Causes Of A Herniated Disc And Urinary Retention
A herniated disk occurs when the tough, fibrous rings in your spine called the annulus are torn or ruptured. This can cause pain and contribute to nerve problems. A person with a weak bladder may also feel like they have to urinate often or suddenly.
Pressure on the bladder from the herniated disc can also cause urine retention or a full feeling in your bladder that isnt relieved by urination.
Urinary retention is most common in people over age 50 who have had spinal surgery, but you can develop urinary retention at any age and without any history of surgery.
Herniated Disc And Urinary Retention: Everything You Need To Know
Urinary retention is a common complication of a herniated disc. It affects men and women equally, but its more prevalent in older adults.
The bladder can swell because the muscle that controls its release becomes weakened.
If left untreated, urinary retention can lead to serious medical conditions like kidney damage or infections.
Fortunately, there are treatments for urinary retention including catheters and medications to help you regain control over your bladder again.
This article is written for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information should not be construed as offering medical opinions. Any of the recommended treatments presented here may cause side effects and complications of varying severity therefore one must always consult a medical professional before administering any treatment.
Disc Pain Muscle Spasm Facts And Myths
Oxygen deprivation causes spasm in muscular tissue and neurological effects in nerve tissue. This is the real cause of some chronic back and neck pain syndromes, despite whatever coincidental spinal abnormalities may be discovered through imaging studies and examinations.
Herniated discs can cause pain, tingling, weakness and numbness, but will usually only enact spasms in rare instances, such as when they first occur due to traumatic injury. The chances for an existing mild to moderate herniation creating recurrent spasms over months, years or decades is illogical in most patients. Regardless, bulging discs are misdiagnosed as the source of these symptoms in millions of sufferers every year.
In cases where a herniation is definitely causing a nerve compression issue, the affected area may experience spasms in rare cases. This symptomatic pattern is not the rule, but the exception. Central spinal stenosis can also cause spasms in virtually any bodily location below the stenotic level, making positive diagnosis a difficult task to successfully accomplish.
Herniated Disc Muscle Spasm Experiences
I know how brutally miserable a muscle spasm in your back or buttocks can be. If you have never had one, thank your good luck and hope that you never will. The forceful contraction in the postural muscles will make you pray for death, rather than endure the continued suffering.
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Risk Factors That You Can Change
- Your job or other activities. These may include:
- Long periods of sitting.
- Repetitive motions.
- Exposure to constant vibration .
Herniated Disc Symptoms In The Lumbar Spine
The most common symptom associated with a herniated disc in the lumbar spine is leg pain . Approximately 90% of herniated discs occur at L4-L5 and L5-S1, causing pain in the L5 or S1 nerve that radiates down the sciatic nerve. Symptoms of a herniated disc at these locations are described below:
- A herniated disc at lumbar segment 4 and 5 usually causes L5 nerve impingement. In addition to sciatica pain, this type of herniated disc can lead to weakness when raising the big toe and possibly in the ankle, also known as foot drop. Numbness and pain can also be felt on top of the foot.
- A herniated disc at lumbar segment 5 and sacral segment 1 usually causes S1 nerve impingement. In addition to sciatica, this type of herniated disc can lead to weakness when standing on the toes. Numbness and pain can radiate down into the sole of the foot and the outside of the foot.
A cervical herniated disc is less common than a lumbar herniated disc because there is less disc material and substantially less force across the cervical spine. The pain and other herniated disc symptoms differ by level:
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Communication Can A Herniated Disc Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Although it can be hard, servicing open interaction in a partnership can help in reducing the pressure of ED.
As ED can cause sensations of sense of guilt or embarrassment, some males may avoid any kind of sort of intimacy with their companion so that they can stay clear of distress. However, a companion might interpret this as denial, making them really feel unwanted or unappealing.
ED does not make them any kind of less manly or desirable. Sex is not as essential as the individuals health and also health.
Who Should I See For Lower Back Pain
Your primary care physician knows you best and should be your first contact for lower back pain. If he or she is unable to diagnose or treat the issue, you may get referred to a specialist, such as a rehabilitation physician . These specialists practice a comprehensive approach to lower back pain, and can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions that have lower back pain as a symptom.
Later, you may get referred to a physical therapist, a chiropractor or another practitioner depending on the nature of your back pain. The good news is that surgery is rarely needed for lower back pain. Only about one in ten patients needs lower back surgery, Chhatre says.
