What causes a herniated disc? answers (1823)

A: A herniated disc occurs when the outer covering of the disc or annulus tears and the jelly-like nucleus seeps out, exerting pressure on spinal nerves. A herniated disc can occur virtually anywhere along the spine, including the cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back) and lumbar (lower back) areas. There are a number of things that can cause a herniated disc.SignificanceMany times people suffer herniated discs from lifting an object that is too heavy. They may have been positioned in an awkward manner and twisted their back lifting the object....

A: A herniated disc is a spinal abnormality, frequently the result of wear and tear on the body, or injury. It is referred to my many different names, which tend to be used interchangeably, although they may not be completely accurate. Some of the most common terms used to describe this condition are pinched nerve, ruptured disc, slipped disc and sciatica.. While these terms are widely used, technically, a pinched nerve is not the same as a herniated disc. It is in fact the result of a herniated disc, which causes the nerve to become pinched. It is therefore important to distinguish the two, in order for the doctor to locate the actual source of the pain and to treat it properly.. The term...

A: A herniated disc is a pouching out of the interveterbal disc between the vertabrae. L3& L4 is located at your bending area of your back. It can be a serious problem. You need to find out how bad the herniation is. It could cause pressure on the spinal cord from swelling. It is painful. If the herniation is pronounced you may need surgery.        Please rate my answer...

A: I had a herniated disc between c-5 and c-6 . I went to bed fine and woke up the next day as it had ruptured overnight. I suspect the area was weakened from a lot of heavy lifting the prior day . I had it operated on they cut a slit in my throat and went in from the front and replaced the disc with a piece of bone from a cadaver. The operation took an hour perhaps slightly less . The scar completely disappeared in no time. I do still have no feeling in my right thumb from nerve damage but the pain is gone except for a bit of arthritic type pain on cold rainy days....

A: A lumbar herniated disc is a painful health condition occurring in the lower back when the gel-like center of a disc in the lumbar section of the spine ruptures through a weak area in the outer disc wall. The nerve roots then exit the spinal canal through the small space between the vertebrae and discs. When the damaged disc pushes into these nerve roots or the spinal canal, individuals suffer pain and other symptoms. A majority of herniated discs occur between the fourth and fifth lumbar segments of the spine or between the fifth lumbar segment and the first sacral segment. In the latter case, the weak spot in the outer core of the disc is directly underneath the spinal nerve root, and the herniated disc puts...

A: A cervical herniation occurs when a disc in the cervical, or neck, region of the spine bulges or ruptures. Other terms used for a herniated disc are “herniated nucleus pulposis” (HNP), “slipped disc,” and “ruptured disc.” The disc is a fibrous cushion with an outer band called the annulus fibrosis that surrounds a jelly-like substance called the nucleus pulposus. The discs are located between each of the seven vertebrae in the neck and are meant to pad the movements of the spine. When a disc herniates, the outer band of the disc protrudes, tears or ruptures, allowing the jelly-like substance to seep out. Like the other vertebrae, the cervical vertebrae have foramen, or holes, through which the spinal cord passes. Unlike the rest of the...

A: A herniated disc in the spine occurs when the gel-like fluid contained in a thin capsule between vertebrae — known as the spinal disc — escapes through a rupture in the disc and causes pressure on the nerves surrounding the spine. The result of such a rupture is pain in the spine or even sharp pains throughout the body, depending on which nerves are being compressed by the rupture. In most cases, a herniated disc anywhere in the spine heals on its own with rest, but in more severe cases, herniated disc neck surgery may be necessary to prevent long-term or neurological damage. The diagnosis and assessment of the severity is the first step in a herniated...

A: A cervical disc is a hard circular cushion located between the bones of the neck and spine. Each disc is surrounded by a fluid known as nucleus pulposus and covered with annulus fibrosus, a protective strip made of a firm, rubber-like material. The purpose of cervical discs is to protect the neck and spine from damage resulting from impact. A cervical herniated disc is a condition in which the nucleus pulposus leaks out, resulting in cracking or displacement of the cervical disc. When the condition first occurs, a person may not necessarily experience any symptoms. If he or she does experience symptoms, they will typically include numbness of the shoulders, arms, neck, or chest. The condition can also cause mild to severe pain in the arms and neck, depending on...

A: A posterior disc herniation is damage that occurs in the lower lumbar area of the spine, which is the lower portion of the back. The spine is made up of vertebrae, or bones, that are cushioned by discs. One of these discs may become herniated when a portion of its soft center bulges outward. Often called a slipped or ruptured disc, this condition can cause mild to severe pain, as well as possible numbness and incontinence.. Some risk factors can contribute to developing a posterior disc herniation, such as excess weight and advancing age. People who work in occupations that require repetitive motions such as lifting and twisting are also at a higher risk for this back injury. It can occasionally be caused by falling or a sudden injury. Most patients, however,...

A: A herniated disc in the lower back is a common ailment affecting millions of people. Also known as a slipped disc, a herniated disc takes place when the cushion between the spinal vertebra is forced outside of its regular position and places pressure on adjacent nerves often causing pain. Treatment for a herniated disc in the lower back aims to bring about relief and prevent additional discomfort. In the majority of instances, a herniated disc in the lower back will heal within six months. However, in some instances, other treatment may be needed, including medication, physical therapy, and surgery as a last resort. Initially, treatment for a herniated disc in the...