The Best Neurosurgeon In Houston TX Can Help With Back Pain

Inside the spine are bones known as vertebrae that are bones stacked on top of one another and separated by discs (shocks). The discs comprise soft gel-like components called the nucleus pulposus. The nucleous pulposus is encompassed by the annulus fibrosis and when there's a crack or tear inside it, a few of the soft gel portion of the disc may rupture with the tear resulting in pressure being put on the spinal-cord or nerve resulting in a herniated disc.

This problem is often referred to as a ruptured disc, extruded disc, bulging disc, free fragment and slipped disc. Even if this condition can be the result of trauma of the spine, it can occur if you find no cause whatsoever. There have been patients that recall experiencing a twisting motion or specific injury that could have resulted in an extruded disc, although some people might have stated they just awoke and the discomfort was already there.

Where will I Experience Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?

You might experience uncomfortable symptoms if you have a herniated disc since it will press on a nerve and may cause symptoms where that nerve is. This problem may cause a condition results referred to as radiculopathy. This happens whenever a disc pushes on a nerve that travels to the arm and causes pain that may seem to be coming from that part of the arm. If this disc affects the legs the condition is called sciatica.

When a person has this problem they may experience weakness and numbness or sensations of tingling. Whenever a large ruptured disc is located in the neck it, it can cause spinal-cord damage and compression on the spinal cord. A large slipped disc within the lumbar area may cause bladder or bowel control difficulties.

Who's at risk of Getting a Herniated Disc?

Individual are at increased chance of getting a herniated disc when they engage in excessive lifting, twisting, and bending that put stress on the discs found in the neck and lower back. Although the human body is made to sustain certain levels of lifting, twisting, and bending, there is however a limitation to how much it can endure.An individual also has a heightened risk of getting a ruptured disc as they age once the disc of the spine become flatter and weaken. Whenever a disc becomes too weak, there might be tearing of the outer portion. At these times, the inside area of the disc will push through this tear and press on the nerve next to it.

How Will I know if I have a Herniated Disc?

Obtaining a complete history on the patient begins the entire process of determining if someone has a herniated disc. Next may be the physical exam. If your doctor suspects that there is a ruptured disc present, they'll stick to the process of confirming it through diagnostic studies. A physician will in all probability order a very sensitive study called a MRI to be able to find out if a ruptured disc exists.

If the MRI doesn't show sufficient evidence a myelogram and also a CT scan of the spine could provide additional information. These studies are excellent reasons for showing the spine's anatomy however; they don't show information on the nerves. An EMG/nerve conduction test may also help to determine if a ruptured disc is present.

The best Neurosurgeon Houston TX can help with back pain, through back surgery or other treatments. Visit SpineHealth.com for more information.