What Does it Mean to Have Compressed Discs?

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 how to 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.