Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is more common than ever, especially now that more people are working and learning from their computers and even from their smartphones. Here’s how to avoid developing CTS.
Herniated discs aren’t just for the elderly; in fact, they are most common in people between the ages of 30-50. Herniation can be incredibly painful and make you wonder if you’ll ever be the same again. Fortunately, most herniations can be resolved with minimally invasive techniques.
At Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine in Ramsey, New Jersey, our expert physicians can tell you if you have one or more herniated discs in your spinal column and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
The anatomy of the spine includes:
When a disc herniates, it actually breaks open. The hard rubbery exterior can develop small cracks, and the gel-like center can bulge out. This soft center puts pressure on nerves, causing pain and other sensation signals to travel to your brain.
Disc herniation can be caused by trauma, like an accident; by long-term activities that cause damage, like sitting at a computer desk for the majority of each day; and by short-term incidents such as lifting an object that is too heavy, such as when you are moving furniture.
Most cases of herniated discs occur in the lumber (lower) spine, although there can be cases of a slipped disc in the thoracic area (the midsection of the spine) or in your cervical spine (back of neck.)
Nerves send messages to your brain that are interpreted as:
If bed rest followed with light exercise and reasonable pain management are implemented, many herniated discs resolve on their own. For serious cases, more advanced measures may need to be taken.
Treatment for herniated discs can vary based on your age, weight, lifestyle, and more. We may recommend
We work with you to diagnose your condition and develop a comprehensive treatment plan to help your herniated disc heal. You can learn more about herniated discs and discuss your options by talking to the team at Progressive Spine and Sports Medicine. Get in touch by calling 201-273-9702 or requesting an appointment online.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is more common than ever, especially now that more people are working and learning from their computers and even from their smartphones. Here’s how to avoid developing CTS.
Not all cases of whiplash occur after car accidents, and sometimes the symptoms can be subtle. Here are the warning signs of whiplash to look out for if you’re experiencing severe neck pain and stiffness.
As you get older, you may notice a fine tracery of red or purple lines running up and down your legs. These spider veins aren’t dangerous, but you may want to have them removed.
Chronic back pain is typically addressed with a multi-pronged treatment. Steroid injections using cortisone can be one prong, but these must be administered by an experienced spinal specialist.
Diagnostic tests like X-rays and MRIs are vital in helping doctors understand what’s going on inside your body. Here’s how ultrasounds can help diagnose the cause of muscle or joint pain.
Herniated discs can be painful, debilitating, and hard to treat. Here’s what you need to know about this common condition, what your treatment options are, and how a specialist can help.