A disc herniation can cause you to suffer a great amount of pain. This pain may be localized in the back initially, but unless something is done quickly, the pain can spread and eventually become a shooting pain that extends down the legs. For some suffers, the pain of a disc that is herniated may be debilitating.

A disc that is herniated is sometimes referred to as a slipped disc or a ruptured disc. While the term slipped disc is a misnomer, the herniated or ruptured disc is a more accurate description of what is happening in the spine. The disc is made of two types of tissue. The outer layer is more or less solid, while the inner layer is much softer, almost fluid. When wear and tear of the spine allow the softer layer to bulge through the outer layer, the disc is herniated.

Your doctor may recommend several treatments for a ruptured disc. In some cases the doctor may recommend surgery. With this procedure a disc is removed from the spine and vertebrae are fused. The result may relieve some pain but causes a loss of flexibility of the back.

Alternative care includes chiropractic care or acupuncture. Chiropractic care involves attempts to allow the disc to heal naturally. When the spine is in its normal alignment, healing can sometimes occur without surgery. The healing restores flexibility and gives pain relief. The disc can reabsorb the fluid layer and the outer layer can heal.

Persons with a damaged disc should begin with the most conservative treatment possible. If more radical treatments are needed at a later date, they are still an option. Remember that surgical effects are irreversible so this treatment should only be used if there are not other options.

A disc herniation can cause great pain. There are many options that may bring you pain relief. Before opting for surgery, you should see if an alternative treatment is more appropriate.

For more information on disc herniations and possible treatment options, visit the Disc Institute of San Diego’swebsite.