What Is A Herniated Disc In Lower Back

A Herniated Disc In The Lower Back: Causes Symptoms And Treatment

A herniated disc in the lower back, also called a lumbar disc herniation, can be a very painful condition. It occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a disc ruptures through a tear in the outer layer and presses on the roots of the spinal nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the leg or foot. A herniated disc is often caused by degenerative changes in the discs that occur with aging, but it can also be caused by an injury.

In the United States, there are more than 100,000 people who suffer from back pain and are unable to work, costing more than $100 billion per year. Back in the lumbar region, 95 of the discs have been herniations L4-L5 or L5-S1. Internal discs are made up of a nucleus pulposus , an outer fibrosus , and endplates attached to the vertebra by a cartilaginous plate. A disc herniation is the most common cause of disc degeneration. As you age, your disc fibrochondrocytes senocytes stop working and produce less of the proteoglycans they use to generate energy. During disc therapy, the disc material exerts pressure or touches the nerve roots, resulting in nerve root ischemia and inflammation. In addition to being thinner on the posterolateral side, it lacks support from the longitudinal ligament supporting the anterior part of the fibrosus.

Key Points About Lumbar Disk Disease

• Lumbar disk disease may occur when a disc in the low back area of the spine bulges or herniates from between the bony area of the spine.

• Lumbar disk disease causes lower back pain and leg pain and weakness that is made worse by movement and activity.

• The first step in treatment is to reduce pain and reduce the risk of further injury to the spine.

• Surgery may be considered if the more conservative therapy fails.

How Is Lumbar Disk Disease Diagnosed

In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, you may have one or more of the following tests:

• X-ray. A test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.

• Magnetic resonance imaging . A procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

• Myelogram. A procedure that uses dye injected into the spinal canal to make the structure clearly visible on X-rays.

• Computed tomography scan . An imaging procedure that uses X-rays and computer technology to produce horizontal, or axial, images of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.

• Electromyography . A test that measures muscle response or electrical activity in response to a nerves stimulation of the muscle.

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Nonsurgical Treatment Options For A Herniated Disc

In most cases, your doctor will recommend nonsurgical treatment that focuses on pain relief. This might involve activity modifications, such as: taking rest breaks throughout the day changing your daily activities to avoid movements that can cause further pain and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications , such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

Physical therapy may also help. This involves specific exercises to help strengthen your lower back and abdominal muscles. In some cases, if pain persists, an injection of a cortisone-like drug into the space around the nerve may provide short-term pain relief by reducing inflammation.

What Can You Do For A Herniated Disc In Your Lower Back Whats The Difference Between Conservative And Surgical Treatments Find Out Here

Its pretty easy to forget about everything your lower back does until its been injured and youre dealing with pain. Your lower back is in constant motion as you walk, bend, climb stairs, lift and turn.

The lumbar spine bears most of the load of the body, says Ai Mukai, MD, board certified physiatrist in Texas and . Because the lumbar discs are already under compression and stress carrying the weight of the upper body, the lower back is more vulnerable to herniated discs.

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Is A Herniated Disc The Root Of Your Back Pain

A herniated disc refers to an issue with one of the rubbery cushions that are in between the vertebrae. A spinal disc has a soft jellylike interior with a tougher exterior.

Strange neck pains, back pains, or extremity symptoms can indicate a variety of potential problems including one or more herniated discs. How can you tell for sure whether you have this specific problem? If you do have a herniated disc, what can you do about it? These questions dont have to add confusion and frustration to your physical woes.

Fortunately, if your back pain is caused by a herniated disc, physical therapy can help. Contact Back to Work Physical Therapy today to learn more.

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Herniated Or Disk In The Neck

Symptoms of a herniated disk in your neck include:

• Pain near or between your shoulder blades.
• Pain that travels to your shoulder, arm and sometimes your hand and fingers.
• Neck pain, especially in the back and on the sides of your neck.
• Pain that increases when bending or turning your neck.
• Numbness or tingling in your arms.

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What Is Lumbar Disc Herniation

Image taken by: tcspinecenter

A lumbar disc herniation is a condition that occurs when the inner, gel-like portion of the disc ruptures through the outer wall of the disc. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area.

radiculopathy is a common condition associated with low back pain, and it can also cause unilateral leg pain as a result of spinal disc herniation. Cauda Equina Syndrome is a rare condition that develops in rare cases when a disc herniation enlarges. MRIs are used to diagnose the condition, and their clinical significance is confirmed. The disc height is determined by the amount of hydration provided by diffusion from the end plates, as well as the nutrition provided by the plates surface. In the cervical spine, a pedicle/nerve root mismatch occurs, whereas in the lumbar spine, no pedicle/nerve root mismatch occurs. The L5 nerve root is situated beneath the L5 pedicle, and the extra C8 nerve root allows for the transition between horizontal and vertical anatomy of the nerve root. Pain and paresthesia in the leg at 30-70 degrees are important factors to consider when determining who is a good candidate for surgery, and the ability of the leg to flex flex at this level is critical for determining hip flexion sensitivity/specificity.

