Herniated disk, also known as a slipped disk or ruptured disk is result from the exterior of these rubbery disks can tear, and the soft inside slips out. This disk injury can irritate nearby nerves causing pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or a leg

Risk Factors

• Body Weight

• Occupation requiring strenuous physical activities

• Smoking

• Frequent Driving

• Lack of physical activities/exercise

• Genetics

Symptoms

Depending on the position occurred, herniated disks would mostly occur in lower back although neck is possible as well.

• Lower back pain

• Numbness and tingling in parts of your body (e.g. backs, arms, shoulders, etc)

• Neck pain

• Muscle weakness

• Leg, buttock, and hips pain

Treatment

There are several approaches to treat Herniated disk starting from conversative symptomatic treatment until surgery

• Conservative treatment would rely on lifestyle modification to avoid aggravating current pain and take pain medication as needed

• Medications include using Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Opioids, Muscle relaxants, Neuropathic Drugs, and Steroid injections

• Physical Therapy

• Surgery

When should you see a doctor?

If you think you have a herniated disk, do not hesitate to see a doctor for thorough examination. See if you have numbness, tingling sensation, weakness, or pain traveling from your neck or back downwards to your arm or leg.