Living with a Torn Disc
If you or a loved one has a torn disc, also referred to as a ruptured or herniated disc, you’re probably familiar with the pain and discomfort this spinal condition can cause. Symptoms caused by this condition can take you away from the people and activities you love and make basic activities difficult. If you’ve been diagnosed with this condition and are looking for lasting relief, educating yourself as a patient is an important, but often overlooked, part of the treatment process. The following information can help you make a more informed decision about your treatment and give yourself the best chance of getting back to an active lifestyle.
The Anatomy of a Spinal Disc
In order to understand the causes of a torn disc, it can be helpful to learn more about how the spine works. The spinal discs cushion the vertebrae and absorb the shock caused by everyday movements. Each disc is composed of two parts: a tough outer layer, and a center that is made of mostly water and protein. Both parts undergo a number of degenerative changes as a person ages. The exterior of a disc can become less elastic, while the soft interior can lose water content. These changes make the discs more vulnerable to the stresses placed on them every day, leading to damage such as bulging, tearing, and herniation.
Torn Discs and Aging
As we age and our discs begin to degenerate, our risk of developing a torn disc increases. A disc tear may not be painful by itself, with symptoms usually developing as a result of inner disc material pushing through the tear and irritating or compressing spinal nerves. When this occurs, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Pain (either dull or sharp)
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Muscle spasms or cramps
Treating a Torn Disc
A number of conservative treatment options are available, such as pain medication, exercise, physical therapy, and extended rest. These methods have provided many with relief from the uncomfortable symptoms that are often associated with a torn disc. If your symptoms have not improved after weeks and months of conservative treatments, your doctor may refer you to a surgical specialist to evaluate whether you are a candidate for surgery. Before consenting to a particular procedure, consider a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure.
BEST Health System offers minimally invasive spine and orthopaedic surgery for individuals in need of chronic pain relief. Our procedures offer more effective results with a shorter recovery time. Contact us to learn more about surgery with BEST.
