What is Disc Herniation?
The vertebrae make up your spine. Each of these vertebrae is cushioned by discs which effectively function as shock absorbers to ensure the spine is flexible. Any one of these discs could get ruptured causing the jelly-like material within, and which functions as the shock absorber, to come out. This is effectively what disc herniation is all about.
Trouble arises when this leaked fluid exerts pressure on the nerve roots – that’s when pain and numbness strike in that portion of the spine. Most disc herniations occur in the lower back which is why this is one of the leading causes of lumbar spine or lower back pain. Disc herniation in the lower back could also cause numbness and pain down the leg and through the buttocks – this is called sciatica. In cases when the ruptured disc material does not press on the nerve, you would not feel any kind of pain. Even if the disc material or nucleus moves out of the outer ring of the disc, you would feel lesser pain in the lower back though sciatica and weakness in the lower legs would increase.
What Are the Causes?
Herniated disc could be the result of disc wear and tear due to age, or spinal injury which causes cracks or tears in the disc’s outer layer.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Non-surgical Options
Non-surgical treatment methods are considered first, unless there are other neurological issues involved. Much of non-surgical treatment focuses on relieving pain and allowing the disc herniation to heal by itself. Some of the non-surgical techniques include:
• Epidural steroid injections administered to the back for reducing the inflammation. This has proved to be the most effective in bringing down the symptoms.
• Spinal decompression
• One or two days of bed rest during which some walking around must be done but with rest periods in between – movements such as lifting and bending forward must be avoided.
• Physical therapy exercises for strengthening the lower back as well as muscles of the abdomen
• Naproxen, ibuprofen and other such anti-inflammatory medication
Surgical Treatment
In some cases, non-surgical treatment may not successfully relieve the pain and the symptoms even after 6 months. That’s when spinal surgery is recommended. The more common surgical method, however, is lumbar microdiscectomy by which herniated disc nucleus which is exerting pressure on the nerve in the spine is removed. A surgery rehabilitation program involves:
• Exercises to improve the flexibility of the legs and back
• 30 minutes of walking every day
• If necessary, the services of a physical therapist are sought
With a multi-specialty healthcare center treating your disc herniation, you have the best chance of getting back to normal living.