Believe it or not, many people suffer from a ruptured disc, and don’t even know it. They may have a little discomfort in an area of their back, or have a “catch” in their neck, but a couple of Advil every day and the heating pad seem to help. In a few weeks, it’s all better, and forgotten. These are actually the most common treatments for a ruptured disc!
Back Surgery for Ruptured Disc Problems
A ruptured disc actually goes by several different aliases. It’s also known as a “slipped disc”, implying that the disc has slid out of its position between the vertebrae. Perhaps a more accurate name is a “herniated disc”. It’s also often called a pinched nerve, sciatica, black disc, degenerative disc disease, disc protrusion, and bulging disc. However, no matter what you call it, a ruptured disc is more common than you would think.
Frequency and Symptoms of Ruptured Discs
It is estimated that at least 50% of Americans have had at least 1 ruptured disc in his/her lifetime. Symptoms are often difficult to pinpoint, as they may not directly relate to the spine itself. You may feel a tingling in your fingers or feet, or numbness in a certain muscle group. There may even be some weakness or even paralysis involved. A ruptured disc itself will not hurt.
Since the ruptured disc may not be causing pain in its own location, your own diagnosis of your discomfort may be wrong. Many people believe they have a pinched nerve, and take measures to alleviate the discomfort. By doing so, they inadvertently help their ruptured disc to heal.
In some cases, a ruptured disc may require immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage. For instance, a compression fracture or compression injury that causes a ruptured disc may cause you to lose control of your bowels and bladder. An injury of this severity requires immediate medical intervention to prevent permanent damage to nerve roots. These types of ruptured discs can even contribute to paralysis.
The difference between a ruptured disc and a disassociated pain is that a muscle cramp or strain will “catch”, while pain and other symptoms from a ruptured disc will be constant.
A ruptured disc originates with the discs in your spine, which are actually soft cushions between the vertebrae. These cushions are encased in a fibrous, tough case. The case keeps the disc in place. The disc, inside its casing, provides a cushion that keeps the vertebrae from rubbing on each other. It also protects the densely packed nerve roots and spinal column, preventing the vertebrae from rubbing on or pinching the nerves. A ruptured disc cannot perform these tasks properly.
A ruptured disc occurs when the tough case surrounding the disc becomes ripped. If the casing is ripped, the next time that part of the spine moves or is placed under strain, the disk inside the casing will be squeezed out of the rip in the case. At this point, the ruptured disc may not be noticed, especially in the cervical spine. A person may think he has simply strained his back, and take it easy for a few days. In fact, most ruptured discs repair themselves in about 6 weeks.
Problems Caused by Ruptured Discs
The problem with a ruptured disc is the disc that doesn’t heal in its own. The disc material doesn’t retreat to its former position, and the case around the disc doesn’t heal. In these situations, the disc continues to protrude, causing soft tissue irritation and inflammation. This inflammation puts pressure on nerve roots in the area, causing symptoms in what seem to be unrelated parts of the body. At this point, the sufferer starts having tingling or numbness in different areas, wondering what he “has done to” his arm, or other affected area. If the inflammation is not treated promptly, and the situation becomes prolonged, actual damage may be done to the nerves. The disc may protrude to the point of blocking proper functioning of the spine and causing serious pain. It’s at this point that the sufferer finally seeks medical help for a ruptured disc.
There are three sections in each person’s spine, two of which are rather susceptible to ruptured discs. The cervical spine is the section from your skull down to your upper back. This is the location of most ruptured discs, with at least half of the damage occurring in C6 and C7 of the 7 vertebrae. Typically fatal injuries to the cervical spine occur in the C1 and C2 junction, where the spine joins to the skull. There is no disc between these two vertebrae. This area of the spine is not as stable as the rest, and more prone to injury from sudden impacts such as car accidents or falls. Injury to the cervical spine usually results in either discomfort, which the person tries to “tough out”, or paralysis or death. A ruptured disc in this area may make you feel like you have a “crick” in your neck or shoulder. You may encounter tingling in your fingers or hands, weakness in one or your arms, or even partial paralysis, with an inability to move one part of your hand or even your whole arm. Numbness may also be a problem.
The thoracic area of the spine is the middle back, and seldom experiences a ruptured disc due to the stability of the area. Often, a ruptured disc in this part of the spine is confused with the same problems as cervical or lumbar ruptured discs.
The lumbar, or lower back, is the next most common area in which people experience ruptured discs. They are usually caused by compression accidents in which the person has a serious fall, rupturing the disc casing. Pressure from the protruding disc can cause extreme pain in the sciatic nerve. It can also cause incontinence. Serious damage can follow a ruptured disc in the lumbar spine, and medical treatment should be a priority.