Herniated Disc
Treatment

Table Of Contents

• What Is A Herniated Disc?
• What Causes A Herniated Disc?
• What Are The Symptoms Of A Herniated Disc?
• How Is A Disc Herniation Diagnosed?
• What Can Be The Complications Of A Disc Herniation?
• How Is A Herniated Disc Treated?

What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc is an issue with one of the rubbery cushions (discs) that sit between the vertebrae (bones) that make up the spine. The nucleus (soft, jellylike centre) of a spinal disc is coated in a more rigid, rubbery covering (annulus). A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, happens when some of the nucleus slips out through a rip in the annulus.

A herniated disc can occur anywhere in the spine, but it most commonly happens in the lower back. A herniated disc can cause discomfort, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg, depending on where it is located.

What Causes a Herniated Disc?

Disk herniation is most commonly caused by disc degeneration, which is gradual wear and tear caused by ageing. The discs grow less flexible as people age and are more prone to tearing or rupturing with even modest strain or twist.

Most patients cannot determine the reason for their ruptured disc. Lifting large objects with the back muscles rather than the leg and thigh muscles can result in a herniated disc, as can twisting and turning while lifting.

What are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?

Herniated discs most commonly affect the lower back, although they can also affect the neck. The signs and symptoms vary depending on the location of the disc and whether it is pushing on a nerve. Herniated discs are most commonly found on one side of the body.

• Pain in the arm or leg in addition to lower back pain
• Shooting pain in the arm or leg upon coughing or sneezing
• Numbness or tingling sensation in the parts affected by the nerve
• Weakness in the muscles served by the nerves.

How is a Disc Herniation Diagnosed?

A physical exam and a medical history are usually all that is required to diagnose a herniated disc. Your doctor may request one or more of the following tests if they suspect another condition or wants to know which nerves are impacted.

Tests of imaging

• X-rays
• CT scan
• MRI
• Myelogram

Nerve tests such as nerve conduction study and electromyography can also be indicated.

What can be the Complications of a Disc Herniation?

In rare cases, disk herniation can compress the spinal canal, including all of the cauda equina nerves. Emergency surgery may be required in such cases to avert lifelong weakening or paralysis.

How is a Herniated Disc Treated?

Conservative treatment, which consists primarily of changing activities to prevent painful movement and taking pain medication, improves symptoms in most people within a few days or weeks.

Medications

• Non-prescription pain relievers
• Neuropathic medications
• Muscle relaxants
• Opioids

Surgery
Only a small percentage of persons with herniated discs require surgery. If conservative therapy fails to alleviate your symptoms after six weeks, your doctor may recommend surgery, especially if you continue to have:

• Pain that is not well regulated
• Numbness or a feeling of weakness
• Standing or walking with difficulty
• Bladder or bowel control problems

Surgeons remove the projecting piece of the disc, and it is only very rarely necessary to delete the entire disc. In certain circumstances, the vertebrae may need to be united with a bone graft. Metal hardware is inserted in the spine to give spinal support during the months-long process of bone fusion. Your surgeon may, on rare occasions, recommend the implantation of an artificial disc.