When some people hear the term “herniated disc,” they wince in pain. For anyone that has ever had this condition, they can relate to the pain that can be incurred when this happens. Fortunately, today’s medical doctors have developed therapies and treatments to alleviate and sometimes eliminate the pain that comes with a herniated disc.
What is a Herniated Disc?
Discs made of cartilage separate the vertebrae in the back from each other and provide cushioning during movement of the spine. The cartilage has a strong outer layer and a softer inner layer and when it is injured or just worn out from aging, the inner part of the disc can bulge out from between the vertebrae bones and compress or irritate a nerve, or even damage it.
Also called a ruptured disc, it can happen anywhere along the spine, although most herniated discs are located in the lumbar or lower region of the back. The second most common area for a herniated disc is in the upper cervical vertebrae, or neck area.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
Where the herniated disc is located will determine where the individual will feel pain. A lumbar ruptured disc will be felt in the legs and most likely in only one leg. Pain is experienced in the upper thigh and buttocks, the groin and occasionally in the foot or the lower back. It may cause tingling or numbness and even muscle weakness in the affected leg. When a disc is ruptured in the neck, the person will feel pain in the shoulder blade, under the arm and down the arm to a couple of fingers. Arm muscles become weaker, with a lessening of the grip of the hand. A sudden cough, sneeze or movement may intensify the pain, and it may come and go spontaneously, or may be constant. A physician can diagnose where the pain is coming from with a few simple tests in the office.
Diagnosis
The patient’s accurate description of the pain caused by the herniated disc will help a physician establish where it is coming from. The doctor will check for areas of tenderness along the spine, as well as perform a few coordination, muscle strength and reflex tests. If the pain is severe enough, an MRI or CT scan may be ordered to get a better look at the disc. Both MRI and CT scans can show the contrast of tissues to determine how badly the disc is ruptured.
Herniated Disc Treatment
Each individual will react differently to various types of management, and specific treatments will be tailored to the sufferer according to the patient’s lifestyle, weight and tolerance. While some people may need only bed rest, massage and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, others may benefit from physical therapy, electrical nerve stimulation, epidurals or prescription pain medication. Advanced diagnostic procedures such as discography can help physicians determine whether the pain is coming from more than one disc and can help treat the affected discs more quickly and accurately.
back surgery is occasionally an option, and with minimally invasive techniques available, it is not a bad choice. A herniated disc is treatable with a significant reduction of pain with a mixture of solutions.