Which symptoms indicate a herniated disc?
December 4, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Helma Krause
Dear Doctor,
My name is Gabriele Köhler and I am reaching out to you because I have been experiencing severe back pain for some time now and suspect it could be a herniated disc. I am 45 years old and work as an office clerk, which means I spend most of the day sitting. About two weeks ago, the pain started in my lower back and has since radiated down to my legs. Additionally, I have numbness and tingling in my legs.
I am very concerned as the pain is getting worse and my mobility is increasingly limited. I have tried to alleviate the pain with heat treatments and pain medication, but so far, there has been no improvement. I wonder if these symptoms could indeed indicate a herniated disc and what I can do about it.
Could you please tell me what symptoms are typical for a herniated disc and how it is diagnosed and treated? Are there any possible therapy options that I can do at home to alleviate the pain? I would like to know if I am in good hands in your field of expertise and if I should worry about the pain persisting permanently.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Gabriele Köhler
Dear Mrs. Köhler,
Thank you for your message and your trust. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from such severe back pain. The symptoms you described could indeed indicate a herniated disc. A herniated disc occurs when the inner core of a disc protrudes through a tear in the outer shell and presses on the surrounding nerves. This can cause intense back pain that radiates down the legs. The numbness and tingling in the legs could also be signs of a herniated disc.
To make a diagnosis, a thorough examination is necessary. This may include a physical examination, imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan, and neurological tests. Based on your symptoms and your profession as an office clerk, which involves long periods of sitting, it is quite possible that your discomfort is due to a herniated disc.
There are various treatment options for a herniated disc. In most cases, conservative treatment is initially recommended, which may include pain medication, physiotherapy, relaxation techniques, and targeted exercises to strengthen the back muscles. In more severe cases or if conservative measures are not sufficient, surgery may be considered.
There are also some measures you can take at home to alleviate the pain and improve your mobility. These include regular exercise, particularly back strengthening and stretching exercises, ergonomic workplace design, proper posture, and avoiding heavy lifting or carrying.
It is important that you are in good hands in your field and receive appropriate treatment. Please consult an orthopedic specialist or a spine disease specialist to receive an accurate diagnosis and create an individualized treatment plan.
I hope my response was helpful to you. Please do not hesitate to ask further questions or opt for a personal consultation.
Sincerely,
Helma Krause
