A herniated disc is a serious medical condition that requires medical attention. It can cause severe pain and other symptoms that can have a major impact on your quality of life.
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc protrudes through a weakened outer layer. This causes pressure on the nerve root, which can result in pain, numbness, and weakness in the area of the body supplied by the affected nerve.
The severity of your symptoms depends on the size and location of the herniated disc. In some cases, a herniated disc can be relatively minor and you may not even experience any symptoms. In more serious cases, the herniated disc can cause pain that radiates down your legs or arms, as well as weakness and numbness in the affected area.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor can diagnose a herniated disc with an MRI or CT scan. Treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms, but may include physical therapy, pain medications, or even surgery.
It is important to take a herniated disc seriously and seek medical advice if you are experiencing any of the associated symptoms. If left untreated, a herniated disc may worsen and cause more serious problems. It is also important to remember that a herniated disc can recur, so it is important to take steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to reduce the risk of further injury.