Disk Herniation

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it?

• A herniated (her-nee-a-ted) disk is also known as a ruptured (rup-sherd) or slipped vertebrae (ver-tih-bray). A disk is a tough sac filled with a jelly-like material. Disks lie between each of the bones in your neck and back and act as shock absorbers. When a disk herniates the jelly-like disk material may squeeze out between the disks and press on nerves or the spinal cord (neck and back). You may need surgery to remove the disk if it doesn't get better on its own. Following are some of the many ways a disk may get ruptured.
  
  
  • Age. The ligaments (lih-guh-ments) that support the disks may start to weaken with age.
    
    
  • An accident or a back strain.
    
    
  • Lifting heavy things all the time.
    
    
  • Weighing too much.
  
  
• Attacks of pain tend to recur and may result in permanent backache or nerve damage. Surgery to relieve nerve pressure may be necessary. The pain from a herniated disc depends on where the injured disc is in your back or neck.
  
  
  • Lower back disk: A herniated disk in your lower back may put pressure on the sciatic (si-ah-tik) nerve. This causes sciatica (si-ah-tih-kuh), a sharp, shooting pain from the buttock (rear end) down the back of the leg to your foot. You may have weakness or numbness of one or both legs. Or, the weakness may cause the muscles in your leg(s) to get smaller.
    
    
  • Neck disk: A herniated disk in your neck may cause pain in your neck, shoulder, or down one arm. This pain is worse when you move. Your arm may be weak or numb. Or, the weakness may cause the muscles in your arm(s) to get smaller.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Link to this page

Printable Version

Email Page