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We live in a world of instant gratification. After going through back surgery, most patients expect their back pain to disappear after surgery. They may think they will wake up, and the pain will be gone. In a lot of cases, some back pain is normal in the first 72 hours post surgery, so don’t panic. Let us describe what is normal and what is not. Back pain after surgery? Here’s what to know.
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What are the signs of a slipped disc? They are exactly the same as a herniated disc, bulging disc, or a ruptured disc, since they are all generally the same. The terms are interchangeable. It mostly occurs in the lumbar region or lower part of your back and spine, although it can also happen in the neck area. We will continue to use the term “slipped” throughout and help you understand how to recognize a slipped disc, what can cause it, and what to do about it.
Our spine consists of bones known as vertebrae. In between each vertebrae is a flexible cushion known as a disc which helps us to move and twist. Inside is a rubbery jelly-like cushion called the nucleus which is covered by a tougher exterior called the annulus.
If there is a tear in the annulus and some of the nucleus pushes out, that is a slipped disc. Some people experience no symptoms with a slipped disc, but others do and it’s quite painful.
A slipped disc can affect people of all ages.
People most likely to be susceptible include those who:
Back pain is the leading reason for lost work hours, workmen’s compensations, and trips to the emergency room. Consider making some lifestyle changes to prevent a slipped disc.
It’s easy to confuse a muscle strain with a slipped disc. A muscle strain in your lower back is characterized by aching local pain during the strain. There may be swelling, inflammation, and even bruising.
A slipped disc has sharp and radiating pain instead of the localized aching pain of a muscle strain. There may be neurological symptoms like numbness and tingling. A slipped disc may also cause weakness in your arms or legs. You will especially have pain while you are sitting.
Sciatica pain is similar with its radiating pain down the thigh and legs.
Immediately see a professional if your pain worsens, if you have bladder or bowel dysfunction, and if you experience saddle anesthesia. This is a numbness in your inner thighs, back of the legs, genitals or around the rectum. These symptoms can be a medical emergency.
Refrain from stretching and moving too much and don’t try to treat yourself. You should immediately make an appointment to see Texas Spine Associates for an evaluation and diagnosis at one of our nine spine clinics in the DFW area.
Pain can become more severe with certain tasks, so be sure to:
Your spine specialist may treat your slipped disc with medication, physical therapy, injections to relieve inflammation and pain, along with some suggestions for lifestyle modifications.
If you are experiencing signs of a slipped disc, contact Texas Spine Associates for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Give us a call at (972) 987-0969 or request an appointment through our secure online form. We have spine clinics in Arlington, Cleburne, Fort Worth, Flower Mound, Granbury, Irving, North Irving, Southlake, and Weatherford.
It can happen in the most innocuous ways like bending down to tie your shoes. You are suddenly in extreme pain, you can barely stand up straight, and getting into a car is a non-starter. You probably have your own story about throwing your back out, and you remember it well. So exactly what does it mean to “throw your back out”?
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“It’s the most wonderful time of the year”… sang Andy Williams decades ago, but it still plays on those radio stations that start holiday music at Halloween. Maybe they do it just to give you a head start on stress. You know, the shopping, decorating, wrapping gifts, assembling toys, planning holiday dinners, and you can fill in the rest-stress. Somebody somewhere might be happy, but it’s certainly not you, especially if you have back issues. Keep reading for 6 ways to avoid holiday back pain.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, two-thirds of Americans have lower back pain sometime during their lives. It’s what to do with and about that pain that matters. Should you exercise through lower back pain? The common sense answer to you now may be: if “it hurts when you do this,” then don’t do it.
All joking aside, chronic lower back pain can result in a lot of adults losing time at work, and it can interfere with normal day to day activities. The last thing you want to do is exacerbate the injury and increase the pain.
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If you experience on and off back pain, you are not alone. Many adults have pain in their back while doing certain chores, moving in awkward positions, or even putting on their shoes. In some cases the pain is not serious and will go away, however, there are instances where the pain is serious and you should seek care from a spine specialist like Texas Spine Associates in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex.