Learn how Spinal Stretch can treat Herniated Disc

About Herniated Disc
(Courtesy of our friends at Spine-Health.com)

A spinal disc herniation misleadingly called a "slipped disc" is a medical condition affecting the spine in which a tear in the outer, fibrous ring of an intervertebral disc allows the soft, central portion to bulge out.

Although injury to the outer covering of a disc can cause pain, often a herniated disc by itself does not cause any discomfort. Pain occurs when pressure from the herniated disc is put on the nerve roots or spinal cord.

Pain or numbness may occur in the area of the body affected by the nerve. Many people who have a herniated disc are not aware of it because they have no symptoms of leg or back pain. Symptoms that do appear vary greatly, depending on the position of the herniated disc.

If the herniated disc is:

• Not pressing on a nerve, there may be a low backache or no symptoms at all.
• Pressing on a nerve, pain or numbness can occur in the area of the body leading from the nerve.
• Located in the neck, pain or numbness may be felt in the shoulders, arms or chest.
• Located in the lower back, sciatica may occur and cause leg pain and other nerve-related symptoms, such as weakness, numbness or tingling in one leg.
• Pain from a herniated disc in the lower back (sciatica) may be felt in the buttock and down the back of the leg to the ankle or foot. There may be low back pain, but it is usually not as severe as leg pain.
  

Nerve-related symptoms of a herniated disc include:

• Tingling ("pins and needles" sensation) or numbness in one leg that can begin in the buttock or behind the knee and extend to the ankle or foot.
• Weakness in certain muscles in one or both legs.
• Weakness in both legs and the loss of bladder and/or bowel control. This is a serious problem that requires immediate medical help.

For more information consult your medical professional or visit spine-health.com