Disc Injury
A disc injury is actually often a very misleading term for the condition. When one hears the term
herniated disc,
they assume that the condition was caused by some accident or trauma to the spine. While this does occur in some cases, the majority of herniated discs actually come about from either simple spinal degeneration or idiopathic reasons.Herniated Disc InjuryHowever, many care providers use the term “injury” to describe any disc bulge, herniation or rupture. This nomenclature is even sometimes utilized when talking about discs affected by degenerative disc disease. Most herniated discs and virtually all degenerated discs occur due to completely normal and expected spinal aging processes. They are not injuries any more than gray hair or wrinkles. They are merely a part of our human lifecycle and occur in the majority of the population. Disc Injury ConditionIf a herniated disc exists, does that mean that it is causing pain? The assumption is ”YES, OF COURSE”, but the reality is actually quite the opposite. Most herniated discs are completely asymptomatic and do not cause any symptoms at all. In fact, a great number of herniated discs are never even discovered or are found by coincidence during diagnostic imaging performed for an unrelated condition. Even without experiencing any back pain, there is a good chance that you might have a bulging disc in your spine right now. How do I know? Well, I have no pain and still have 1 herniated disc, 1 ruptured disc and several degenerated discs, all in my lumbar spine…Discs which are actually “injured” by trauma can indeed hurt. This should be no surprise. Trauma to any part of your body is likely to cause pain. However, the pain will go away in time, just like most injuries. Painful spinal discs will also typically resolve on their own. The reality of herniated discs shows that most will completely heal in 6 to 8 weeks time, without medical treatment. Herniated discs which occur due to idiopathic reasons or spinal degeneration are unlikely to cause any pain at all. While this is not written it stone, it is a good general rule. Disc Injury AdviceIt is wise to treat any injury by providing it with proper medical attention. However, that does not excuse you from being responsible for your own health and wellbeing. If you are led blindly into a long term herniated disc treatment routine, which does nothing at all but drain your bank account, you must place some of the blame on yourself. It is crucial for all herniated disc patients to learn the facts about injured discs and how to best treat the condition. Luckily, there is a growing facet of the back pain industry which now embraces effective and conservative herniated disc care. Just remember to research wisely and do not simply follow any one opinion without question. If you do, you are bound to become one of the poor souls who suffer needlessly and might even end up a victim of failed disc surgery.Disc Injury to Herniated Disc 7/23/08 Revised 9/13/11 |
Sensei Adam Rostocki
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