Chronic pain is an unfortunate but unavoidable part of life for many Massachusetts residents. One of the most common problematic body parts for adults is the back. If you’re experiencing sudden and severe pain near your back, you could be dealing with a disc extrusion.
What is a disc extrusion?
The discs near your spinal bones feature soft, encased centers. A disc extrusion is a severe herniation that happens when an intervertebral disc pushes through its exterior casing. Disc extrusions can happen due to many reasons, including age-related diseases, trauma, and car accidents. While disc extrusions can be painful, that’s not always the case. Some people can live for many years with an extruded disc without knowing it.
The symptoms of disc extrusions
The most prominent side effect of a disc extrusion is pain. However, instead of pain emanating from your herniated disc, you’ll likely feel what medical experts call referred pain. Referred pain causes aches and soreness in areas besides the affected site. Even though a disc herniates near your back, disc extrusion sufferers can feel pain in their thighs, groin, and buttocks. This condition can also cause numbness in your feet and weakened legs.
Treating this sometimes sensitive ailment
While a disc extrusion can be a serious personal injury, it doesn’t always require surgery to treat. Sometimes, this severe form of herniated disc can go away with time. Depending on the level of pain your extrusion causes, your medical specialist may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter solutions for temporary relief.
If you suspect you’re dealing with a disc extrusion, seek medical care, no matter how little you hurt. The back is a sensitive area of the body where one problem can sometimes spiral into other, more serious ones.
