A Herniated Disc is when the harder outside fibers of the disc is either damaged or deteriorates over time and the softer inner gel ruptures outside of its normal space. The softer material, when outside of the disc, puts more pressure on your spine and nerves which can create tremendous pain. There are three types of herniated discs:
Lumbar Herniated Disc
A Lumbar Herniated Disc affects the lower back and is the most common herniated disc. Luckily, they are also the least serious, but still cause lower back pain. The damaged or deteriorated disc is located right under the spinal nerve root and puts a great amount of pressure on the nerve. Aside from lower back pain, a Lumbar Herniated Disc also causes leg and sciatica pain and/or tingling. This is most common to begin for the 40-60 year age group.
Cervical Herniated Disc
A Cervical Herniated Disc is when one of the discs in your neck herniates. The disc then presses on the adjacent nerve root and causes severe neck pain. A lot of time, this gets diagnosed as a pinched nerve. The pain radiates down the shoulder and arm. This is most common to begin for the 30-50 year age group. Symptoms also happen fairly spontaneously.
Thoracic Herniated Disc
A Thoracic Herniated Disc can be very serious. This is because the most common cause of this type of herniation is generative disc disease. This is when the outer fibers weaken over time due to age. This can lead to other serious medical conditions stemming from a weakened spine. This also tends to have the most impact on mobility and organ function. Thoracic Herniated Discs are most common to begin at an older age, usually around 50-60.
You can read about herniated disc repair and spinal surgeries, or call us at (336) 333-6306 for more information.
Dr. Max Cohen, Dr. Ruben Torrealba, and Dr. Thomas Saullo all treat herniated discs.