How to Treat a Herniated or Slipped Disc
Herniated Disc
A herniated disk (also referred to as a slipped disk) is a problem associated with one of the cushions that sit between the bones of the vertebrae that make up the spine. A spinal disk is a kind of cushiony bumper that works to protect your spinal cord. A disk has a tough outer layer as well as a jelly-like center, and your spine has a number of them in order to help it remain movable and flexible. Backs take a lot of beating and they have to withstand an incredible amount of everyday wear and tear. Disks help your spine to withstand that activity and pressure. However, if a disk becomes compromised, as when a herniation develops, a number of complications can occur.
Disk herniation is characterized by its protrusion between vertebrae, subsequently putting undue pressure on a nerve. The symptoms that can be associated with a herniated disk include pain or numbness in the arms or legs. Not everyone who has a slipped disk will experience pain. However, it's important to note that a slipped or herniated disk can cause serious health problems over and above pain, including weakness, numbness or tingling, or even bowl or bladder dysfunction. Here are some of the most common treatments that spinal surgeons in Milburn use to alleviate a herniated disk.
For mild symptoms
Of course, the first step in dealing with a possible herniated disk is to seek medical attention. Spinal surgeons and other qualified healthcare providers will perform tests such as MRIs in order to assess and make a proper diagnosis. If you've been diagnosed with a herniated or slipped disk, your doctor will likely begin a course of treatment if you are experiencing pain or other symptoms. Physical therapy can alleviate the pain of herniated disks in some patients, and this is generally one of the first methods your healthcare provider will use to relieve any pain you might be experiencing. Over-the-counter pain medications such as NSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs) may also be added into your course of conservative treatment in order to help reduce inflammation that can occur in and round the disk. Your spinal surgeon or family physician may also recommend a course of stretching and gentle exercises that will help to strengthen the back and aid in supporting it properly. Additionally, cold or heat therapy, electrical stimulation, or traction may be recommended.
For severe symptoms
If your conservative course of treatment is not sufficient for relieving your pain and other associated herniated disk symptoms, your spinal surgeon or other qualified healthcare provider may recommend other medical treatments such as prescription medications. If over-the-counter pain medications are not working to alleviate your pain, there are prescription strengths that can be effective. If these treatments are still not sufficient for relief, a nerve block may be recommended. A nerve block typically is used as a temporary form of relief that can last for a period from a few weeks up to several months. This type of therapy sometimes requires ongoing administration for ongoing relief.
If a course of treatment that involves some or even all of the above is used and pain still does not relent, a spinal surgeon may recommend surgery. Two of the most common types of surgical procedure used in this case are Endoscopic diskectomy and decompression surgery. Endoscopic diskectomy in NJ is a minimally invasive surgery in which a small incision is made in the back which permits the surgeon to use suction or small instruments to evacuate any leakage that is occurring from the disk. A small camera is used in this surgery that allows a spinal surgeon to view the area during the procedure. In decompression surgery, two options are available. With diskectomy, a larger incision is made and a portion of the disk is removed. With microdiskectomy, a smaller incision is made which allows the surgeon to perform the procedure while viewing through a microscope in order to remove damaged parts of the disk.
A herniated disk doesn't always come with associated pain. In fact, many people live considerably normal lives with a herniated disk, and sometimes conservative treatment is all that's needed. However, some patients require medical treatment to alleviate the pain of a herniated disk, and they may even need a surgical procedure to treat the disk. If you're someone who suffers from chronic back pain, especially if you're experiencing associated numbness, tingling, or weakness, contact a spinal surgeon to schedule a consultation before your pain worsens.
Disk herniation is characterized by its protrusion between vertebrae, subsequently putting undue pressure on a nerve. The symptoms that can be associated with a herniated disk include pain or numbness in the arms or legs. Not everyone who has a slipped disk will experience pain. However, it's important to note that a slipped or herniated disk can cause serious health problems over and above pain, including weakness, numbness or tingling, or even bowl or bladder dysfunction. Here are some of the most common treatments that spinal surgeons in Milburn use to alleviate a herniated disk.
For mild symptoms
Of course, the first step in dealing with a possible herniated disk is to seek medical attention. Spinal surgeons and other qualified healthcare providers will perform tests such as MRIs in order to assess and make a proper diagnosis. If you've been diagnosed with a herniated or slipped disk, your doctor will likely begin a course of treatment if you are experiencing pain or other symptoms. Physical therapy can alleviate the pain of herniated disks in some patients, and this is generally one of the first methods your healthcare provider will use to relieve any pain you might be experiencing. Over-the-counter pain medications such as NSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs) may also be added into your course of conservative treatment in order to help reduce inflammation that can occur in and round the disk. Your spinal surgeon or family physician may also recommend a course of stretching and gentle exercises that will help to strengthen the back and aid in supporting it properly. Additionally, cold or heat therapy, electrical stimulation, or traction may be recommended.
For severe symptoms
If your conservative course of treatment is not sufficient for relieving your pain and other associated herniated disk symptoms, your spinal surgeon or other qualified healthcare provider may recommend other medical treatments such as prescription medications. If over-the-counter pain medications are not working to alleviate your pain, there are prescription strengths that can be effective. If these treatments are still not sufficient for relief, a nerve block may be recommended. A nerve block typically is used as a temporary form of relief that can last for a period from a few weeks up to several months. This type of therapy sometimes requires ongoing administration for ongoing relief.
If a course of treatment that involves some or even all of the above is used and pain still does not relent, a spinal surgeon may recommend surgery. Two of the most common types of surgical procedure used in this case are Endoscopic diskectomy and decompression surgery. Endoscopic diskectomy in NJ is a minimally invasive surgery in which a small incision is made in the back which permits the surgeon to use suction or small instruments to evacuate any leakage that is occurring from the disk. A small camera is used in this surgery that allows a spinal surgeon to view the area during the procedure. In decompression surgery, two options are available. With diskectomy, a larger incision is made and a portion of the disk is removed. With microdiskectomy, a smaller incision is made which allows the surgeon to perform the procedure while viewing through a microscope in order to remove damaged parts of the disk.
A herniated disk doesn't always come with associated pain. In fact, many people live considerably normal lives with a herniated disk, and sometimes conservative treatment is all that's needed. However, some patients require medical treatment to alleviate the pain of a herniated disk, and they may even need a surgical procedure to treat the disk. If you're someone who suffers from chronic back pain, especially if you're experiencing associated numbness, tingling, or weakness, contact a spinal surgeon to schedule a consultation before your pain worsens.