There are 26 vertebrae in the spine, separated by discs made up of cartilage.
Between the vertebrae, the bones that make up your spine, are thin pads or discs. A compressed disc occurs when the soft inner tissue of the disc, called the nucleus, pushes through the outer layer, known as the annulus, and into the spinal canal.
Causes
Compressed discs, also known as herniated discs, usually develop over time because of age-related wear and tear on the body. As people age, the discs lose some of their fluid and become more rigid and susceptible to tears.
Symptoms
According to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the first sign of a compressed disc in the upper back is pain that spreads from the neck to the shoulders and upper arms. A compressed disc in the lower back leads to pain spreading into the buttocks and legs. You may also experience a tingling sensation in the back or a sense of muscle weakness.
Treatment
The Mayo Clinic statse that nine out of 10 patients with a compressed or herniated disc do not need surgery and can manage their conditions with rest and guidance in avoid painful positions and strengthen the back muscles. Often a physical therapist is consulted to work with a patient on exercises to help the back. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also help.
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