Other Terms For Herniated Disc: Slipped Disc Ruptured Disc

A herniated disc may be referred to by many names, such as a slipped disc, or a ruptured or bulging disc. The term slipped disc can cause confusion since spinal discs are firmly attached to the vertebrae and do not slip or moverather, it is just the gel-like inner material of the disc “slips” out of the inside.

Another common term for a herniated disc is a pinched nerve. This term describes the effect the herniated disc material has on a nearby nerve as it compresses or “pinches” that nerve.

A lumbar herniated disc may also be described in reference to its main symptoms, such as sciatica, which is caused by the leaked disc material affecting the large sciatic nerve. When a nerve root in the lower back that runs into the large sciatic nerve is irritated, pain and symptoms may radiate along the path of the sciatic nerve: down the back of the leg and into the foot and toes.

Sciatica may also be referred to by its main medical term, radiculopathy.

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How Is A Herniated Disk Diagnosed

Your healthcare provider will do a thorough exam. During the physical, your provider will assess your pain, muscle reflexes, sensation and muscle strength. Your provider may also order tests such as:

• Magnetic resonance imaging : The most common and accurate imaging test for a suspected herniated disk is an MRI.
• X-rays: Getting X-rays helps rule out other causes of back or neck pain.
• Computed tomography : A CT scan show the bones of your spine. Herniated disks can move into the space around your spinal cord and nerves and press on them.
• Myelogram: A myelogram involves an injection of dye into your spine using X-ray guidance for a CT scan. The dye can reveal a narrowing of the spinal canal and location of your herniated disk.
• Electromyogram : This test involves placing small needles into various muscles and evaluate the function of your nerves. An EMG helps determine which nerve a herniated disk affects.

Deterrence And Patient Education

Thoracic spine herniated disc usually presents with radiculopathy symptoms or myelopathic symptoms depending on the compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord, respectively.

Patients may complain of burning pain, numbness and tingling, sensation changes, or weakness.

The vast majority of cases resolved with conservative management.

In the cervical and lumbar spine, patients initially are managed conservatively with over-the-counter pain medications, home exercises, heat, ice, and activity as tolerated.

The time of recovery often depends on the mechanism of injury, as well as the severity of disc herniation. On average, most cases of disc herniation resolve between two to twelve weeks following injury.

Since many cases improve within two to three weeks following injury, physical therapy is not recommended until three weeks after the onset of symptoms.

Similarly, given that most cases resolve within six weeks of symptoms. An MRI is not recommended until at least six weeks of persistent symptoms, symptoms of severe radiculopathy, or rapidly worsening neurological changes associated with a suspected disc herniation.

A patient who has progressive myelopathic symptoms or does not respond to conservative treatment can be managed with an epidural steroid injection or radiofrequency ablative techniques.

The surgical approach for the thoracic spine includes the transthoracic or costotransversectomy approach for discectomies and fusion.

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Get Relief For Your Back Pain

Of course, the only real way to know whats causing your back pain is to have a medical evaluation of your back and your symptoms. At Premier Spine Institute, Dr. Bonaventure Ngu uses advanced diagnostics to determine the specific cause of back pain so every patient can feel confident theyll receive the most appropriate care for optimal relief. To find out whats causing your back pain and how to relieve it, visit our contact page and call our Baytown, Humble, or Woodlands office today.

Stretch Lower Back Pain Herniated Disc Symptoms

Do not rest sagged in your desk chair all day. Get up every 20 mins or so as well as stretch the various other way. Since the majority of us spend a lot of time bending forward in our tasks, it is essential to stand and also stretch backward throughout the day. Do not fail to remember to additionally extend your legs. Some individuals discover remedy for their neck and back pain by doing a routine stretching regular, like yoga. Lower Back Pain Herniated Disc Symptoms

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How Are Slipped Discs Treated

Treatments for a slipped disc range from conservative to surgical. The treatment typically depends on the level of discomfort youre experiencing and how far the disc has slipped out of place.

Most people can relieve slipped disc pain using an exercise program that stretches and strengthens the back and surrounding muscles. A physical therapist may recommend exercises that can strengthen your back while reducing your pain.

Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and avoiding heavy lifting and painful positions can also help.

