What is a Herniated Disc?

Herniation describes an abnormality of the intervertebral disc that is also known as a "slipped," "ruptured," or "torn" disc. This process occurs when the inner core (nucleus pulposus) of the intervertebral disc bulges out through the outer layer of ligaments that surround the disc (annulus fibrosis). This tear in the annulus fibrosis causes pain in the back at the point of herniation. If the protruding disc presses on a spinal nerve, the pain may spread to the area of the body that is served by that nerve.

In addition, between each vertebra in the spine are a pair of spinal nerves, which branch off from the spinal cord to a specific area in the body. Any part of the skin that can experience hot and cold, pain or touch, refers that sensation to the brain through one of these nerves thus causing pain to the body.

What are the Symptoms of Herniated Discs?

Most disc ruptures will occur when a person is in their thirties or forties when the nucleus pulposus is still a gelatin-like substance. Oddly enough, most disc herniations will occur in the morning. The causes of this phenomenon are not entirely known, but are probably due to the physiology of the spine and the changes in the water content of the disc that occur throughout the day. The two most common locations for a herniated disc in the lower back are at the disc between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebra (L4-5) and the disc between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra (L5-S1). These two discs account for 98 percent of all painful disc herniations. A herniated disc can occur elsewhere along the spine, but lower lumbar herniations are by far the most common.

Usually a patient's main complaint is a sharp pain. In some cases, there may be a previous history of episodes of localized low back pain, which is present in the back and continues down the leg that is served by the affected nerve. This pain is usually described as a deep and sharp pain, which gets worse as it moves down the affected leg. The onset of pain with a herniated disc may occur out of nowhere or it may happen by a tearing or clicking sensation in the spine that is thought to be the result of a sudden tear of part of the annulus fibrosis.

Treatment of Herniated Discs

The DRX9000 True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression System™ provides a primary treatment modality for pain and disability management. It is particularly effective for patients suffering with incapacitating lower back pain, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, pinched nerves and sciatica. DRX9000 is designed to provide non-surgical pain relief for compressive and degenerative injuries of the spine. Through the application of spinal decompressive forces to these injuries, the DRX9000™ has given patients relief from back pain and has allowed them to resume the activities they enjoy.