Lower back pain can stem from a variety of issues. One of the most common of those reasons is herniated discs. A herniated disc is a common ailment in patients between the ages of 30 and 50 and can result from a variety of underlying spinal dysfunctions. Herniated discs can also affect different parts of a patient's body depending on the specific disc that is herniated. Understanding the causes behind a herniated disc and the symptoms they cause, can help get patients to a healthier pain-free life through a well-designed pain management Los Angeles plan.
What Causes Herniated Discs?
A herniated disc happens when a spinal disc is pushed out of alignment into the spinal cavity. As the disc continues to move out of place, it begins to deteriorate and push further into the spine. This movement can cause the herniated disc to begin pushing on spinal nerves sending signals of pain to the patient's brain.
Herniated discs can be a result of a few different factors, with the most common being aging. As a person grows, the spinal vertebrae begin to lose their flexibility. This will gradually cause a patient's spine to tear into sensitive tissue and spinal nerves causing pain. Along with aging, other factors such as weight, occupation, genetics, and even lifestyle can cause a patient's body to speed up the herniation process. Occupations that require maximum lower back effort or compress a patient's lower back can push the patient's spinal discs out of place at a higher rate. Patients with higher BMIs can also see rapid degeneration of the discs as there is more weight pushing on the affected area.
In less common cases, herniated discs can be a result of a traumatic event such as an accident. This type of herniation can while less common, can be just as painful and will require a similar pain management Los Angeles plan to allow the patient to recover. Events such as car accidents, weight-lifting accidents, or workplace accidents can lead to a herniated disc pinching the soft nerves near the spine causing terrible discomfort.
What Do Herniated Discs Affect?
Herniated discs can negatively affect a patient's spine tremendously. As a majority of patients’ motor functions stem from the patient's spinal cords, a herniated disc can cause different portions of a patient's body to feel pain and impair the patient’s motor function. When a disc is out of alignment it can pinch the nerves in the spine causing pain throughout the body. This pain generally results in the lower back, neck, arms, and legs and will require immediate pain management Los Angeles. This can come as a general numbness or weakness or in extreme cases a painful tingle in the extremities. The pain signals can radiate beginning in the upper arm and transfer down to the fingertips in a fluid motion causing discomfort in the patient throughout the day. If the tingle becomes sharp refer to a pain doctor Los Angeles immediately as it could be a sign of severe damage to spinal nerves.
Treating Herniated Discs For Pain Management Los Angeles
Our pain doctor Los Angeles aims to provide quality and intentional care for each patient. Our team of highly skilled doctors will work on reducing your pain and the causes behind it. The Interventional Pain Doctors team is made up of a highly trained, certified team of experienced professionals, including Dr. Nicholas Fuller, Dr. Chad Heng, Dr. Daniel Loder, and Dr. Jeffrey Jeng. With offices in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, California, we strive to provide quality care where you need it most. For more information on our services or to schedule an appointment with our team of pain doctor Los Angeles, contact us today.