Back Pain and Disc Problems

• Disc's are the soft but strong cushions that separate the bones (vertebrae) in your spine, absorb shocks and let you twist and move. Over time they lose their flexibility. Repeated strain over time, injury, or a sudden forceful movement can damage or irritate the disc causing pain, numbness and tingling into your back and legs, or neck and arms. Most typically you get pain radiating into the arm or leg with herniation i.e. slipped disc. But there are many gradations of herniation's. There can be a tear in the disc, a bulge or a full herniation.

• Advanced imaging such as an MRI many times is necessary to identify the amount of bulging, herniation, or possible extrusion (the disc bursting). Your treatment will depend on various factors and a careful history and exam can give good insight into the course of treatment. Sometimes additional specialized testing is necessary to see how much nerve irritation there is. Referrals to other practitioners may be necessary and in extreme cases, surgery.

• When your low back is in acute pain use ice and heat at home as instructed by Dr. Humberstone. If there is swelling always use ice. Bracing can be of great value and Dr. Humberstone has an array of braces available.