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Conditions | Herniated Disk

Herniated disks, sometimes called slipped or ruptured disks, are a frequent cause of back pain. They often cause not only pain, but also numbness or weakness in the back, legs or arms.

Learn More About Herniated Disks

Need to know more about how mysofacial pain will affect you or someone you care for? Learn all the basics of a herniated disk and what it does:

     » Introduction to Herniated Disk
     » The Signs of a Herniated Disk
     » What Causes a Herniated Disk?
     » Treatments for Herniated Disks

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When to Seek Medical Advice

Screening and Diagnosis

When to Seek Medical Advice

by MayoClinic.com

If you experience back pain that interferes with your normal activities for longer than a few days, call your doctor to be evaluated. If the pain increases when you're sitting, coughing or sneezing, a herniated disk might be the cause.

If you lose control of your bladder or bowels, if your pain increases rather than staying about the same or decreasing over time, or if you develop numbness or weakness in both legs, seek prompt medical attention. A disk herniation or a spinal tumor may be compressing several nerve roots in your spine. This compression, known as cauda equina syndrome, is rare but potentially disabling. It may require emergency surgery.

2006-12-20

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