Back pain can be tough to live with, so getting the proper treatment can help alleviate your discomfort and prevent further damage. You may be consoled by the fact that you're far from being alone in your pain. According to the National Institute of Health, around five to 20 out of every 1,000 adults experience herniated discs every year. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to seek bulging and herniated disc treatment from a spine specialist.

1. You Have Shooting Pains in Your Back or Legs

One of the most common symptoms of a herniated disc is sharp pains that radiate from your back down to your leg. This pain, called sciatica, occurs when a bulging or ruptured disc presses on the sciatic nerve. These shooting pains typically feel worse when sneezing, coughing, or sitting for a long time. If these sharp pains persist for more than a week or two, it's wise to pursue bulging and herniated disc treatment.

2. Your Pain Gets Worse at Night

Back discomfort often feels more annoying at night when you lie down. If the pain intensifies enough to regularly wake you up at night, it likely signals a disc issue. The change of position and lack of movement when sleeping allow more pressure to build up on the disc. Getting bulging and herniated disc treatment can help take this pressure off your spine.

3. You Have Muscle Spasms in Your Back

Uncontrolled muscle contractions and spasms in your lower back are common with severely bulging or ruptured discs. The spasms occur as surrounding muscles try to stabilize the area around the injured disc. While medication can temporarily calm the spasms, you'll need treatment specifically for the disc injury itself.

4. You Have Numbness or Tingling

A definite red flag is numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs, feet, or groin area. The numb areas often correspond with where you feel the radiating leg pain. Pinched nerves and nerve damage are no joke! You'll want prompt bulging and herniated disc treatment if the numbness persists for more than a week.

If any of these symptoms resonate with you, make an appointment with Cary Physical Medicine as soon as possible. Our team offers bulging and herniated disc treatment to help relieve your pain so that you move on with your life. Call us today to get started with same-day treatments!