Medical News

A herniated disc or a ruptured disc can happen suddenly or it can progress gradually and can cause pain or numbness in various parts of the body depending on which nerve has been affected. Some of the typical symptoms of a herniated disc in the neck include a dull ache or a severe pain in the neck or between the shoulder blades, numbness or tingling in the arm or shoulder, sharp pain that radiates down the arm to the fingers. If the herniated disc occurs in the lower back region, the symptoms could include sharp pain in the buttocks that radiates down the thigh to below your knee. Other symptoms include difficulty or inability to hold or lift anything because of weakened muscles.

What Causes Herniated Discs?

The vertebrae in the spinal cord are stacked one on top of the other with a tough, rubbery, shock-absorbing disc in between each of the vertebra. This tough exterior encases a soft, jelly like center. If there is a crack or rupture in the outer layer, it allows the soft inner layer to escape. This is called a herniated disc. The pain is caused because the escaped inner substance presses on the nerves that pass through the spinal cord.

There are several factors that cause disc herniation. As the body ages, the discs tend to dry out, reducing their strength and flexibility and making them more prone to rupturing. Being overweight can also compound the problem as the extra weight strains the discs in the lower back, making them more vulnerable to tearing. Being involved in any strenuous activity or sport that involves continuous turning, twisting, pushing, bending or pulling can also cause the disc to tear.

Tips For Preventing Herniated Discs

There are several things you can do to prevent herniated disc.
Generic viagra online Canada
• Striving to maintain correct posture whilst sitting, standing and walking is the best thing you can do to keep herniated discs at bay.

• Use correct techniques when lifting something, especially when lifting heavy object. Always squat and lift; never bend and lift. Avoid attempting to lift very heavy objects by yourself. Get someone to help you. Sharing the weight puts less strain on your back.

• Quit smoking if you smoke. Smoking accelerates the hardening of the arteries causing degenerative disc disorders.

• If you are overweight, take steps to lose the excess weight as it puts tremendous strain on the lower back.

• Exercise regularly. Brisk walking and swimming are great aerobic exercises that do not put any stress on the back. Also, in addition to helping you lose weight, certain exercises such as crunches and ab strengthening exercises boost spine stability.

It is equally important to avoid stressful settings as much as possible as it creates muscle tension, which weakens the muscles.