Back pain affects 80 percent of Americans at some point in their lives. Whether it’s a twinge in the lower back or pain near the top of your spine, back pain comes in all different shapes and sizes.
One of the more common back injuries stems from a problematic disc. Often referred to as a herniated or slipped disc, painful disc injuries have numerous symptoms, including:
- Pain in the buttock that travels down the leg while walking or while putting pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Tingling or numbness in your lower back, thighs, legs or feet.
- Weakness in your legs while walking.
- Pain in the thighs and hips.
- Significant deep tissue pain.
- Muscle spasms in your lower body.
Causes of Disc Pain
Disc pain can be triggered by any number of events, but more often than not they occur by three main types of injuries:
Improper lifting – Whether you’re lifting weights or trying to pick up a box while moving into a new house, lifting a heavy object with a poor technique can throw your back out of whack.
Repetitive action – Even if you’re using good form, repetitive action will put excess wear and tear on your back. Repetitive action disc problems often occur in older individuals who have worked physical labor for the majority of their lives.
Age – Even without poor form or repetitive action, over time our bodies start to wear down.
If You’re In Pain
If you’re experiencing disc pain, the first thing you’ll want to do is visit a physical pain medicine physician. Using advanced imaging techniques, your doctor will be able to determine the root cause of your problem and plan a course of action to alleviate the pain. Some common methods to quell bothersome back pain include:
- Injections
- Massages
- Prescription Medication
- Referral to a chiropractor or physical therapist.