Is a herniated disc a spinal injury?

Is a herniated disc a spinal injury?

The term herniated disc describes the condition when the intervertebral disc is injured, and its contents are bulging or protruding into the spinal canal.

Is a bulging disc a spinal cord injury?

A bulging disc or slipped disc is a common spinal column injury in the intervertebral disc due to neck/ back trauma or age related injury.

Is disc part of spinal cord?

The spinal column, more commonly called the backbone, is made up primarily of vertebrae, discs, and the spinal cord. Acting as a communication conduit for the brain, signals are transmitted and received through the spinal cord.

Can a herniated disc cause spinal cord damage?

The most serious complication from a thoracic herniated disc is the development of complete paralysis below the waist. This results when a fragment of disc material is ruptured into the spinal canal. Pressure on the spinal cord causes permanent damage to the nerves traveling to the lower body and legs.

Can I become paralyzed from herniated disc?

With a herniated disc, the capsule cracks or breaks, and the nucleus squeezes out. This can irritate the spinal cord or nearby nerves, causing weakness and numbness in the arms or legs. A severely herniated disc can cause paralysis.

What happens if you don't fix herniated disc?

If a patient has a herniated disc and does nothing to treat it, severe nerve damage and pain can result. Some of the symptoms of untreated herniated discs include: Back/Neck pain. Nerve pain in the arms/legs.

Can a herniated disc paralyze you?

With a herniated disc, the capsule cracks or breaks, and the nucleus squeezes out. This can irritate the spinal cord or nearby nerves, causing weakness and numbness in the arms or legs. A severely herniated disc can cause paralysis.

What is the difference between bulging and herniated discs?

Bulging and Herniated Discs Explained "A bulging disc is like letting air out of a car tire. The disc sags and looks like it is bulging outward. With a herniated disc, the outer covering of the disc has a hole or tear. This causes the nucleus pulposus (jelly-like center of the disc) to leak into the spinal canal."

How do you fix spinal disc problems?

Conventional treatments for bulging discs include:

1. A period of not lifting heavy objects or engaging in demanding physical activities.
2. Chiropractic care.
3. Hot and cold therapies.
4. Lifestyle changes.
5. Over-the-counter or prescription medications.
6. Rest.
7. Spinal decompression therapy.
8. Steroid injections.

What part of the spine controls the heart?

Thoracic (mid back) - the main function of the thoracic spine is to hold the rib cage and protect the heart and lungs. The twelve thoracic vertebrae are numbered T1 to T12. The range of motion in the thoracic spine is limited. Lumbar (low back) - the main function of the lumbar spine is to bear the weight of the body.

Can a herniated disc cause spinal cord injury?

• However, patients with a severe cervical herniated nucleus pulposus are at risk for injury to the spinal cord, and require careful management.

Which is a herniated disc in the cervical spine?

• Herniated disc C6-C7 represents a prolapse in the lower cervical spine. Herniated disc C7-T1 occurs at the cervicothoracic juncture. Whiplash herniated discs can occur due to severe spinal trauma. Herniated disc L3-L4 is a middle lumbar herniation.

Can a X-ray of the spine show a herniated disc?

• Plain x-rays of the spine will not show a herniated disc because an x-ray only shows bone structures, not the cartilage disc or spinal nerves. A magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI) of the cervical spine is necessary to clearly define the disc injury, and is noninvasive (no needles or dye injection).

Where does the disc go after a herniation?

• A disc herniation is a common injury in which the shock absorbing cushion-like structures that are located in between adjacent spinal bones (known as the intervertebral disc space) becomes displaced, or moved, past this normal location.