When to Seek Professional Medical Treatment for a Herniated Disc
Many people go weeks or even months with extreme back pain before seeing a doctor for their herniated disc. Even if told by a chiropractor that they have a herniated disc many people will attempt to take care of the condition on their own using alternative treatments such as herbal treatments and acupuncture rather than visiting their personal physician. Whether out of fear, lack of insurance or simple stubbornness, these people may worsen their herniated disc by forgoing medical treatment.
In some cases, home or self treatment for a herniated disc is acceptable and successful. However, there are many cases in which medical attention is vitally important. Although it is rare, a herniated disc can require surgery. If your back worsens and you do not get the treatment that you need, you can end up causing further injury to the spine and needing this type of surgery. For these reasons it is important to make sure that you know when you should go to the doctor for your herniated disc symptoms.
If you begin to experience weakness or numbness in one or more of your arms or legs, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. This indicates that you have a pinched nerve or severe injury other than a herniated disc. If untreated, this can lead to paralysis.
You should also contact your doctor is you have severe pain caused by a herniated disc that does not get better or worsens over the period of two to three weeks. If the injury causing the herniated disc is one that occurred on the job, you should see your doctor if symptoms do not improve within two to three days so that workman’s compensation benefits can be pursued if necessary. This protects you from further injury as well as protecting your income.
Having back pain when you are resting but not when you are active may indicate a ruptured disc. While often referred to as a herniated disc, a ruptured disc is a much more serious injury that often requires surgery. If untreated you may experience excruciating pain at the least or limited mobility at the worst.
Finally, you should seek professional medical attention if you experience pain or difficulty urinating after experiencing an injury that causes a herniated disc. This can indicate that the kidneys have been affected by the injury. If untreated, these injuries could lead to major kidney infections or internal bleeding.
There are a few instances in which you should not wait to see your doctor, but call for an ambulance immediately. If your herniated disc has caused paralysis, confusion, or shock you should call an ambulance right away and seek professional and immediate medical attention. These symptoms indicate a severe back injury that has affected the spine itself rather than just the discs that offer cushioning for the spine.
In the end, it is best to seek professional medical attention anytime that you have a back injury or experience herniated disc symptoms. Your spinal column is the center of the nervous system, and as such your back is one of the most important parts of your body. There is no need to take chances that your injury is more than a herniated disc.
Source: http://www.positivearticles.com/blog