Understanding a Herniated Disk
To understand how a herniated disk works, it’s important to understand the spinal disk structure. A spinal disk is broken into two different parts, the soft inner layer and the harder outer layer that protects it. The soft inner, almost jelly-like tissue is called the nucleus, and the protective outer layer is called the annulus. Whenever the annulus becomes damaged from excessive strain, injury, or eroded from a medical condition, it increases the chance of the annulus tearing.
Once the annulus has torn, the nucleus of the spinal disk is pushed out. This compromises the disk’s structure and can negatively affect your spine. It is also dangerous for your nerves because they are all housed in the spine. The herniated disk can push the nucleus against the nerves and pinch or damage them over time. Besides the original pain from whatever injury caused the herniated disk, you are unlikely to feel much pain from the spine. Instead, the first symptoms of a herniated disk are usually tingling, numbness, and weakness from the nerves being compressed.
Seeking Treatment
Correcting a herniated disk can normally be done by the body as long as you give it rest, take pressure off the spine, and restrict movement. However, more severe cases require surgical repair. Thankfully, Princeton Neurological Surgery provides comprehensive spine surgical care. The spine is more than just a bone structure. It also houses the spinal column and is an extremely vital part of the nervous system. That’s why having the expertise of a neurological surgeon at Princeton Neurological Surgery is so valuable. If you believe you have herniated a disk, then contact Princeton Neurological Surgery at 609-890-3400 today.
