Herniated Disc
Herniated disc is a type of spinal disorder that generally responds well to over-the-counter medications and gentle exercise among other conservative treatment options. However, you may need to visit the doctor if you have a ruptured disc symptom for preventing serious nerve complications.
Most lower spine problems are caused by a herniated disk that presses on nerves in the spinal column. This produces the pain known as sciatica, which can be felt in the hip.
Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding locations.
Herniated Disc Symptoms to Watch Out For
You should get in touch with a doctor immediately if you notice any of the following severe herniated disc symptoms:
Loss of feeling in legs and feet, Loss of bladder and bowel control
These symptoms are generally caused by low back or lumbar herniated disc. It can also be related to cauda equina syndrome. This is a rare syndrome but serious in nature. The spinal disorder requires immediate medical attention.
Muscle weakness and loss of fine motor skills and balance
These symptoms are a sign of spinal nerve compression. The herniated disc may begin compressing the spinal cord in the more severe cases. This is also called myelopathy. This is usually caused by herniated discs in the thoracic (mid-back), spine (neck), and lumbar region. The condition can eventually lead to myelopathy.
You should also visit a doctor if:
- The symptoms worsen or don’t respond even after several weeks of conservative treatment, such as physical therapy and ice and heat.
- Your daily activities are being affected by the constant pain, such as reduced sleep that makes you miss work.
Importance of Visiting a Doctor
Herniated discs can begin pinching or compressing the nerves in spinal region. A herniated disc pressing on the spinal cord or spinal nerves can cause weakness, numbness, shooting pain, tingling, and bladder and bowel problems. The symptoms can significantly reduce your quality of life.
You will be more likely to enjoy a complete recovery by treating the nerve compression quickly. However, you risk having permanent or long-term nerve damage if you don’t address the nerve-related pain quickly.
A 2011 study reported that patients that waited too long for seeking medical attention for herniated discs were more prone to risks and complications. Seeing a doctor sooner will improve the chances of a successful treatment if you have persisting neck pain or lower back issues.
You may be asked to get an imaging scan, such as an MRI scan or a CT scan when you visit the doctor for your herniated disc symptoms. This will let the doctor know the exact cause of pain and allow them to create a personalized treatment plan.
Orthopedic Surgeons can Help Prevent Complications
Herniated disc pain symptoms, in many cases, required medical attention. You should get in touch with an orthopedic surgeon immediately if you notice any of the herniated disc symptoms mentioned here. The cause and severity of your bulging disc symptom will be determined by the doctor.
This will help them create a custom treatment plan for minimizing long term complications. Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery.
Contact the Southern California Hip Institute
Dr. Tigran Garabekyan is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation. To learn more about Southern California Hip Institute or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us or call:
Century City / Los Angeles: 310.595.1030
Serving patients in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Century City, West Hollywood, North Hollywood Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale and other neighboring cities in the greater Los Angeles, California area.
Also visit http://www.drgorthopedics.com/
