If the vertebral (VER-tih-brahl) disks in your spine are weakened, the spongy nucleus, or center, can bulge against the outer ring, or annulus (AN-ya-luss). In serious cases, the nucleus can be squeezed through the outer ring, resulting in a herniated (HER-nee-ay-ted) vertebral disk. This condition can be caused by improper lifting, bad posture, excessive weight, or by improper movement. If a hernia presses against one of the nerves located along the spine, it can lead to considerable pain in the back or in the legs. This condition is generally called sciatica (sigh-AT-ick-uh). Other symptoms of a herniated disk include weakness, tingling or numbness of the area associated with the nerve, and decreased bladder control. The initial treatment of a bulging or herniated disk generally consists of painkillers and prescribed rest. In serious cases, back surgery is often recommended, in which damaged disks are removed using a traditional or laser procedure called diskectomy (disk-eck-TOE-mee). If you experience any of the symptoms of a bulging or herniated disk, you should immediately seek medical attention, since the early treatment of a damaged disk may eliminate the risk of a more serious operation later.
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