{"id":549,"date":"2022-04-01T13:16:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-01T13:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/davidchangspine.com\/?p=549"},"modified":"2023-09-19T15:09:19","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T15:09:19","slug":"can-a-herniated-disc-heal-on-its-own","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/davidchangspine.com\/can-a-herniated-disc-heal-on-its-own\/","title":{"rendered":"Can a Herniated Disc Heal on Its Own?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Herniated discs<\/a> affect millions of Americans<\/a> every year, causing uncomfortable symptoms that can range from mild to debilitating. The good news is that we can treat herniated discs. But are home remedies and TLC enough? And when is it time to see the doctor?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a top-ranked spine specialist in Roseville, Minnesota, David Chang, MD-PhD, DABNS<\/a>, is skilled in treating herniated discs and helping our patients prevent a recurrence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, he and our team review the basics of herniated discs<\/a> and their treatment, so you can decide when it\u2019s time to schedule a visit for your disc problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Causes of herniated discs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Located between each pair of spine bones, spongy discs protect your spine and help keep it flexible. They also maintain space for nerves to exit the spinal column and travel to the rest of your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discs are made up of a tough outer layer and a gel-like interior. A disc herniates when the outer layer develops a tear that lets some of the gel interior to push out, irritating nerves. Most herniated discs affect the lower back or neck \u2014 the two most flexible areas of your spine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Herniated discs become more common with age, as the discs become more brittle. But repetitive bending or lifting or traumatic injuries can cause herniated discs. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of a herniated disc, as does pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Herniated disc symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mild herniated discs typically cause some dull aching around the affected parts of your spine. But because a herniated disc can irritate nerves that travel to your arms or legs, it\u2019s not uncommon to have symptoms in your limbs, too. Those symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n