Back Pain and the Disc Risk

Think you’re too young for disc-related back pain? Think again. Most disc-related back pain occurs in people between ages 35 and 55. That soreness you think is just from working in the garden could be a disc-related problem — one that may need medical attention.

What are discs, anyway?

Discs are rubbery pads between the vertebrae in your spinal column. They work as shock absorbers, allowing you to move comfortably. Herniated or “slipped” discs are discs that have come out of place. As they do this, they can “crack” under pressure or push on nearby nerves, causing excruciating pain. Other symptoms of disc-related back problems may include:

• Numbness or weakness in one leg or foot
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Burning pain in the middle of your back
• Pain that travels from your rear down the back of one leg

Which symptoms you have depend on which nerves are being pinched, so you shouldn’t assume that you don’t have a disc problem just because you don’t have every symptom on the list. See your doctor immediately if you have numbness or weakness in your legs, or if you believe your back pain is from an injury or fall.

Herniated discs are usually the result of aging or injuries, but there are certain risk factors that can increase your chances of having one. These include:

• Improper lifting
• Smoking
• Excessive body weight that places added stress on the discs, especially in the lower back
• Repetitive strenuous activities

Put Back Pain Behind You

Don’t just stay in bed if you have back pain. If it’s a disc problem, you can worsen your condition by letting supporting muscles atrophy. See your doctor as soon as you can. If it turns out your back pain is not disc-related, your doctor can treat that as well. Treatment for back pain usually involves a combination of rest, physical therapy and medications, though surgery may be an option in severe cases.

For mild disc-related problems, exercise can be a good way to relieve pain. This is because exercise can strengthen your back muscles and help you lose weight, both of which help take pressure off your nerves and prevent the condition from getting worse. Talk to your doctor at Riverview Health about what type of exercises are safe for you. Options may include walking or swimming for aerobic exercise, or yoga and Pilates for gentle stretching and strength-building.

Ready to meet with one of our orthopedic and sports medicine doctors? Call us at 317.565.0505 to request an appointment.

Source: AAOS.org