Causes of This Condition

As an intervertebral disc degenerates, it gradually loses elasticity. If the outer layer tears, the inner disc material may protrude and compress nearby nerves, causing various symptoms. Common contributing factors include:

• Frequently lifting heavy objects with improper technique
• Excess body weight
• Prolonged sitting with poor posture
• Accidents or spinal injuries

Symptoms and Course of the Condition

Nerve compression may cause three main types of symptoms: pain, muscle weakness, or numbness.

Symptoms of a herniated disc with nerve compression can resemble spinal stenosis because both involve pressure on nerves. A herniated disc, however, often causes more sudden and severe pain because of intense inflammation around the affected nerve. In severe cases, patients may be unable to care for themselves or perform daily activities.

• Neck Symptoms : Neck and shoulder pain that may radiate down one or both arms, sometimes accompanied by numbness or weakness.
• Back Symptoms : Lower-back pain on one or both sides, often aggravated by sitting or bending forward, positions that place greater pressure on the intervertebral discs.
• Leg Symptoms : Leg symptoms may include pain, numbness, or muscle weakness.

Pain or numbness caused by nerve compression often follows the path of the affected nerve. Symptoms may extend from the lower back to the thigh, calf, foot, and toes. Muscle weakness may occur in the muscles supplied by the compressed nerve.

Treatment

1. Self-Care
   • Modify daily habits: avoid repeated bending, avoid heavy lifting, and reduce excess body weight.
   • Strengthen the core muscles through appropriate exercise.
   • Use warm or cold compresses to help reduce pain and inflammation.
2. Physical Therapy Treatment
   • Manual therapy performed by a physical therapist
   • Physical therapy modalities such as:
     • Therapeutic ultrasound
     • Electrical stimulation
     • Laser therapy
     • Shockwave therapy
     • Shortwave therapy
   • Mechanical spinal traction
   • Warm or cold compresses
   • Therapeutic exercise
   • Modify behaviors that may increase nerve compression.
3. Other Treatment Options
   • Anti-inflammatory medication or muscle relaxants may be prescribed to relieve pain.
   • Epidural steroid injection
   • Endoscopic discectomy
   • Microscopic discectomy
   • Computer-assisted spinal fusion surgery
   • Acupuncture

Preventing Recurrence

• Avoid sitting, standing, or walking continuously for long periods. Change position regularly, at least once every hour.
• Use proper body mechanics in daily life. When standing, distribute weight toward the heels, gently engage the abdominal muscles, keep the chest open, and relax the shoulders. When sitting, keep the back upright with minimal arching, use a seat that supports the buttocks and thighs, and adjust the height so both feet rest fully on the floor.
• Do not bend at the waist to lift heavy objects. Squat down, keep the object close to the body, and lift using the legs.
• When lying on the back, place a large pillow under the thighs to reduce the curve of the spine. When lying on the side, keep the lower leg straight, bend the upper leg, and support the hip and knee with a pillow.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Stop smoking.
• Avoid heavy lifting.
• Exercise regularly to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles so they can support the spine during daily activities. Always warm up and stretch before exercise to reduce the risk of injury.