Do You Suspect a Herniated Disc?

Maybe you know someone who has suffered from a herniated disc. Or perhaps this ailment has slowed you down in the past. If you have any reason to suspect this injury, it’s critical that you take immediate action.

In simple terms, a herniated disc is a “fragment of the disc nucleus that is pushed out of the annulus, into the spinal canal through a tear or rupture in the annulus.”

When this happens, the spinal canal becomes overcrowded. For that reason, the disc presses on spinal nerves, thus causing discomfort and oftentimes severe pain.

Here are a few other things you should know:

•    A herniated disc can occur in any part of the spine, but it’s more common in the lower back
•    Herniated discs are also common in the neck area
•    You are most likely to experience pain in the affected part of the spine, but it can radiate

It doesn’t matter where you’re experiencing pain, you shouldn’t let it linger. Getting immediate medical attention can go a long way in helping you eliminate your pain and discomfort, thus living a better life in the future.

Virginia Spine Specialists is an award-winning, minimally invasive spinal care practice with locations in Fredericksburg, VA and Manassas, VA. We also serve these Northern and Central Virginia locations: Haymarket, Gainesville, Culpepper, Front Royal, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Colonial Beach, Tappahannock and Lake Anna.