A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like center of a disc ruptures through a weak area in the tough outer wall, similar to the filling being squeezed out of a jelly doughnut. Back or leg pain, numbness or tingling may result when the disc material touches or compresses a spinal nerve.

What happens when a disc ruptures?

A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like center of a disc ruptures through a weak area in the tough outer wall, similar to the filling being squeezed out of a jelly doughnut. Back or leg pain, numbness or tingling may result when the disc material touches or compresses a spinal nerve.

Can a ruptured disc heal?

A herniated disk is also known as a slipped, ruptured or bulging disk. It’s one of the most common causes of neck, back and leg pain. Most of the time, herniated disks heal on their own or with simple home-care measures.

How do you fix a ruptured disc?

Physical therapy, exercise and gentle stretching to help relieve pressure on the nerve root. Ice and heat therapy for pain relief. Manipulation (such as chiropractic manipulation) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or COX-2 inhibitors for pain relief.

What is the difference between a herniated disc and a ruptured disc?

Herniated disks are also called ruptured disks or slipped disks, although the whole disk does not rupture or slip. Only the small area of the crack is affected. Compared with a bulging disk, a herniated disk is more likely to cause pain because it generally protrudes farther and is more likely to irritate nerve roots.

How long does it take for a ruptured disc to heal?

The average amount of time it takes for a herniated disk to heal is four to six weeks, but it can get better within a few days depending on how severe the herniation was and where it occurred. The biggest factor in healing a herniated disk is time, because most often it will resolve on its own.

Can you walk with a ruptured disc?

Instead, try aerobic exercises, such as swimming and walking. Using a stationary bike can be an excellent source of exercise while recovering from a herniated disc. Hiking, especially up hills, can also be good.

How long does a ruptured disk take to heal?

How do I sleep with a herniated disc?

If you have a herniated disc, you may want to try sleeping on your side curled in a fetal position:

1. Lay on your back and then roll over gently onto your side.
2. Tuck your knees toward your chest and gently curl your torso toward your knees.
3. Remember to switch sides from time to time to prevent any imbalances.

How do they repair a ruptured disc?

Physical therapy and exercise to help relieve the pressure on the nerve root

What is the best treatment for a ruptured disc?

Physical therapy,exercise and gentle stretching to help relieve pressure on the nerve root

What does a ruptured disc feel like?

Symptoms will vary depending on the location of the ruptured disc. Literature on disc herniation offered by the American Medical Association outlines several scenarios for ruptures in different areas of the spinal column: A ruptured disc in your neck may cause pain around your neck, shoulder blade or running down your arm.

What are the symptoms of a ruptured disc?

Symptoms. Severe low back pain on its own may be a symptom of a ruptured disc,but it can also be caused by strains or sprains of muscles,tendons,and