Find The Solutions You Are Looking For About Herniated Discs

December 6th, 2009 Posted in Back Pain

When a tear takes place in the outer ring allowing the soft tissue of a disc to bulge out, it is known as a herniated or slipped disc. Inflammation may result in the area as well as pain. Treatments for a herniated disc, tear, protrusion or bulge often consist of anti-inflammatory medication to alleviate pain and swelling.

Herniated discs are often the result of protruding discs.

Phrases such as prolapsed, ruptured or slipped disc may be used to describe this condition. Other phrases include protrusion, bulging disc, sciatica, pinched nerve, disc degeneration or disease, degenerative disc disease and black disc.

In general, the neck and lower back region are more likely to have herniations. Of the two, the lower back is more susceptible. Signs of the condition are pain in the toes, foot, buttocks, thighs, back and legs. Tingling, numbness or burning feelings may be felt in the legs, feet and hip region as well.

Disc herniations are common for people in their thirties or forties. At this point, the nucleus is still a gel like substance. As a person ages, the gel dries out and one factor for herniation is eliminated.

When this condition occurs in the neck, it is known as a cervical herniation. The signs are pain the arm, hand, shoulder, shoulder girdle, scapula, skull or back area of the neck.

Thoracic discs herniations are rare because of the stability in this area. The signs and symptoms often mimic cervical and lumbar herniations.

Having a job that requires prolonged sitting or lifting can cause this condition. Traumatic injury to the discs in the back is mostly caused by not lifting items correctly. Back fatigue or chronic pain is a sign of the normal wear and tear on the back that increases the likelihood of injuring a disc. Rounding of the spine causes an uneven distribution of pressure whereas a straight spine equalizes internal pressure.

Diagnosis of a herniated disc can be done by a doctor using the history, physical exam and symptoms. Further testing may be needed to rule out other possibilities such as spondylolisthesis, tumors, degeneration, metastases and possible space-occupying lesions.

Procedures that may be used to rule out or confirm injury include x-ray, CAT scan, MRI, myelogram, and EMG/NCS.

The average healing time for this condition, without surgery, is six weeks.

If the pain does not subside, anti-inflammatory cures may be used. These cures are only meant for short term treatment of the condition. Steroid injections in the back may provide temporary relief from pain as well. Physical therapy may also be required in conjunction with these other treatments.

Other treatment options are chiropractor visits, weight loss, massage therapy, physical therapy or bed rest.

Surgery should be a last resort procedure.

Are you suffering with debilitating sciatica or leg pain? Get relief with spinal decompression therapy manhattan. Spinal decompression, Cold Laser Therapy and ATM2 provide fast relief. Check out your options for treatment with spinal decompression therapy nyc.

categories: chiropractor,back pain,herniated disc,health,fitness,wellness,medical

Possibly Related Posts:


  • Share/Bookmark

Leave a Reply