Herniated discs are a common cause of back pain, neck pain, muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling. While these symptoms can stay fairly persistent, they can also flare up sporadically.
Our expert team at Houston Pain Specialists, led by board-certified pain management specialist Hui Kang, MD, treats back and neck pain conditions, including disc herniation, to help you lead a more comfortable life.
If your herniated disc pain comes and goes, read on to learn about likely reasons.
Between the small bones, or vertebrae, of your spine sit cushiony, supportive discs. When the shell of a disc forms a small tear or weakness, the soft, inner core can bulge out (herniates) into an abnormal position. When the herniated disc compresses or damages a nerve, bothersome symptoms, like pain and numbness, unfold.
This disc herniation can stem from a range of factors, such as:
Because wear-and-tear paired with activity can play a role, herniated discs are especially common between ages 30 and 50.
Pain from a herniated disc can stay fairly constant or ebb and flow. You might even experience periods of little to no discomfort between symptom flare-ups.
Factors that may fuel temporary or intensified herniated disc pain include:
Your body may also attempt to heal the disc, leading to gradually improved symptoms. If you’re affected by one of the above factors amidst that healing, you could again experience another bout of pain.
Getting treatment for severe, long-lasting, or sudden herniated disc symptoms can help protect you from serious complications, such as loss of bladder or bowel control.
In many cases, conservative measures, like rest, physical therapy, oral medication, or spinal injections, alleviate herniated disc symptoms. Most herniated disc pain resolves within 4-6 weeks of minimally invasive treatment.
If your symptoms carry on regardless, you may be a candidate for surgery. Herniated disc surgery usually involves removing the affected disc — either through traditional surgery or a laparoscopic procedure through a tiny incision.
To learn more about periodic herniated disc symptoms or to get started with personalized care, contact our Houston, Texas, office today to schedule an appointment.
