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Facts about Herniated Discs

Here are many lesser known facts about herniated discs which are very important to understand if you have been diagnosed with this common spinal abnormality. Herniated discs have a terrible reputation as a long term source of chronic back pain and considerable disability. This perception is not exactly accurate, since the herniated disc has been vilified far beyond its abilities to actually cause pain.

Facts about Herniated Discs / Myths

There are many accepted myths about disc injuries which contribute considerably to the diagnostic nocebo effect of a confirmed bulging disc. Some of the most common myths include:

* All herniations are painful.
* All herniations are the result of injury.
* Most herniations require surgery.
* All herniated discs cause pinched nerves.

Most doctors do not do enough to reassure diagnosed patients and certainly rarely provide them with accurate and true statistics on the common incidence and often asymptomatic nature of herniated discs.

True Facts about Herniated Discs

Here are some lesser known facts about herniations:

* Herniated discs can cause pain in some instances, but this pain will typically resolve on its own in 6 to 8 weeks time.

* The vast majority of herniations go completely unnoticed, since they create no pain or related symptoms. Many of these herniations are discovered by accident during routine testing for an unrelated condition.

* Back surgery demonstrates some of the worst curative results of any herniated disc treatment. Surgery might also lead to permanent functional loss and physical limitations. Of course, failed back surgery syndrome is rampant and is a real nightmare to endure.

* The normal degenerative processes which act upon the spines of every human being contribute to herniations. Therefore, herniations are simply a normal and expected part of getting older for most people. Degeneration induced herniated discs are rarely painful.

Facts about Herniated Discs / Advice

I, like you, had a huge fear of the very words HERNIATED DISK. I was brought up hearing horror stories about my grandfather’s lower back pain and seeing the effects of a lumbar herniated disc in my mother. When I was diagnosed with not one, but 2 herniations in my early twenties, I was devastated. I bought into the old mythology 100%!

Well it took me many years to learn the facts and repudiate the idea that these discs were responsible for my pain. 18 long years to be exact… However, I finally accomplished my goal of being pain free. I still have the herniations at L4/L5 and L5/S1, (as well as 7 more in my neck!) but I have no more pain. Sound good to you? Yeah, I bet. Consider knowledge therapy as an alternate cure for disc pain and you might also enjoy the blessing of a symptom-free life.

Facts about Herniated Discs to Back Pain Home 9/30/09