What are the causes of a pinched nerve? What are you suppose to do upon discovering that you have a herniated disc? What are the usual treatments to again regain your normal daily life, stolen by your herniated disc?

A spine disc may rupture or protrude due to the aging of the disc or a grave injury caused by a rigorous activity. This ruptured disc then causes a pressure on the spine nerve thus producing intolerable pain from the lower back towards one or both of the legs. The three common areas affected by a herniated disc are the thoracic area, lumbar area, and the cervical spine area.

How is a herniated disc treated? If your herniated disc doesn’t involve a pinch nerve, resting for a few days is very much helpful. It is also advised to use a heat pad for every 2 to 3 hours. An ice pack may also be used for 10 to 15 minutes, also for every 2 to 3 hours.

Another helpful tip is to follow the advice of your physician or therapists to regularly exercise. Staying active is one of the best way to recover from a herniated disc. Remember though to avoid strenuous activity which may further damage your ruptured disc.

If a pinch nerve is involved, the usual advice of the doctors is to undergo a surgical procedure to again place the disc to its proper area. This treatment is very fast but requires a lot of therapeutical sessions after the surgical procedure. You may also be given medicines to lessen the pain and swelling.

Usually, the doctor reviews your medical history and any injuries before that may lead to disc herniation. This is a standard procedure to determine whether or not what you are feeling is from a herniated disc. After interviewing you, the doctor will then perform various physical examinations which will help him determine the cause of your severe back pain.

If you have all the symptoms of a herniated disc, the doctor will ask you to do a few manuevers such as walking on your toes, squatting and standing, etc. which may cause you extreme pain. The doctor will then have you undergo a CT Scan or MRI to formally detect if you have a herniated disc.

Usually, the expected duration of the improvement caused by the recovery treatment is within four to six months. The duration of the recovery would still very much depend on your will to get well and lead a normal life again. Having a herniated disc may greatly affect your way of living.

A herniated disc is hard to prevent. If you have had herniated disc, you can minimize your chances of having it again by avoiding activities which may require heavy lifting. You can also prevent herniated disc by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding smoking. Lastly, the best way of avoiding this condition is to exercise regularly.