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What Treatments Are Available
For a patient with acute cauda equina syndrome, surgery is likely an urgent need. The goal is to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves to restore sensation and muscle function to the bladder, bowel, and legs. Depending on the cause, one of the following surgeries may be performed:
Discectomy for a herniated disc removes the portion of the disc that is compressing the nerves. The surgeon makes a small incision in the middle of the back. The spinal muscles are moved aside to expose the bony vertebra. A window of bone is removed to expose the nerve root and disc. The portion of the ruptured disc compressing the spinal nerves is carefully removed.
Spinal decompression for stenosis removes the bone spurs and ligaments compressing the nerves. A small incision is made in the back. The surgeon removes the bone that forms the roof of the spinal canal. Next, soft tissue and bone spurs are removed to create more room for the nerves. Tumors and other lesions can also be removed.
What Tests Diagnose Cauda Equina Syndrome
The initial diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome is made based on findings from the individual’s history, symptoms, and physical exam. The physical exam includes testing muscle strength of the lower extremities, evaluating sensation to touch and pain, especially around the groin , checking the lower extremity reflexes, and evaluating rectal tone, sensation, and reflex.
Imaging studies helpful in the diagnosis include plain x-ray films of the lower back to assess for evidence of trauma or severe arthritis . MRI with and without contrast provides a detailed look at tumors, infection, intervertebral disks, and nerve roots. This study allows the doctor to determine if the nerves are being compressed, to what degree, and by what structures. Findings from these studies help the surgeon plan the appropriate treatment.
Not all people with back pain and/or leg pain and changes in bowel or bladder function have cauda equina syndrome. More common causes of bladder changes are urinary tract infections, which can be identified by a simple urine test, and diabetes, which can be identified with blood tests.
People with symptoms suggesting a possible infection or tumor should be further evaluated with blood and other tests to identify any abnormalities.
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Can A Herniated Disc Cause Urinary Retention
A lumbar herniated disc is a painful and debilitating injury to the discs located in your lower back. The discs are the shock-absorbing components in between your spines vertebrae.
When a disc herniates, it means that an outer portion of this thick, pulpy material also called the nucleus bulges through the outer annulus , and can press against a nerve root.
The compressed spinal nerve often causes radiating pain in the buttocks, lower back, and legs. The most common cause for a herniated disc is trauma or injury to your spine from an automobile accident or fall.
In many cases, a lumbar herniated disc is associated with urinary retention. Bladder problems due to a herniated disc occur when:
- The spinal nerve root lying next to the bulging disc is pinched and irritated, causing pain and bladder dysfunction
- Theres increased pressure on your lumbar spine from the bulge in the disc, putting pressure on the back of your spinal cord. This can cause bladder problems due to central neurologic involvement
- The pressure on your spine causes a reduction in the space inside your spinal canal. This causes anatomical changes and impedes proper urine flow
- Theres both central and peripheral neurologic involvement due to the bulge, which also impairs bladder function
Back Pain And Erectile Dysfunction Conclusion:
This much I can tell you for sure: you need to take action to deal with your back pain and related erectile dysfunction.
But painkillers arent the answer.
These drugs can actually increase your risk of ED, according to a study in the journal Spine.
More than 11,000 men with back pain were in the study, and more than 19 percent of those who took the highest-dosage painkillers over the long term also got prescriptions for impotence .
And things got worse with age.
So work with a chiropractor or physical therapist to deal with your back pain and erectile dysfunction before things get worse for you. And try to spend less time sitting which can tighten your hip flexors, leading to decreased blood flow and compression in your groin area.
It all starts with admitting to the problem.
Then, finding solutions that lead to a healthier, more active lifestyle and habits that increase rather than inhibit your ability to have satisfying sex.
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What Causes A Herniated Disc
A herniated disc may be caused by:
- Wear and tear of the disc. As you age, your discs dry out and aren’t as flexible.
- Injury to the spine. This may cause tiny tears or cracks in the hard outer layer of the disc. When this happens, the thick gel inside the disc can be forced out through the tears or cracks in the outer layer of the disc. This causes the disc to bulge or break open.
Exercise Can A Herniated Disc Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Recent studies have actually discovered that workout, specifically moderate to strenuous aerobic task, can improve erectile dysfunction.
Also less exhausting, normal workout might reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. Increasing your degree of activity may also further minimize your threat.
Go over a workout strategy with your doctor.
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Everything You Need To Know About Herniated Disc Disc Symptoms Causes Prevention And Treatments
Herniated Disc Disc Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Treatments
Your backbone/spinal column is made up of a series of vertebral bones stacked onto each other. Counting from top to bottom, the column has seven bones in the cervical area, 12 in the thoracic area, and five in the lumbar area followed by the sacrum and the coccyx bone at the base. These bones are separated and cushioned by vertebral discs. The discs not only support vertebral bones, but also protect them by absorbing shocks from routine activities like walking, twisting, and lifting.
