When Is Back Pain a Herniated Disc?

herniated disc Back pain can be debilitating. It is incredibly common in the United States, with reports finding that over a third of all Americans have some form of back pain and around 10% of Americans suffer from chronic back pain. Despite how widespread the issue is, numbers don’t seem to be going down.

This can be because back pain can have a lot of causes. Identifying what is causing your back pain can help answer the how for treatment or symptom relief. Today, let’s take a look at a common cause of back pain: herniated discs, and what can be done to treat them.

What Causes a Herniated Disc? 

The vertebrae of the spine are protected by cushions known as discs. The discs are composed of two parts, a soft inner portion called the nucleus and a hard outer part known as the annulus. Whenever the nucleus erupts through a tear or rupture in the annulus, a herniated disc happens. This can cause pain by pressing against the spinal nerves in the limited-spaced spinal canal.

What Are Common Symptoms of Herniated Discs? 

Though it is possible for a herniated disc to not manifest any symptoms, there are some common symptoms.

  • One-sided pain
  • Sharp, shooting pain
  • Limb weakness
  • Pain twisting torso
  • Increase in pain when coughing, sneezing, and laughing

A herniated disc can range in severity of symptoms due to the location of the herniation as well as the size of it. If you’re experiencing back pain that has lasted a long time or hasn’t seemed to get better, then it may be time to visit a doctor.

How Dr. Todd Albert Can Help Your Back Pain With Orthopaedic Surgery 

Dr. Albert knows just how painful back issues can be. This is why, when it comes to providing herniated disc relief, he and his clinic offer a variety of treatment options from laminoplasty to spinal fusion. Dr. Albert and his team take great pride in being able to help. Being named one of New York’s Top Docs every year since 2014, he has a proven track record of excellence.

If you think you have a herniated disc, contact us at 212-606-1004 today to find enduring back pain relief at the hands of Dr. Albert.

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