Author: Edward Jung, MD

It can happen innocently, like bending down to tie your shoes. You are suddenly in extreme pain, you can barely stand up straight, and getting into a car is a non-starter. You probably have your own story about throwing your back out, and you remember it well. So exactly what does it mean to “throw your back out”?

Our expert spinal surgeon, Dr. Edward Jung, is dedicated to treating back injuries. If you’re experiencing pain, don’t hesitate to contact our spine clinic in Seattle, WA at (206) 860-5578 today.

The Culprit Is Usually a Muscle Sprain

The category of “you know it when you feel it” is the immediate acknowledgment that you have hurt your back, usually in the lumbar region of your spine. Most of the time it is a temporary condition that will resolve within a few days unless it involves a slipped disc.

People commonly hurt their lower back while lifting something heavy and using the wrong posture or form. Lower back pain increases with age or with physically demanding jobs adding to the wear and tear on your spine. At the same time, you can “throw your back out” even if you have a job where you sit at a desk all day, especially with inadequate back support.

What Are the Symptoms of Throwing Your Back Out?

You will quickly know you have hurt your back by experiencing some or all of the following:

• Muscle spasms
• Lower back stiffness
• Limited mobility
• Pain even while at rest or with specific movements
• Trouble maintaining proper posture

How to Find Relief

Utilize ice for 20 minutes several times a day. After day 3, you can use a heating pad for relief from the pain.

Move around as much as you can without making the discomfort worse.

Take OTC anti-inflammatory medications.

Sleep in a fetal position or with a pillow under your pelvis.

Rest helps heal the area.

Avoid bending and twisting. Don’t lift anything heavy.

When to See a Spine Specialist

Lower back pain issues should get better within 2 weeks. If you are not able to manage the symptoms at home, or they seem to be getting worse, it’s time to contact a spine specialist like Dr. Jung in Seattle, WA.

Dr. Jung will create a personalized treatment plan based on your diagnosis. It may consist of treatments like muscle relaxers or steroid injections into the site.

If the pain from throwing out your back does not improve with time and at-home treatments, don’t delay contacting our spinal surgeon, Dr. Edward Jung at (206) 860-5578.

What are the signs of a slipped disk? They are the same as a herniated disk, bulging disk, or ruptured disk since they are all generally the same. The terms are interchangeable. It mostly occurs in the lumbar region or lower part of your back and spine, although it can also happen in the neck area. We will continue to use the term “slipped” throughout and help you understand how to recognize a slipped disk, what can cause it, and what to do about it.

What Is a Slipped Disk?

Our spine consists of bones known as vertebrae. In between each vertebrae is a flexible cushion known as a disk which helps us to move and twist. Inside is a rubbery jelly-like cushion called the nucleus which is covered by a tougher exterior called the annulus.

If there is a tear in the annulus and some of the nucleus pushes out, that is a slipped disk. Some people experience no symptoms with a slipped disk, but others do and it’s quite painful.

Our skilled spinal surgeon, Dr. Edward Jung, specializes in the treatment of herniated, bulging, and ruptured discs. Schedule an appointment at our spine clinic in Seattle, WA today by calling (206) 860-5578.

Common Risk Factors for Developing a Slipped Disk

A slipped disk can affect people of all ages.

People most likely to be susceptible include those who:

• Are overweight
• Have certain occupations that are physically demanding, requiring repetitive lifting, pulling, and pushing, plus repetitive bending sideways and twisting
• Have a genetic disposition
• Who smoke
• Drive frequently
• Live a sedentary lifestyle

Back pain is the leading reason for lost work hours, workmen’s compensations, and trips to the emergency room. Consider making some lifestyle changes to prevent a slipped disk.

What Are Common Signs of a Slipped Disk?

It’s easy to confuse a muscle strain with a slipped disk. A muscle strain in your lower back is characterized by aching local pain during the strain. There may be swelling, inflammation, and even bruising.

A slipped disk has sharp and radiating pain instead of the localized aching pain of a muscle strain. There may be neurological symptoms like numbness and tingling. A slipped disk may also cause weakness in your arms or legs. You will especially have pain while you are sitting.

Sciatica pain is similar with its radiating pain down the thigh and legs.

Immediately see a professional if your pain worsens, if you have bladder or bowel dysfunction, and if you experience saddle anesthesia. This is a numbness in your inner thighs, back of the legs, genitals, or around the rectum. These symptoms can be a medical emergency.

What to Avoid With a Slipped Disk

Refrain from stretching and moving too much and don’t try to treat yourself. You should immediately make an appointment to see Dr. Jung for an evaluation and diagnosis in Seattle, WA.

Pain can become more severe with certain tasks, so be sure to:

• Specifically, avoid bending forward or down
• Refrain from lifting anything heavy
• Don’t push or pull anything heavy
• Try to avoid coughing or sneezing

How Is a Slipped Disk Treated?

Your spine specialist may treat your slipped disc with medication, physical therapy, and injections to relieve inflammation and pain, along with some suggestions for lifestyle modifications.

If you are experiencing signs of a slipped disk, contact our spine surgeon, Dr. Edward Jung at (206) 860-5578 for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Our skilled spinal surgeon, Dr. Edward Jung, has recently been honored by Becker’s Spine Review as one of the 60 spine surgeons specializing in artificial disc replacements. Dr. Jung is committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions for patients’ spinal health needs. Explore Dr. Jung’s recognition featured here.

I am very happy to announce my new partnership with The Polyclinic, Optum Health in Seattle! As a specialist in minimally invasive spine surgery, I focus on achieving the best patient outcomes through the most cutting-edge techniques such as endoscopy, and disc replacements. This allows patients to return to activity faster, with less pain and less risk for complications. I am excited to be with The Polyclinic, Optum Health, and look forward to helping patients with all their spine needs!

Dr. Jung has been named Seattle Met’s Top Doctor for two years in a row! Each year, Seattle Met teams up with the Professional Research Services survey company to ask healthcare practitioners in King, Snohomish, Kitsap, and Pierce counties, licensed by the Washington State Department of Health, about their top doctors in the Seattle area.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Edward Jung for achieving the recognition of Seattle Met Top Doc for the year 2023!

IRG President and CEO Shannon O’Kelley discusses Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery with Dr. Edward Jung, orthopaedic surgeon with ProOrtho in Seattle Washington.

Every year Seattle Met partners with Professional Research Services survey company to poll health care practitioners licensed by the Washington State Department of Health in King, Snohomish, Kitsap, and Pierce counties on who they agree are the top doctors in the Seattle area.

Help us congratulate Dr. Edward Jung on being named Seattle Met Top Doc 2022!

Dr. Edward Jung has been recognized as one of the 10 Spine Surgeons to Know! This recognition has been awarded on a national scale alongside other spine surgeons across the united states. View Dr. Jung’s other achievements and read his reviews to see what sets him apart from other spine surgeons in the Seattle area!