Each disc is further divided into two parts: a tough outer ring and a soft, gelatinous inner portion. Weakness or injury can cause the gelatinous portion of the disc to bulge through the outer ring. This condition is known as a herniated, slipped, or prolapsed disc. This leads to classic signs and symptoms of the condition. In severe instances, you may require surgical intervention to repair or remove the slipped disc.
No matter what the underlying cause, herniated disc has the following signs and symptoms.
Symptoms of Herniated Discs
Oral Medications Can A Herniated Disc Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Oral medications are a successful erectile dysfunction treatment for lots of males. They consist of:
Sildenafil .
Vardenafil .
Avanafil .
All four drugs improve the results of nitric oxide a natural chemical your body creates that relaxes muscles in the penis. This raises blood circulation as well as allows you to get an erection in feedback to sexual stimulation.
Taking among these tablet computers will certainly not automatically produce an erection. Sexual excitement is required first to cause the launch of nitric oxide from your penile nerves. These drugs intensify that signal, allowing regular penile function in some individuals. Can A Herniated Disc Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Dental erectile dysfunction drugs are not aphrodisiacs, will certainly not cause exhilaration and also are not needed in individuals that obtain regular erections.
The medications vary in dose, how long they function and also negative effects. Possible negative effects consist of flushing, nasal blockage, migraine, aesthetic modifications, backache as well as indigestion.
Your physician will consider your particular scenario to determine which medication could function best. These drugs could not treat your erectile dysfunction instantly. You might need to work with your medical professional to locate the right drug and also dosage for you. Can A Herniated Disc Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Have heart disease or cardiac arrest.
Have really low high blood pressure .
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Leg Pain And Or Weakness
The leg pain that is often felt with an L4-L5 disc problem in conjunction with or separate from lower back pain is often categorized as sciatica. Its also one of the most obvious signs that the back pain youre feeling could be the result of a disc problem. Pain radiating down the leg along the sciatic nerve is unpleasant, to say the least, and is often the reason a back pain sufferer picks up the phone to call a back doctor in the first place.
But thats not the only way sciatica pain presents. The symptoms may be described as dull, sharp, burning, aching or stabbing, said DISC Spine Institute. It may worsen as you are sitting for an extended amount of time or if you are laughing, sneezing, or coughing. Walking may also aggravate the situation.
When Should I See A Doctor If I Have Lower Back Pain
In many cases lower back pain stops on its own. But if it doesnt, here are some guidelines on when you may want to start seeking professional help:
- If the pain lasts four weeks or longer
- If the pain keeps getting worse as time goes by
- If you are experiencing other symptoms, such as fever, major weight loss or weight gain, loss of function or weakness in extremities, bladder problems, etc.
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What Are The First Signs Of Cauda Equina
Cauda equina is a rare medical condition in which nerve roots in your lower back are compressed. Nerve damage due to cauda equina can change the way you walk, urinate or have bowel movements.
Cauda equina usually occurs at the L4-S1 vertebrae. Its most common in people over age 50, although it has also been diagnosed in children.
Cauda equina is caused by swelling of the disc between your vertebrae or by a condition that affects one or more of your nerve roots. Other common causes include:
Overuse of pain medications
Infections that cause inflammation around your spine
A history of spinal stenosis
Back or neck injury that causes nerve root damage
Cauda equina symptoms include:
Cauda equina may also cause changes in how you urinate, defecate and have bowel movements. Cauda equina is a medical condition that cant be self-diagnosed. You should see your doctor if you have any of the symptoms listed above. If possible, take someone with you who can help with directions when you leave the hospital or doctors office.
A spinal tap may be needed to diagnose cauda equina in which nerve roots are compressed in your lower back. This test can show how much pressure is on your spinal cord and nerve roots. It can also show whether you have any infection, bleeding, or other problems affecting the nerves in your lower back.
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Just How To Handle Erectile Dysfunction In A Relationship
Erectile dysfunction is regularly referred to as the pairs illness, which is very suitable due to the fact that it influences greater than just one companion. Tension on a couples sex life can overflow into various other elements of your relationship. Its important to chat with your partner if he is experiencing ED.
Occasionally males are humiliated to discuss their ED or to see a doctor for it. Rather, they end up being far-off from their partners. This can leave you feeling like he isnt interested in you or isnt drawn in to you any longer this is rarely the problem.
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