting also can increase your risk of a herniated disk. 3 Genetics. Some people inherit a predisposition to developing a herniated disk. 4 Smoking. It's thought that smoking lessens the oxygen supply to the disk, causing it to break down more quickly.

What causes a herniated disk to break down?

Genetics. Some people inherit a predisposition to developing a herniated disk. Smoking. It's thought that smoking lessens the oxygen supply to the disk, causing it to break down more quickly.

How to prevent herniation in the back?

Keep your back straight and aligned, particularly when sitting for long periods. Lift heavy objects properly, making your legs — not your back — do most of the work. Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts more pressure on the spine and disks, making them more susceptible to herniation.

Can a disk herniation cause paralysis?

Rarely, emergency surgery might be required to avoid permanent weakness or paralysis. Seek emergency medical attention if you have: Worsening symptoms.

Why does my disc break open?

It's often hard to know exactly what makes a disk break open. It could be that you lifted something heavy and strained your back. A simple awkward turn or twist could do it, or even a fall or sudden hit to the body. Sometimes it's just aging. As you get older, your disks start to lose water, which means they don't flex as well ...

What does it feel like to have a herniated disk in your arm?

Your leg or foot could feel weak, numb, or tingly. In the neck, a herniated disk can send pain, tingling, and numbness down your arm and into the muscles between your neck and shoulders. Swipe to advance.

What is it called when the jelly-like substance inside the spine leaks and pushes on a nearby nerve

If one of them tears, you have a "ruptured" disk. When the jelly-like substance inside leaks and pushes on a nearby nerve, it's called a "herniated" disk. Swipe to advance.

How to keep your spine from straining?

Try to avoid doing the exact same motion over and over again. If you sit all day, try to get up at least every hour or so, and move around to take pressure off your back. Swipe to advance.

How to reduce pressure on spine?

When you lift heavy objects, you should mostly use the muscles in your legs, not your back. If you're not sure exactly how to do this, your doctor or a physical therapist can help.

What happens if you have a herniated disc?

A more severe condition caused by a herniated disc can be nerve damage. The spine houses the nervous system which communicates to the rest of the body through a complex connection of nerves, and when the spine or its connective tissues are damaged then the nervous system can be impacted. When a herniated disc puts significant pressure on a nerve, it can lead to significant damage by cutting off nerve impulses. Compressed nerves can lead to significant conditions, including loss of sensation in lower extremities or even loss of bowel control.

How long does it take for a herniated disc to hurt?

If your back pain is actually a symptom of a herniated disc then you may notice that after a few days or even a week the pain may radiate to other areas. A herniated disc could be pressing against a nerve, causing a tingling or numbing sensation in one of your extremities.

Why does a herniated disc hurt?

A herniated disc caused by a sudden injury is sometimes considered a hidden injury because it may take a while for your body to experience pain. For example, the sudden impact or jolting of the body in a car accident may lead to a sore back, which you might expect to go away after a few days.

Is a herniated disc a soft tissue injury?

Herniated discs are a type of soft tissue injury because the disc is considered soft tissue. When the disc slips out of place a spine specialist can assist with realigning the disc. However, in the case of a rupture, the disc does not have the ability to regenerate and this is considered damaged soft tissue.

Can a herniated disc cause weakness?

You might also experience weakness or fatigue in affected muscles. Herniated discs are common in the lower back, and when left untreated, can begin to affect the muscles and nerve signals to the lower body, legs, and feet.

Can a herniated disc be chronic?

The acute pain that occurs with a herniated disc can transition into chronic pain if the injury is not addressed. Chronic pain can also become a second condition that requires treatment.

Can a spine specialist treat herniated disc?

The sooner you seek medical treatment for a herniated disc, the more likely your spine specialist can provide you with non-surgical treatment options. On your first visit, your doctor will want to get a clear picture of the affected area through a variety of diagnostic imaging tools such as X-rays and CT scans.

How do you know if you have a bulging disk?

The symptoms of a bulging disk depend on its severity and location in the spine. Some people may experience no initial symptoms. However, with further disk degeneration and herniation, a person may have the following symptoms: back pain that worsens with movement, such as sneezes. spasms in the back muscles.

What is a herniated disk?

Sometimes, the outer layer of the disk breaks down and causes a herniated disk. A herniated disk, also known as a ruptured or slipped disk, is when the gel-like center leaks out through a tear in the disk’s exterior wall.

Why do my vertebrae bulge?

Bulging disks occur when the spongy disks between the vertebrae become compressed and bulge out. A common cause of bulging disks is aging. If this degradation continues, it can lead to a herniated disk. Herniated disks can cause pain, numbness, and mobility issues.

What is the term for the spongy disks that make up the spine?

