Disc Herniation

Many patients with back pain, leg pain, or weakness of the lower extremity muscles are diagnosed with a herniated disc. When a disc herniation occurs, the cushion that sits between the spinal vertebra is pushed outside its normal position. A herniated disc would not be a problem if it weren't for the spinal nerves that are very close to the edge of these spinal discs.

What is the spinal disc?

The spinal disc is a soft cushion that sits between each vertabrae of the spine. This spinal disc becomes more rigid with age. In a young individual, the disc is soft and elastic, but like so many other structures in the body, the disc gradually looses its elasticity and is more vulnerable to injury. In fact, even in individuals as young as 30, MRIs show evidence of disc deterioration in about 30% of people.

What happens with a 'herniated disc'?

As the spinal disc becomes less elastic, it can rupture. When the disc ruptures, a portion of the spinal disc pushes outside its normal boundary--this is called a herniated disc. When a herniated disc bulges out from between the vertebrae, the spinal nerves and spinal cord can become pinched. There is normally a little extra space around the spinal cord and spinal nerves, but if enough of the herniated disc is pushed out of place, then these structures may be compressed.

What causes symptoms of a herniated disc?

When the herniated disc ruptures and pushes out, the nerves may become pinched. A herniated disc may occur suddenly in an event such as a fall or an accident, or may occur gradually with repetitive straining of the spine. Often people who experience a herniated disc already have spinal stenosis, a problem that causes narrowing of the space around the spinal cord and spinal nerves. When a herniated disc occurs, the space for the nerves is further diminished, and irritation of the nerve results.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

When the spinal cord or spinal nerves become compressed, they don't work properly. This means that abnormal signals may get passed from the compressed nerves, or signals may not get passed at all. Common symptoms of a herniated disc include: Electric Shock Pain: Pressure on the nerve can cause abnormal sensations, commonly experienced as electric shock pains. When the compression occurs in the cervical (neck) region, the shocks go down your arms, when the compression is in the lumbar (low back) region, the shocks go down your legs.

Tingling & Numbness: Patients often have abnormal sensations such as tingling, numbness, or pins and needles. These symptoms may be experienced in the same region as painful electric shock sensations.

Muscle Weakness: Because of the nerve irritation, signals from the brain may be interrupted causing muscle weakness. Nerve irritation can also be tested by examining reflexes.

Bowel or Bladder Problems: These symptoms are important because it may be a sign of cauda equina syndrome, a possible condition resulting from a herniated disc. This is a medical emergency, and your should see your doctor immediately if you have problems urinating, having bowel movements, or if you have numbness around your genitals.

All of these symptoms are due to the irritation of the nerve from the herniated disc. By interfering with the pathway by which signals are sent from your brain out to your extremities and back to the brain, all of these symptoms can be caused by a herniated disc pressing against the nerves.

Anxiety.

When you're extremely upset or anxious, you're more likely to develop a headache or worsen one you already have.

Glare.

Treatment of a herniated disc depends on a number of factors including:
Patient symptoms
Age
Activity level
Presence of worsening symptoms

Most often, treatments of a herniated disc begin conservatively, and become more aggressive if the symptoms persist. After diagnosing a herniated disc, treatment usually begins with:

Rest & Activity Modification

Noise.

High levels of noise and ongoing noisy conditions at work or at home can cause a headache.

Eating & Sleeping Patterns.

Pay attention to when and how you eat and sleep. Skipping meals or fasting is a major cause of headaches—especially if you go without food for 5 waking hours, or 13 nighttime hours. Your sleep patterns—including naps during the day—are also important. Getting too much sleep or too little sleep can trigger a headache.

Medications.

Some prescription medications you take may have the potential to trigger a headache. If you notice a pattern of headaches related to when you take your medicine, talk to your doctor about switching medicines.

Physical Activity.

Watch how much you push yourself. When you exercise or do hard physical labor, the muscles in your head, neck, and scalp need more blood to circulate. This swells your blood vessels, which can lead to what's called an "exertional headache."

Hormones.

For menstruating women, headaches and migraines are closely tied to the levels of the female hormone estrogen in the body. As your estrogen level fluctuates,(especially just before menstruation when it's at its lowest), headaches are more likely to occur.

Food Sensitivities.

Watch what you eat and drink. When you eat certain foods, your brain releases neurotransmitters, which can cause headaches in some people. Common headache-trigger foods are different for everybody, but they may include: aspartame, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, cultured dairy products, dried fruits, cheese, smoked or dried fish, canned soups, MSG (a food additive), and aged, canned, cured, or processed meats.

High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure can often lead to headaches. We must have our Blood pressure checked regularly and make sure that hypertension does not go unchecked. If Blood pressure is high and we have throbbing headaches, many times these are caused by High Blood Pressure. Medication for Blood Pressure may be a short or long term solution to both the Blood Pressure and the Headaches. Lifestyle modifications including reducing body weight improved body conditioning , may be a long term solution if Blood Pressure can be controlled or affected by these modifications.

Sinus Pressure

Sinus Pressure can affect headaches. They can also cause headaches as well. Sinus pressure can be due to infections of the sinus cavities that are located within the facial bones. If these are inflamed and or clogged with mucous, this can cause frequent or constant headaches. Growths of polyps within the sinus and or nasal cavity can also be a cause of sinus abnormalities. A proper examination and possible X-ray or other imaging method may be necessary to diagnose sinus abnormality.