Spinal discs are rubbery cushions between your vertebrae. Disc degeneration is the natural wear and tear of these discs, causing them to lose water and shrink. A herniated disc occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of the disc tears through its tougher exterior casing, often pressing on nearby nerves.
Virginia Joint & Spine Center is your ideal destination. Our team of medical providers and healthcare doctors collaborate together within a single facility to offer our patients the most effective combination of care for osteoarthritis patients.
Who Typically Suffers
Older adults are most prone to degeneration. Herniated discs are most common in men aged 35 to 50 and individuals who perform heavy physical labor.
What Causes It
Degeneration is driven by aging and genetics. Herniations are caused by gradual wear and tear, using your back muscles instead of your leg muscles to lift heavy objects, or sudden traumatic twisting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need surgery for a herniated disc?
Not necessarily. The vast majority of people with herniated discs find relief through physical therapy, medication, and time, without needing surgical intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes disc herniation or degenerative disc symptoms?
Disc herniation or degenerative disc symptoms can develop for several reasons, including age-related disc changes, repetitive loading, injury, genetics, and reduced spinal conditioning. The location of pain alone does not always identify the source. A focused history and examination can help distinguish a local joint or soft-tissue problem from referred pain, nerve involvement, or a condition that needs medical testing.
When should I seek care for disc herniation or degenerative disc symptoms?
Schedule an evaluation when back or neck pain, radiating arm or leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness persist, recur, limit sleep or daily activity, or follow an injury. Seek urgent medical attention for severe trauma, fever, unexplained weight loss, new weakness, loss of coordination, chest pain, or loss of bowel or bladder control.
How is disc herniation or degenerative disc symptoms evaluated?
An evaluation typically includes questions about when symptoms began, activities that worsen or relieve them, prior injuries, and relevant medical history. The provider may assess mobility, strength, sensation, balance, posture, or movement patterns. Imaging or referral may be recommended when the examination suggests it is necessary.
What non-surgical treatments may help disc herniation or degenerative disc symptoms?
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include education, activity modification, chiropractic or manual care, therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation, and medical treatments when appropriate. The plan should focus on reducing irritation, restoring comfortable movement, improving trunk support, and determining whether imaging or referral is appropriate. No single treatment is right for every patient.
How long does improvement from disc herniation or degenerative disc symptoms take?
Recovery time varies with the cause, severity, duration, overall health, work or activity demands, and consistency with the care plan. Some symptoms improve within a few visits, while long-standing conditions may require more time. Progress should be reassessed using pain, mobility, strength, and functional goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes dizziness or vertigo?
Dizziness or vertigo can develop for several reasons, including inner-ear disorders, positional vertigo, migraine, medication effects, blood-pressure changes, neurological problems, or neck-related factors. The location of pain alone does not always identify the source. A focused history and examination can help distinguish a local joint or soft-tissue problem from referred pain, nerve involvement, or a condition that needs medical testing.
When should I seek care for dizziness or vertigo?
Schedule an evaluation when spinning, imbalance, nausea, motion sensitivity, or symptoms triggered by head position persist, recur, limit sleep or daily activity, or follow an injury. Seek urgent medical attention for severe trauma, fever, unexplained weight loss, new weakness, loss of coordination, chest pain, or loss of bowel or bladder control.
How is dizziness or vertigo evaluated?
An evaluation typically includes questions about when symptoms began, activities that worsen or relieve them, prior injuries, and relevant medical history. The provider may assess mobility, strength, sensation, balance, posture, or movement patterns. Imaging or referral may be recommended when the examination suggests it is necessary.
What non-surgical treatments may help dizziness or vertigo?
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include education, activity modification, chiropractic or manual care, therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation, and medical treatments when appropriate. The plan should focus on determining whether symptoms fit a mechanical pattern and referring promptly when medical evaluation is needed. No single treatment is right for every patient.
How long does improvement from dizziness or vertigo take?
Recovery time varies with the cause, severity, duration, overall health, work or activity demands, and consistency with the care plan. Some symptoms improve within a few visits, while long-standing conditions may require more time. Progress should be reassessed using pain, mobility, strength, and functional goals.