A bulging disk occurs when the spongy disks between the bones in the spine become compressed and bulge out. A series of interlocking bones, called vertebrae, make up the spine. These vertebrae provide support for the spine and enable the back to bend and move. Between each vertebra is soft tissue, known as a spinal disk, ...

Why does my spine bulge?

Bulging disks result from a reduction of gel in the disk center. Less gel causes the disk to become compressed and start to bulge. The gel in a spinal disk naturally wears away over time. A bulging disk is usually the result of aging, but it can also be due to spinal injury, such as the result of a car accident.

What is the soft tissue between vertebrae?

Between each vertebra is soft tissue, known as a spinal disk, which prevents bones from rubbing against each other. The disks also act as shock absorbers to prevent damage during movement. Each disk contains a tough outer later with gel in the middle. This gel may decrease with age, become compressed, and push out.

What is the pain in the back?

back pain that worsens with movement, such as sneezes . spasms in the back muscles. weakness and numbness in the legs and feet. reduced mobility in the legs, knees, and ankles . decreased bladder and bowel control. difficulty walking.

How to treat a herniated disk?

Treatment for a herniated disk. Dr. Pelle says there are some treatment options that can be started right: Ice and rest. Physical therapy and stretches. Medication (anti-inflammatory medicine or muscle relaxers can help the nerve calm down). A dose pack of steroids.

How long does it take for a herniated disk to heal?

The average amount of time it takes for a herniated disk to heal is four to six weeks, but it can get better within a few days depending on how severe the herniation was and where it occurred. The biggest factor in healing a herniated disk is time, because most often it will resolve on its own.

What causes a herniated disk?

Causes of a herniated disk. Movement, injury, pressure, age or just plain bad luck can cause the nucleus pulposus to push through the annulus fibrosis – just like the inside of a jelly donut would if you pressed down on it.

What is the inside of a herniated disk called?

Pelle. “The outside of the disk is like the dough of the donut and is called the annulus fibrosis. The inside of the disk is the jelly in the donut, which is called the nucleus pulposus.”.

What is it called when you lose sensation in your spinal cord?

“Pressure on your spinal cord is a bit more serious when you start to have symptoms from it,” explains Dr. Pelle. “That’s usually called myelopathy and has to do with loss of sensation or control in certain areas of the body.”.

How many disks are there in the spine?

You have 24 disks in your spine – ranging from the very top (called the cervical spine) down to the lower spin (called the lumbar spine). The disks all the way up and down your spine act as shock absorbers to your movement. The disks help hold your spine up and allows it to bend and move. “If you have a herniated disk, ...

Is a herniated disk painful?

Although painful, herniated disks are extremely common. Anybody who has ever experienced a herniated disk before knows how painful it can be. Movement can make it worse and the frustration of waiting for it to heal is enough to make you go crazy. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

What is the term for the tear of the discs?

In most cases, these discs are subjected to constant motion causing wear and tear. When the outer layer of the disc is ruptured, called an annular tear , its inner nucleus jelly squeezes out into the spinal canal and forms a hernia. This hernia will often show up as a contrasting spot in an MRI scan.

How long does it take for a herniated disc to heal?

In many cases, herniated discs can heal naturally . These cases heal within days or at most 4 weeks. Approximately 90% of herniated disc cases are mild and don’t require surgery. In such cases, modest treatments such as proper rest and lifestyle changes will be enough to alleviate herniated disc symptoms.

What is the best test for herniated discs?

If the MRI results indicate a herniated disc, your doctor may recommend additional tests to evaluate the condition better. MRIs are useful for diagnosing herniated discs and bulging discs in the neck and back.

What is the purpose of MRI scans for herniated discs?

MRI scans of herniated discs are a helpful test used to determine the exact location and condition of the problem. Patients who complain of experiencing symptoms related to herniated discs are often advised to get an MRI scan done first.

Why do my discs get herniated?

A herniated disc can occur for a variety of causes. Trauma from wear and tear are the most common. The cartilage that joins the discs in the spine to the corresponding vertebral member can become loose and lose elasticity as people get older.

How many discs are there in the spine?

Herniated Disc Causes. In the spine, there are a total of 23 intervertebral discs. These discs are tissue joints that protect the spinal vertebral members from unexpected impact by having a soft gel-like interior and a rigid outer wall (annulus fibrosus).

How does a surgeon remove a herniated disc?

The surgeon cuts through the tissues around the vertebra with various tools and removes bone, ligament and eventually the herniated component of the disc.

Overview

Symptoms

Causes

• Disk herniation is most often the result of a gradual, aging-related wear and tear called disk degeneration. As people age, the disks become less flexible and more prone to tearing or rupturing with even a minor strain or twist. Most people can't pinpoint the cause of their herniated disk. Sometimes, using the back muscles instead of the leg and th...

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Risk Factors

Complications

Prevention