Back Pain Caused By A Ruptured Disc in Vacaville CA

The bones of your spine have small, spongy discs in the middle that functions as shock absorbers to help cushion the bones and provide flexibility to the spine. A healthy disc has a tough, outer shell that provides protection on the jelly-like material inside. Experiencing a spinal injury or the usual wear-and-tear due to old age can be the reason why these discs can break, rupture, or slip, which will cause what is known as a herniated or ruptured disc in Vacaville CA.

What Can I Do For A Ruptured Disc In Vacaville CA

When a disc becomes ruptured, it's not the one that typically causes the pain. But once the disc puts pressure on any nerve roots or the spinal cord, it starts causing significant pain to the back or surrounding areas. If there is no pressure on any of the roots, you will just feel a dull backache or nothing at all. Any pressure on the nerves will let the pain travel to any area that the nerve controls. For example, if pressure is placed on the nerves traveling down the leg, the pain will mostly occur where the disc is located all the way down to the leg. There will also be numbness in that area as well. When the ruptured disc is found in the lower back, it might develop into a condition called sciatica. It will come with symptoms like pain, weakness, tingling, or numbing sensation from the sciatic nerve, which is the large nerve that runs down the leg.

There are several things that can cause a ruptured disc. It usually happens as a part of normal aging, especially for those who are between the ages of 35 to 45. The risk is even greater for that age group when they are performing manual labor or driving motor vehicles too often. Eventually, the spinal discs start losing fluid, which makes for less cushioning and a higher risk for the discs to start cracking and breaking.

Herniated discs commonly occur in the lower back of the spine especially when a sudden heavy strain or twisting to this area will crack the disc and make them start losing fluid. Bad habits like improper lifting can also be the reason why such a condition can happen.

An examination of the discs can determine if it's ruptured but MRIs, x-rays, and CT scans may be needed to rule out any underlying spinal damage in conjunction with the ruptured discs. This condition can heal on its own between 1 to 6 months, and the healing process consists of two goals: to relieve pain and weakness in the back and leg muscles; and prevent further injury. It is best to rest during the more severe moments, but you need to also incorporate gradual to moderate activity so that you can keep your muscles strong. You can also take medications to keep the pain and inflammation under control, as well as use heat or ice packs on the affected area.

If your nerve or muscle damage continues to persist without any relief or slight healing, then surgery will be your last option. However, this can happen rarely, and you should pursue non-surgical treatments first. Our clinic here at Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine in Vacaville, CA is willing to provide some help on this matter so make sure to call us at (707) 474-5688 and set up an appointment today.