Round discs cushion the spine. The small discs act like shock absorbers for the spinal bones. Over time, the outer layer wears and may result in a herniated disc, also known as slipped, bulged, or ruptured disc. The herniated disc presses spinal nerves, usually causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. Herniated disc pain management options include conservative, non-surgical treatments. While you might find relief in over-the-counter remedies, it is best to seek professional attention. This is considering the potential complication of under or untreated herniated discs. Below is a glance at some common effects of untreated herniated discs.
Chronic pain
The relentless lower back, neck, thigh, calf, or buttock pain, depending on the location of the herniated disc, can significantly impact your daily life. The pain can affect your sleep routine and how you manage activities of daily living. The frustrating experiences can cause anxiety and depression, significantly impacting your physical and mental well-being. Such concerns are why pain management is a critical part of herniated disc treatments.
Nerve damage
Exposing the nerves to the extra pressure for an extended period can result in significant damage. Nerve damage causes severe concerns, including sensory loss, numbness, and muscle weakness. The damage can worsen and result in loss of bladder and bowel control, sexual dysfunction, or even paralysis. That is why anti-inflammatory medication is used in the treatment of herniated disc to help alleviate pressure on the nerves.
Degenerative spinal changes
Disc herniation is often an early degeneration symptom. As it progresses, it can result in severe pain and spine changes, including spinal canal stenosis. The degenerative change causes more problems, including back legs, thigh, and buttock pain that worsens when standing or exercising. The condition can worsen and cause sensory issues like pins or needles, leg numbness, or reduced touch sensation. Degenerative spinal changes can also result in muscle weakness, cramping, and abnormality when walking. Such complications can severely impact the quality of your life, emphasizing the need to seek immediate medical attention.
Muscle atrophy
Untreated herniated discs can result in muscle atrophy or permanent loss of muscle control. Muscle atrophy causes concerns such as weakness, tingling, or numbness in one arm or leg, asymmetry, and balancing and walking difficulties. Such complications considerably affect your ability to navigate activities of daily life.
Need for surgery
While surgery can effectively remedy herniated disc issues, the potential risks can be overwhelming. Concerns such as infection, anesthesia reactions, or more damage that may require revision surgery can impact your quest to address this problem using this treatment method. When you seek early treatment, conservative and non-surgical treatment options can be used with excellent efficiency.
Seek early medical attention if you suspect you have a herniated disc. Your doctor will help develop a practical approach that is best suited to reverse your condition and prevent the problem from worsening. Visit Performance Pain and Sports Medicine today to learn more about the herniated discs and how to manage the condition to avoid the problem from becoming deep-seated.