Neck and back pain are common conditions that can significantly affect your ability to complete daily tasks. A herniated disc is one of the main causes of these complications and requires expertise and skills to diagnose. That is why you should seek medical assistance from qualified professionals like the Pittsburgh disc herniation specialists to get to the root of your situation and correct your issue. Remember that the road to your effective management of our painful symptoms begins with a proper medical diagnosis. Plus, the following tips can help you take the right course.
Understand Your Symptoms
Several symptoms can indicate you are suffering from a herniated disc and prompt you to take the proper medical steps. Pay attention when you are experiencing low back pain since most cases of herniated discs are in the lower back. Note that pain with herniated discs might fade from the back but move into your leg. That is why you need to be alert when you have pain moving from your lower back to your legs. Check for weakness, numbness, or tingling sensations in your foot or leg. That could be due to nerve pressing by the herniated disc. Also, watch for bowel or bladder control.
Understand Your Risk Factors
Herniated disc can affect anyone. However, certain factors make some people more likely to endure the condition than others. Understanding your herniated disc risk factors can help you be alert when you experience suspicious symptoms. The common risk factors for herniated disc include being overweight or obese, twisting your back, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and having a physically demanding job. Also, age and gender are factors for herniated disc, where men between the age of 30-50 are more likely to experience the condition.
Make an Appointment with Your Doctor
When you experience back or back pain or other suspicious symptoms, you should book an appointment with your doctor to understand the causes. Your doctor will determine if a herniated disc is to blame for your symptoms and guide you accordingly. Ensure you note your symptoms and explain them to your doctor to help them make an accurate diagnosis.
Make a Thorough Medical History
Other health complications can cause similar issues, like a herniated disc. Therefore, ensure you make a complete medical history so that your doctor can rule them out. Note if you have suffered conditions like osteoporosis before and include your current complications and treatments. Additionally, include your family health history since herniated discs can be hereditary. If a close relative of your parents or siblings has had a herniated disc, you are more likely to develop the complication.
Get Relevant Tests
Your doctor might order several tests to confirm or rule out herniated discs as the cause of your symptoms. Your doctor can perform a physical exam on your back to locate the source of your pain. They can also order neurological exams to see how your reflexes work, your posture and balance, and your muscle development. You can also do some motion tests, including bending and moving from one side to another, for your doctor to see how limber you are. Other tests include the leg raise, X-rays, MRI, and nerve tests.
If you are experiencing back pain or neck pain you suspect herniated disc is to blame, book your appointment with the Steel City Spine and Orthopedic Center specialists. Make a call or schedule your appointment online to get started.
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