A herniated disc is one of the leading causes of lower back pain. They affect people of all ages but are especially common in people between the ages of 35-55. Between each of your vertebrae is a soft, gel-like disc (vertebral disc). These discs act as shock absorbers and allow you to perform routine movements like bending, reaching, and lifting. If a disc experiences undue pressure, it can tear and push through its protective outer layer, placing pressure on a nerve (or nerves), resulting in pain and mobility issues. They are most common in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower) spine.

Symptoms of a lumbar herniation often include:

• Low back pain
• Limited mobility with bending, straightening, and lifting
• Sharp or shooting pain into one or both buttocks, thighs, and calves
• Numbness/tingling in one or both legs
• Weakened muscles in the affected leg(s)

Symptoms of a cervical herniation often include:

• Neck pain
• Limited mobility in the neck
• Sharp and/or shooting pain into the shoulder(s) and arm(s)
• Numbness/tingling in one or both shoulders/arms
• Weakened muscles in the affected shoulder(s) and arm(s)

Some causes of herniated discs include:

• Having a physically demanding job that requires repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, bending and twisting of the back
• Being overweight/obese
• Living a sedentary lifestyle
• Blunt trauma such as an auto accident or sports injury
• Genetics

Herniated discs can progress and cause additional problems if not treated. It is important to schedule an appointment with a medical professional if you suspect you have a herniated disc. A physical exam will be conducted to rule out other causes of your symptoms. ln most cases, an MRI is needed in order to visualize the spine to diagnose a spinal herniatiation. At Core Rehab we offer multiple therapies to relieve symptoms of herniated discs. However, there are times when a herniation is too large for conservative treatment to be effective and surgical intervention is necessary. If this is the case, we can provide you with a surgeon referral.

Our providers at Core Rehab specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of herniated discs. If you would like to make an appointment with one of our providers please contact our office today by calling us at 773-229-9600 or you can request an appointment thru our website by clicking here