Is a herniated disc the same as a blown disc?
Is a herniated disc the same as a blown disc?
Herniated disks are also called ruptured disks or slipped disks, although the whole disk does not rupture or slip. Only the small area of the crack is affected. Compared with a bulging disk, a herniated disk is more likely to cause pain because it generally protrudes farther and is more likely to irritate nerve roots.
How can you tell the difference between a herniated disc and a back injury?
1. In general, disc herniations hurt both with bending forward AND with returning from bending up to an upright position. Back strains or sprains tend to hurt less with bending forward, and more with returning from a forward bend.
How does a lumbar disc become ruptured?
Disk herniation is most often the result of a gradual, aging-related wear and tear called disk degeneration. As you age, your disks become less flexible and more prone to tearing or rupturing with even a minor strain or twist. Most people can’t pinpoint the cause of their herniated disk.
What is worse bulging or herniated disc?
Herniated discs are considered more severe than bulging discs because they put significant pressure on nearby nerves, which can cause intense pain, inflammation and difficulties with movement.
Can a ruptured disc heal on its own?
Usually a herniated disc will heal on its own over time. Be patient, and keep following your treatment plan. If your symptoms don’t get better in a few months, you may want to talk to your doctor about surgery.
How do you tell if lower back pain is muscle or spine?
Common Symptoms of a Pulled Back Muscle
- Dull, achy low back pain. Strained muscles usually feel sore, tight, or achy.
- Intensified pain with movement. Low back strain typically worsens with specific movements that activate the affected muscles.
- Pain that is localized in the low back.
Can ruptured discs heal?
A ruptured disc causes severe low back pain and, sometimes, shooting pain down the back of the legs, which is known as sciatica. Usually the symptoms of a disc rupture heal on their own after a few weeks to a month. If the problem persists for months and becomes chronic, you may choose to eventually consider surgery.
