There are very few agonizing and debilitating injuries such as a herniated disc. Also known as a slip disk, this condition can make you go quickly from feeling completely normal to all at once having trouble walking or even standing up. It leads to sleepless nights since tossing and turning can lead to more back pain, affect your work, and worsen your posture.

However, there are many people who do not experience pain from a herniated disk - particularly if it does not press on any nerves.

A herniated disk affects nearby nerves – which causes immense pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs.

According to experts, you may experience a slip disc usually due to gradual wear and overuse as a result of repeated movement over time. In many older people, spinal disks become drier and weaker, making a herniated disk more likely.

Doctors say your spinal column, which encases and protects the spinal cord and nerves running from your head to your tailbone, contains 23 segments – known as intervertebral discs, which act as shock-absorbing cushions. Each one allows for the exit of a pair of nerves that gives sensation and controls muscle function to specific parts of your body. However, when their outer ring, which provides maximum protection, becomes damaged or weakened, it ruptures or bulges.

There are many medical conditions that increase the risk of disc herniation – including spinal stenosis and connective tissue disorders.

According to doctors, being overweight puts an excessive amount of force and pressure on the disc, which, over time, leads the disc to herniate beyond its normal location and position. Apart from that, smoking and genetics also affect the strength and durability of intervertebral discs.

A few signs and symptoms of a herniated disc that lead to inflammation and pain include:

It happens when the disc begins to press on the spinal cord or the nerves that exit the area. These unusual sensations travel outward along the nerve into the arms or legs.

When your herniated disc presses on a nerve, the muscles that are connected to it become weak, causing stumbling when walking.

Sharp and burning pain occurs in the back

According to experts, those with the problem of a herniated disc usually recover on their own, even though it takes at least 12 weeks. However, most of the time, the symptoms can be resolved by avoiding movements that trigger pain and following a few exercises and pain management regimens that a doctor recommends. Treatment options include:

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