Herniated Disc is a generic term for more specific derangements. They are classified either as a bulge, protrusion or extrusion depending on the size, extent and location of the problem.

Typically, a herniated disc causes radiating leg symptoms. Generally, this is what people refer to as sciatica or radiculopathy. The herniated disc is defined by a disc where the outer lining has been torn, and the inner soft disc material has expressed out of the tear and compressed the adjacent nerve roots. This pressure on the nerve roots tends to cause not only low back pain but leg pain, as well.

the disc undergoes the natural process of degeneration, it loses the ability to retain the hydration necessary to support the spine. The result is a diffuse bulging similar to a tire that loses air pressure. In the case of the disc it is loss of hydraulic pressure. Another consequence of the degenerative process is the development of fissures or cracks that result from the desiccation of the disc.

Injury to the spine. This may cause tiny tears or cracks in the hard outer layer of the disc. When this happens, the gel inside the disc can be forced out through the tears or cracks in the outer layer of the disc. This causes the disc to bulge, break open, or break into pieces.

Your doctor may diagnose a herniated disc by asking questions about your symptoms and examining you. If your symptoms clearly point to a herniated disc, you may not need tests. Sometimes a doctor will do tests such as an MRI or a CT scan to confirm a herniated disc or rule out other health problems.

After you have hurt your back, you are more likely to have back problems in the future. To help keep your back healthy: Protect your back when you lift. For example, lift with your legs, not your back. Don't bend forward at the waist when you lift. Bend your knees and squat. Use good posture. When you stand or walk, keep your shoulders back and down, your chin back, and your belly in. This will help support your lower back.

A herniated disc usually is caused by wear and tear of the disc (also called disc degeneration). As we age, our vertebral discs lose some of the fluid that helps them maintain flexibility. A herniated disc also may result from injuries to the spine, which may cause tiny tears or cracks in the outer layer (annulus or capsule) of the disc.

A herniated disc is not a catastrophe. Annoying, certainly, but a condition with a favorable natural history. Many people feel that this is a serious injury that always needs an operation. In fact, over 90% of people who herniate a disc go on to uneventful recoveries without surgery and do quite well. A famous study done in 1983 compared patients with surgically treated herniated discs with similar patients treated non-operatively (Reference 1).

No. First, sciatica is a bit of a misnomer. Strictly, sciatica means pain in the distribution of the sciatic nerve. In medicine, sciatica commonly is used to describe lower extremity pain caused by the irritation of the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve. This can be caused by a herniated disc or anything that puts pressure on the nerve root; such as spinal stenosis, severe facet arthritis, bone spurs, tumor, or cyst.

Yes. You can use the BackMaster but it will not correct your herniated disc. Nor will the devices cure fractures or cancer. They will facilitate a release of a sprained or strained back.

Probably the best way to prevent stress incontinence is to perform pelvic muscle exercises, also called Kegels. Click here for Instructions for Performing Kegels. Until all the factors that cause urinary incontinence have been identified, however, it is difficult to recommend ways to prevent it. You might also try avoiding substances known to irritate the bladder. Click here for a recommended Bladder Diet.