What Is a Herniated Disc and How Can It Be Treated?

Over 80 percent of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Therefore, it is a highly common complaint. It is often brought on by poor posture, diet or a lack of exercise. However, sometimes it may be a more serious condition, known as degenerative disc disease.

This disorder can occur with age, or may be a side effect of improper lifting habits or obesity. To understand it fully, you first need to be familiar with the anatomy of the spine. The human backbone is made up of 24 vertebrae and 23 cushiony “discs” that support the bones and keep them from grinding on one another.

In degenerative disc disease, these pads leak their contents- a gel-like substance- into the spinal canal, where they place pressure on the nerve endings. The pain can be excruciating and the patient may have to be hospitalized.

When a patient has this disorder, he or she must undergo surgery to have a small fragment of bone grafted in between the two affected vertebrae. This causes the spine to fuse together and releases the pressure caused by the gel.

If you suspect that you have this condition, visit a medical doctor. Your chiropractor may be able to help you diagnose the problem, but he or she will likely recommend you to a surgeon.