While it may be tempting to refrain from all physical activity while youre experiencing the pain or discomfort of a slipped disc, this can lead to muscle weakness and joint stiffness. Instead, try to remain as active as possible through stretching or low-impact activities such as walking.

If your slipped disc pain does not respond to over-the-counter treatments, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications. These include:

• muscle relaxers to relieve muscle spasms
• narcotics to relieve pain
• nerve pain medications like gabapentin or duloxetine

Your doctor may recommend surgery if your symptoms do not subside in six weeks or if your slipped disc is affecting your muscle function. Your surgeon may remove the damaged or protruding portion of the disc without removing the entire disc. This is called a microdiskectomy.

Is Herniated Disc Serious

Cauda equina syndrome is a serious complication of herniation. As a result, a very large disc fragment is ruptured into the spinal canal, where the nerves that control the bowels and bladder travel before leaving the spine.

An anterior herniation occurs when a disc nucleus moves out of the annulus and into the spinal canal through a tear or rupture. Herniated discs are more common in the lower back , but they can also occur in the neck . The symptoms can differ greatly depending on the location and size of the herniation. A sciatica is a type of pain and tingling that develops in the buttocks, thighs, and feet and can be felt from the buttock to the leg. When the necks nerve compression causes cervial radiculopathy, it is considered nerve compression. The most common initial treatment for a herniation is conservative and nonsurgical. The doctor may recommend surgery if conservative treatment options, such as physical therapy and medications, do not effectively alleviate or eliminate pain.

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Check Out This Video About Herniated Discs From Our Chiropractor Dr Oliver:

Other herniated disk treatment options include:

Rest often a couple of days of rest will help to calm severe pain caused by lumbar disc herniation. However, its important that you dont rest for longer than this as it can actually worsen pain and stiffness.

Anti-inflammatory medications medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen may help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Physical therapy performing specific exercises to increase range of motion and strengthen muscles in your lower back and core may help to relieve pain and reduce your chance of re-injuring yourself.Spinal manipulation manipulation of the joints of the lower back may help to improve range of motion and decrease pain.

Massage therapy may help to increase blood circulation and relax muscles thereby helping to reduce pain.Epidural steroid injections injection of corticosteroids into the affected area may help to reduce local inflammation and relieve pain.

How Is It Diagnosed

Your physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation that includes taking your health history. Your physical therapist will also ask you detailed questions about your injury, such as:

• How and when did the pain start?
• At what time of day is it worse?
• What type of discomfort do you feel, and where do you feel it?
• What canât you do right now, in your daily life, due to the pain?

Your physical therapist will perform tests on your body to find physical problems, such as:

• Difficulty moving.

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How Long For Herniated Disc To Heal Without Surgery

How long does it take to heal a herniated disc? The length of time it takes for a herniation to heal varies greatly depending on the type of disc and the location of the herniation. Furthermore, those who have this condition frequently only need to undergo minor surgery.

Herniated discs form as a result of damage to the outer layer of a spinal disc. In 2010, 20 of every 1,000 adults in the United States were diagnosed with herniated discs. You may need physical therapists to determine how long it will take for the healing process to be completed without surgery. If you do not have a permanent disability, they can assist you in determining which activities you can resume on your own after your recovery.

How Can I Avoid Getting A Herniated Disk

It’s not always possible to prevent a herniated disk. But you can reduce your risk by:

• Using proper lifting techniques. Dont bend at the waist. Bend your knees while keeping your back straight. Use your strong leg muscles to help support the load.
• Maintaining a healthy weight. Excess weight puts pressure on the lower back.
• Practicing good posture. Learn how to improve your posture when you walk, sit, stand and sleep. Good posture reduces strain on your spine.
• Stretching. Its especially important to take stretching breaks if you often sit for long periods.
• Avoiding wearing high-heeled shoes. This type of shoe throws your spine out of alignment.
• Exercising regularly. Focus on workouts that strengthen your back and abdomen muscles to support your spine.
• Stopping smoking. Smoking can weaken disks, making them vulnerable to rupture. Consider quitting smoking.

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How To Tell If You Are Suffering From A Herniated Disc

We use our back for lots of activities probably more than we realize. When we lift, bend, walk, climb stairs, even sit still the back plays a pivotal role. Its no real surprise, then, that back pain is one of the most common medical complaints among both men and women in the U.S., as well as a major cause of work absences and disability.

Lots of issues can cause back pain, but two of the most common causes are muscle strain and herniated discs. Both conditions have different causes, and both require very different types of treatment. But how can you tell whether the pain youre experiencing is due to strain or if its from a herniated disc? The first step is to know what symptoms to look for.