Herniated Disc In The Back Overview Of Causes, Symptoms &Amp; Treatments

By Patrick Foote

Being diagnosed with a herniated disc in the back can conjure up seemingly countless questions: How and why did one of my discs become herniated? How is the condition treated? Will I eventually need surgery? Rather than fretting over your newly-diagnosed condition, you may want to consult your primary care physician or spine specialist to receive personalized information about the herniated disc in your back. In the meantime, you may benefit from gaining some basic knowledge about herniated discs in general.

Herniated Discs Explained

When an intervertebral disc (one of the shock-absorbing pads in the neck and back) ruptures and sends its inner contents into the spinal canal, the disc is said to have herniated. This spinal condition usually develops as a direct result of the degenerative changes to the spinal anatomy that accompany the natural aging process. In fact, it is these changes that usually are to blame for the ‘bad backs’ we all develop as we approach middle age.

Years of supporting body weight and facilitating movement can eventually take a toll on the spine, causing it to gradually deteriorate. In the case of an intervertebral disc, its two main components – the annulus fibrosus (outer shell) and the nucleus pulposus (inner content) – undergo changes that make it less able to absorb the impact that is placed on the spine. The annulus fibrosus, which is primarily made of fibrocartilage and other fibrous tissues, tends to harden, weaken, and become brittle over time. The nucleus pulposus, made primarily of collagen and a water-attracting substance called aggrecan, can dehydrate and gradually become less elastic.

Unfortunately, just because a disc has weakened, it doesn’t mean it’s less responsible for supporting the weight of the body. Because force continues to be applied to a weakened intervertebral disc, its brittle annulus fibrosus can eventually crack under pressure – literally. As yet more force is applied to the disc, the nucleus pulposus can eventually be expelled through the opening in the annulus fibrosus and seep into the spinal canal.

Herniated Disc Symptoms

The symptoms of a herniated disc in the back can vary from patient to patient. Some individuals will only experience localized pain because of the disruption the crack has caused to the small nerves found in the outer third of the disc wall. Others will experience radiculopathic symptoms that travel along the length of a compressed spinal nerve into seemingly unrelated areas of the body. These symptoms are experienced by those whose herniated disc material has pressed against one of the spinal nerves that branch from the spinal cord. In the case of a herniated disc in the back, patients can experience radiculopathic symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the lower back, hips, buttocks, legs, and/or feet.

Medication for Herniated Discs

Many who suffer from the symptoms of a herniated disc in the back can find relief with over-the-counter medication, particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. This type of medication blocks the body’s production of the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which are an essential part of the inflammatory response. As a result, NSAIDs can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. However, NSAIDs should not be utilized by those with certain gastrointestinal or cardiovascular conditions. Instead, these patients may be advised to take over-the-counter analgesics like acetaminophen. Narcotic pain relievers and muscle relaxants are sometimes prescribed for those with a herniated disc in the back, but are typically reserved for patients who are in severe or debilitating pain.

Physical Therapy

Strength training exercises and other methods of physical therapy are commonly recommended for individuals who suffer from the chronic pain that is often associated with a herniated disc in the back. Strengthening the muscles in the lower back and abdomen can provide the spine with added support and stability, taking some of the strain from the intervertebral discs while also easing the pressure that is being applied to a compressed nerve.

Physical therapists also employ other methods of treatment for patients with herniated discs, including:

–Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

–Therapeutic ultrasound

–Posture modification exercises

–Therapeutic spinal traction

–And others

Thermotherapy and Cryotherapy

More commonly known as hot/cold therapy, thermotherapy and cryotherapy can be especially beneficial at relieving the symptoms of a herniated disc. In the case of thermotherapy, a heating pad, hot cloth, whirlpool bath, or other source of warmth is used to relieve muscle tension and muscle spasms. Cryotherapy, on the other hand, entails the application of a cold pack or other cooling element is applied to the affected area to numb pain and reduce inflammation. Some patients may be advised to use either thermotherapy or cryotherapy independently of one another, while others may be instructed to alternate between the two.

Alternative Therapies

Many patients with a herniated disc in the back choose to complement their doctor-recommended treatments with alternative therapies. It should be noted that the efficacy of these therapies is up for debate, though many individuals credit them with relieving their pain and discomfort. Some of the popular alternative therapies for herniated discs include:

–Acupuncture

–Chiropractic manipulation

–Acupressure

–Hypnotism

–Deep tissue massage

–Herbal supplements

–Restorative yoga

–Pilates

–And others

Lifestyle Modifications

Depending on the patient’s level of overall health, his or her physician may recommend certain lifestyle changes. This is especially true of overweight or obese individuals, as excess body weight places added strain on the spine. Shedding excess pounds can help to relieve the pressure that is being applied to a compressed nerve and can also ease some of the burden that is being placed on the intervertebral discs. Other commonly recommended lifestyle modifications include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and becoming more physically active.

Surgical Treatment

Though the majority of those with a herniated disc in the back will be able to find sufficient relief by using nonsurgical methods of treatment, a small percentage may not. These patients are typically advised to consider surgery if several weeks or months of conservative treatment have proven inadequate. Many patients will be able to choose between an open spine surgery and a minimally invasive alternative. Both operations come with their own risks and benefits, all of which should be thoroughly researched prior to consent. It may also prove beneficial for these individuals to seek a second or third opinion to ensure surgery is necessary and that the correct diagnosis was initially formed.

In Conclusion

While this article contains general information about a herniated disc in the back, you should consult your physician with regard to the condition as it relates directly to you. Please also consult a physician before employing any of the treatments discussed in this article. If not properly utilized, these treatments may prove ineffective or could even further damage your spine.

About the Author: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of

herniated discs

and several other spinal conditions.

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