Herniated disk

Herniated Disk

A herniated disk refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions (disk) that sit between the individual bones (vertebrae) that stack to make your spine.

Symptoms

A herniated disk can irritate nearby nerves and result in pain, numbness or weakness in an arm or leg. Some people experience no symptoms from a herniated disk. Most herniated disks occur in the lower back, but they can also occur in the neck.

Causes

Disk herniation is most often the result of a gradual, aging-related wear and tear called disk degeneration. As you age, your disks become less flexible and more prone to tearing or rupturing with even a minor strain or twist.

Diagnosis

Doctors can usually diagnose a herniated disk by physical examination. They may also use imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans.

Treatment

Treatment for a herniated disk depends on the location and severity of the herniation. It may include rest, physical therapy, pain medications, muscle relaxers, or surgery in severe cases.

See Also

• Spinal cord
• Spinal stenosis
• Sciatica
• Back pain

External Links

• Mayo Clinic - Herniated Disk

Herniated disk Resources
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