Do I Have a Herniated Disc or Spinal Stenosis?

Back pain is a common ailment that affects most people at some point. Herniated discs and spinal stenosis are two common causes of chronic back pain, but which bothers you?

Dr. Steven J. Svabek is an orthopedic specialist in Coral Springs, Florida. Dr. Svabek is experienced in diagnosing and treating various back conditions, including herniated discs and spinal stenosis.

What is spinal stenosis?

Your spine comprises vertebrae and discs that protect your spinal cord and allow you to move. When you have spinal stenosis, the spinal canal that houses your spinal cord and nerves becomes compressed.

The tighter space in your spine causes several issues as it compresses your spinal nerves. You can have spinal stenosis anywhere in your spine, including your neck and lower back. Common symptoms related to this condition include:

• Neck or back pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Heaviness in your legs
• Weakness in your extremities
• Balance problems
• Pain that worsens with standing for long periods

Spinal stenosis doesn't develop overnight; it typically progresses slowly over the years, often from arthritis in your spine. Initially, you may not have any symptoms until your nerves become compressed enough to elicit discomfort.

Understanding herniated discs

The spongy discs between your vertebrae act as shock absorbers to your spine and cushion you as you walk, jump, and run. As you get older, you're at risk of injuring your discs, which is one of the most common causes of neck and back pain.

Herniated discs are also called slipped or ruptured discs and occur when the soft inner part of the disc pushes out through the tough outer layer. When this happens, you can have various symptoms, including:

• Back or neck pain
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
• Pain with bending or movement
• Pain between your shoulder blades

You're at risk for a herniated disc if you're overweight, have repetitive motion injuries, and as you age. You can also suffer this condition after moving or twisting the wrong way, putting strain on your discs.

Which is causing your pain?

Dr. Svabek evaluates your back pain to figure out what's causing it. He asks you about your symptoms, what makes your pain better or worse, and if you remember an injury.

If your pain started after a back injury, you're more likely suffering from a herniated disc. Experiencing intense pain immediately after tweaking your back may indicate a herniated disc is the culprit behind your symptoms.

Spinal stenosis, on the other hand, is a progressive disease that slowly affects your spine over time. It's unlikely you'll experience spinal stenosis after an injury, as it usually follows arthritis or degenerative changes in your spinal canal.

Both of these conditions lead to similar symptoms, although the mechanism behind your symptoms is different. To ensure a proper diagnosis, Dr. Svabek also orders an MRI of your spine so he can see detailed imaging. The MRI shows him if spinal stenosis or a herniated disc is causing your pain.

Once he gives you a definitive diagnosis, Dr. Svabek customizes a treatment plan to ease your back discomfort. He offers both conservative treatments and surgical repair of spine issues.

Call our office in Coral Springs, Florida, at 954-466-9140 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Svabek or request an appointment online.