Does a Herniated Disc Hurt All the Time?

Living with a herniated disc can be a challenging experience, impacting your daily life and overall wellbeing. One common question individuals with this condition often ask is “Does a herniated disc hurt all the time?” In this article you will learn about the dynamics of pain associated with herniated discs, exploring the factors that contribute to varying levels of discomfort.

Understanding Herniated Discs

The spine is made up of vertebrae, and discs between these small bones act as cushions, absorbing shock and providing flexibility. A herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc or ruptured disc, occurs when the inner gel-like substance leaks out, putting pressure on nearby nerves. A herniated disc can occur in any part of the spine, but it is most common in the lower back, where it can affect the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica, a condition that causes pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower back, buttocks, or legs.

Continuous Pain vs. Intermittent Discomfort

Contrary to popular belief, a herniated disc does not necessarily cause constant pain. The level of discomfort can vary throughout the day and may be influenced by different factors. Some people may experience continuous pain, while others may only feel it during certain movements or after prolonged periods of sitting or standing.

The pain from a herniated disc can also change over time. The disc material may shrink, reabsorb, or move away from the nerve, or the nerve may adapt or heal. Some people may experience gradual improvement or resolution of their pain within weeks or months, while others may have persistent or recurrent pain for years.

Factors Influencing Pain Levels

Several factors contribute to the fluctuating nature of pain associated with herniated discs:

• Severity of herniation – The extent to which the disc is pressing on nerves plays a crucial role. A minor herniation may cause intermittent discomfort, while a more severe case can lead to constant and intense pain.
• Location of herniation – The specific location of the herniated disc along the spine can impact the type and intensity of pain. For instance, a disc herniation in the lumbar region may cause lower back pain and radiating discomfort in the legs, while a herniated disc in the neck (cervical spine) may cause pain in the shoulders, arms, hands, or head.
• Individual pain threshold – Each person’s pain tolerance varies. Some individuals may experience severe pain even with a minor herniation, while others may tolerate more significant disc issues with less discomfort.
• Activity levels – Certain activities can exacerbate or alleviate disc-related pain. Prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, or repetitive movements may intensify symptoms, while gentle exercises and proper body mechanics can provide relief.
• Overall health and lifestyle – Factors such as overall health, weight, and lifestyle choices can influence the severity of herniated disc symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and avoiding activities that strain the back can contribute to managing pain.

Managing Herniated Disc Pain

Regardless of whether the pain is continuous or intermittent, managing herniated disc pain involves a multifaceted approach:

• Medication – Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications may be recommended to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
• Physical therapy – Targeted exercises and stretches prescribed by a physical therapist can strengthen the muscles around the spine and increase flexibility, providing relief from herniated disc symptoms.
• Lifestyle modifications – Making adjustments to daily activities, such as maintaining proper posture, avoiding heavy lifting, and incorporating regular breaks during prolonged periods of sitting, can manage pain.
• Injections – These can include epidural steroid injections or nerve block injections to deliver medication directly to the affected area and relieve pain and inflammation.

Surgical Treatment for Herniated Disc Pain

If conservative treatments do not provide adequate relief or if there are signs of nerve damage or spinal cord compression, surgery may be recommended. The most common types of herniated disc surgery are:

• Discectomy – This involves removing the herniated portion of the disc to decompress the nerve.
• Laminectomy – This involves removing part of the vertebra (the lamina) to create more space for the nerve.
• Fusion – This involves joining two or more vertebrae together with screws, rods, plates, or cages to stabilize the spine
• Artificial disc replacement – This involves replacing the damaged disc with an artificial one to restore motion and function

Preventing Herniated Disc Pain from Worsening

If you have a herniated disc, there are some steps you can take to prevent it from getting worse or causing more complications. These include:

• Following your doctor’s instructions and taking your medications as prescribed
• Completing your physical therapy program and continuing with home exercises
• Avoiding activities that aggravate your symptoms or put pressure on your spine
• Applying heat or ice to the affected area as needed
• Seeking medical attention if you experience new or worsening symptoms, such as severe pain, numbness, weakness, or bladder or bowel problems

Living with a herniated disc does not always mean enduring constant pain. The dynamics of pain associated with this condition can vary, and understanding the factors influencing it is crucial for effective management. Whether you experience continuous discomfort or intermittent pain, seeking professional guidance and adopting a comprehensive approach to care can significantly improve your quality of life.

If you have a herniated disc that is not responding to conservative treatment, a discectomy or less invasive microdiscectomy may be discussed and potentially recommended. Although this is generally a very successful procedure, having a large hole in the outer ring of the disc more than doubles the risk of needing another operation. A new treatment, Barricaid, is a bone-anchored device that closes this hole, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital. 

If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment, ask your doctor or contact us.

For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.