Imagine riding a bicycle or a car without the shock absorber. Not only will you not be able to survive bumps and extreme downhills ride safely, but your bike and car won’t be able to stay intact. In short, something that will absorb all the shock might just be a small part of your bicycle or your car, but they play a huge role in keeping you safe.
The same is true with your body. Simple tasks like walking and running, or more strenuous activities like jumping, stretching and lifting heavy objects put a certain amount of strain on your body. In order to properly function and protect it, your spine has cushions which serve as shock absorbers.
However, if these cushions start to malfunction, you might need help from orthopedic surgeons in Highland to solve the problem. They can bring forth relief because it is highly likely that you are suffering from a herniated disc.
What is a herniated disc?
A herniated disc happens when the soft gel-like cushion between the internal vertebrae protrudes and affects nearby areas such as nerves and muscles. Often, the condition is also known as a slipped disc, ruptured disc, or prolapsed disc among others.
Because the inner gel is touching areas where it is not supposed to be, it reflects pain in certain areas of the body like the neck, arms, and legs.
What causes the condition?
The older one gets, the weaker the bone becomes. Thus, older people have higher risks of developing herniated discs and other spinal complications. External forces such as awkwardly lifting heavy objects, or simply twisting and turning can cause one’s disc to slip.
Being overweight also makes one more prone to herniated discs.
How can it be managed and treated?
In most cases, herniated discs can be treated by making certain lifestyle changes. If you belong to the heavier side, reducing your weight will dramatically reduce pressure and force in your back, which can trigger the condition.
Strengthening your back through simple exercises and activities like walking, stretches and doctor approved activities can help alleviate pain. For others, proper exercise, along with pain relievers and over-the-counter medications, can help do the trick.
But, some people have a more complicated situation than others. Your doctor will do the necessary tests and scans to find out the actual condition and severity of your back. Some people would require surgical procedures carried out by skilled orthopedic surgeons to correct the problem.
Most people find relief and improved quality of life after the procedure.
What can prevent it from happening again?
It might be impossible to prevent a slipped disc from happening, but there are ways you can do to reduce your chances of acquiring them. Maintaining an ideal weight, following proper lifting techniques, strengthening your backbone through appropriate diet and exercise, can make a huge difference.
A herniated disc is more than just backache. More often than not, it is something that has to be treated by a skilled doctor to prevent it from getting worse. Find the right orthopedic surgeon and see how your quality of life can involve drastically despite suffering from the condition.
