Back Injuries and the Herniated Disc

A herniated disc (sometimes called a slipped or ruptured disc) is often caused by work related injuries such as:

• A fall or accident
• Repeated strain of your back
• Sudden strain on your back from lifting or twisting

This condition usually results in time off from work, medical treatment, and a greatly reduced quality of life.

What is a Herniated Disc?

The vertebrae (bones) of your spine are cushioned by small discs that have a tough outer shell and gel-like substance inside. Healthy discs act as shock absorbers for the spine keeping it flexible. Injuries to the spine can cause tiny cracks in the outer shell of the disc forcing the inner gel out through the cracks. This causes the disc to bulge, rupture, or break into pieces.

What are the symptoms of a Herniated Disc?

Before the disc has completely ruptured, it is common to experience neck, shoulder, back, or leg pain. This pain is a result of damage to the sciatic nerve which extends from the lower back down the leg.

After the disc ruptures there can be a sudden onset of severe pain. Where it hurts will depend on the location of the rupture. For example, if the bottom two discs in the spinal column are herniated, the pain usually begins in the lower back.

Symptoms also include numbness or weakness most frequently reported to be in the calf, the sole of the foot, or the big toe. This may result in an inability to lift the foot while walking, or a weakness in flexing or extending the knee, foot, or leg.

If you experience any difficulty controlling urine or bowel movements, seek immediate medical attention.

How is Herniated Disc diagnosed?

Your doctor may make a diagnosis by asking questions about your symptoms while examining you. If your symptoms clearly indicate a herniated disc, you may not require tests.

Sometimes a doctor will order an MRI or CT scan to confirm the herniated disc diagnosis or to rule out other health problems.

How is Herniated Disc treated?

Symptoms from a herniated disc usually subside in a few weeks or months using the following methods:

• Stay active unless you have severe pain. Walking and other light activity help.
• Ice the area three times a day in 10 to 15 minutes increments. Heat relieves pain for some people, but you should wait 2 or 3 days after an injury to use it.
• Exercise to keep your back muscles strong and to prevent another injury. Your doctor or physical therapist will suggest the kind of exercises you should do.

Usually a herniated disc will heal on its own over time. Most people get better within 1 to 6 months.

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