The spine is made up of 26 bones called vertebrae, with cushion-like cushions called intervertebral discs between them. The intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers for the vertebrae and help provide stability to the spine. When one of these discs loses its normal shape or consistency and begins to bulge into the spinal canal, it is called a disc bulge. Over time, the gel-like material within the disc can break down and come into contact with the spinal canal or spinal nerves, causing pain and weakness. This is commonly known as a herniated disc.
The two most common ways a disc can herniate is through natural degeneration or trauma to the disc. Sometimes, a herniated disc goes unnoticed because it causes few symptoms. Other times, patients don’t experience symptoms in their neck or lower back, but instead develop symptoms in their shoulders, hands, legs, or feet, leading them to seek treatment related to their extremities. Finding out you have a herniated disc doesn’t mean you have to have surgery. There are a variety of non-surgical options for patients with herniated discs in the neck or lower back.
drug
When it comes to relieving mild to moderate pain, several different medications can help. Doctors may also prescribe a variety of stronger medications, such as muscle relaxants or steroids. Remember, over-the-counter medications can only mask the pain caused by a herniated disc, so it’s important to talk to your doctor to get complete relief from your discomfort. You should also read your medication labels and talk to your pharmacist to determine whether it is safe to take anti-inflammatory medications.
injection
If there is little improvement with oral medications, your doctor may recommend cortisone injections as an alternative. Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation around the irritated nerve but do not reduce the actual size of the herniated disc. Injected medications may include steroids, local anesthetics, or saline. The purpose of the injection is to numb the irritated nerve, ultimately relieving painful symptoms. The injection is given directly into the injured area, delivering pain medication to your spine.
physical therapy
Physical therapy may be able to combat some of the painful symptoms associated with a herniated disc. For this type of injury, a physical therapist will use exercises to relieve pressure on the pinched nerve. Another targeted exercise is core stabilization, which in turn helps with spinal stability. Other exercises, such as stretching and manual labor, may also help improve your flexibility. When working with your doctor to treat a herniated disc, your physical therapist will work with them to provide you with the most successful recovery.
When you have a herniated disc, you will want to do your best to control the pain. These tips may not be suitable for everyone, but at the same time they may be useful to some.
