the best course of action is medication and physical therapy.the next step is steroid injections in your spine.If that doesn't work then surgery.Doctors follow an algorithim and because most are afraid of the DEA expect NSAIDS(which destroy your stomach)muscle relaxors which don't really address the problem and anti-convulsants which do work to a certain extent and have helped me signifigantly.Of course the best treatment I find are opiates which have the potential for addiction and why most doctors are afraid to prescribe.Good luck.
herniated disc
The symptoms of a herniated disc will be different from time to time it depends on the location and the position of the disc. If you have constant pain in your lower back you may have a herniated disc.
Due to the discomfort experienced, consult a doctor immediately when herniated disc symptoms occur, such as severe back pain. Doing research at the library may help you learn about a herniated disc and possible treatments. However, your doctor will be able to discuss specific causes and treatments that pertain to your particular lifestyle, providing suggestions and prescription medication if necessary.
Exercise can help with a herniated disc by strengthening the muscles that support the spine, improving flexibility, and reducing pressure on the affected disc. This can help alleviate pain and improve overall function.
A herniated disc can cause problems or symptoms like leg weakness, back pain, and numbness or pain that radiates down the legs. A herniated disc occurs when there is a rupture of a disc that acts as cushion between the bones in the spine. If the disc presses on nerves, then a person can experience these symptoms.
When the discs that cushion the spine break open or begin to bulge, a herniated disc develops. While many individuals with a herniated disc are completely unaware, others feel intense pain. Muscle weakness, pain in the shoulders, arms, buttocks or legs and a feeling of numbness or tingling in the arms or legs are the main symptoms of a herniated disc. Since herniated discs are relatively common, this article discusses typical causes, treatment options and preventative methods.CausesDisc degeneration, which typically occurs as a result of aging, is one of the main causes of a herniated disc. Discs lose some of their flexibility and become dry over time, which can cause them to rupture. A back injury caused by sports, lifting heavy objects and improper lifting techniques can also result in a herniated disc.TreatmentIn most cases of a herniated disc, a conservative treatment approach is the most effective. This includes taking over-the-counter or prescription medications to relieve pain, muscle relaxers, cortisone injections and medications that relieve nerve pain. Rest, and applying a heating pad or ice pack can also reduce pain. In most cases, these conservative treatment options will relieve pain as the bulging disc lessens over a period of a few weeks.A physical therapist can design a treatment plan that includes strengthening exercises and stretching to increase flexibility. Engaging in regular exercise can help strengthen muscles surrounding the back and abdominals and minimize pain. If conservative treatments are not helpful in reducing pain, surgery may be considered.PreventionSustaining a healthy weight is a necessary component in preventing a herniated disc, since excess pounds can place pressure and strain on the discs that protect the back and can cause them to bulge or break open. Utilizing proper lifting techniques by lifting with the legs, avoiding twisting and turning while lifting and never bending at the waist while lifting can provide protection for the back and reduce the risk of disc herniation.Herniated discs can also be prevented by ensuring that the back is straight and in alignment while walking and sitting. An exercise program that focuses on the core muscles can help provide support for the spine and strengthen muscles.
Although it might be possible to determine a herniated disc from x-rays, it is better to get an MRI can of the affected area. The MRI will give better detail of the injury and assist the doctor in determining if there are any nerve roots being compressed and what treatment is needed to relieve your pain.
Herniated disc that are not pressing on a nerve, may be lower back ache to no symptoms. A herniated disc that is hitting a nerve, may cause weakness, numbness and or pain in the area or path that the nerve travels. If your herniation is in lumbar (lower) you may start to get a sciatica. This is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, that shoots pain through buttocks and down the leg and can also cause lower back and leg pain. When herniation is in upper lumber located near bottom of ribs, then your thighs could possibly hurt. Herniation in the neck can cause numbness and or pain in chest, shoulders, and or arms.
The spine surgeon may go for an operation. He may go for some type of discectomy operation to relieve you of the pain.
A ruptured annulus fibrosus is a condition often associated with a herniated disc in the spine, where the outer layer of the intervertebral disc tears, allowing the inner gel-like nucleus pulposus to protrude. This can lead to nerve compression, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area. Treatment options may include physical therapy, pain management, or, in severe cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the nerves.
A posterolateral herniated disc with a superiorly migrated fragment refers to a situation where the intervertebral disc has bulged or ruptured towards the back and side (posterolateral direction) and a portion of the disc material has moved upward (superiorly). This can exert pressure on nearby spinal nerves or the spinal cord, potentially leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs. The location and migration of the herniated fragment can influence the specific symptoms experienced and may require medical evaluation for appropriate treatment options.
Many patients with back pain, leg pain , or weakness of the lower extremity muscles are diagnosed with a herinated disc. When a disc herination occurs, the cushion that sits between the spinal vertebra is pushed out of it's normal position. A herinated disc would not be a problem if it wasn't for the spinal nerves which is very close to the edge of the spinal discs.