Herniated Disc

The majority of herniated discs will heal themselves in about six weeks and do not require surgery. Pain medications are often prescribed to alleviate the acute pain and allow the patient to begin exercising and stretching.

The presence of cauda equina syndrome (in which there is incontinence, weakness and genital numbness) is considered a medical emergency requiring immediate attention and possibly surgical decompression.

Thoracic discs are very stable and herniations in this region are quite rare. Herniation of the uppermost thoracic discs can mimic cervical disc herniations, while herniation of the other discs can mimic lumbar herniations.

Lumbar disc herniations occur in the lower back, most often between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebral bodies or between the fifth and the sacrum. Symptoms can affect the lower back, buttocks, thigh, and may radiate into the foot and/or toe. The sciatic nerve is the most commonly affected nerve, causing symptoms of sciatica. The femoral nerve can also be affected. Can cause the patient to experience a numb, tingling feeling throughout one or both legs and even feet.

Cervical disc herniations occur in the neck, most often between the sixth and seventh cervical vertebral bodies. Symptoms can affect the back of the skull, the neck, shoulder girdle, scapula, shoulder, arm, and hand. The nerves of the cervical plexus and brachial plexus can be affected.

A herniated disc is a condition suffered by many. The main goal of this site is to provide you, the visitor, some great information on what a herniated disc is, who herniated discs affect and how someone can treat or correct a herniated disc.

This site also has content directed at the different types of herniated discs including Cervical, Thoracis and Lumbar disc herniations.

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