An Overview for the Patient with a Herniated Disc
Many people often fear a herniated disc when they begin to experience uncharacteristic back pain. However, it is actually very rarely that people suffering from a herniated disc experience back pain. The pain is often related to nerves pinched by the swollen disc rather than by the injury itself.
What is a disc? The vertebrae of the spine are cushioned by discs, made of cartilage like material with a liquid center. These discs act as shock absorbers for the spine, protecting the vertebrae from jarring or direct impact.
What is a herniated disc? A herniated disc is the name given to a number of similar conditions resulting in a ruptured or swollen disc. This condition may also be called sciatica, torn disc, or ruptured disc. Sciatica actually refers to the shooting pain that can result from the pinching of nerves by the swollen disc. A ruptured or collapsed disc is when the liquid center of the disc is collapsed. A herniated disc is when the disc tears and the liquid center of the disc expands, placing pressure on nerves in the spine.
What causes a herniated disc? A herniated disc is typically caused by a back injury. This injury can be a fall or a blow to the back. The condition can also be caused by repeated activity such as lifting with the back instead of the legs, or constant twisting motions. Sports related injuries and injuries on construction sites and in warehouses are the most common causes of a herniated disc.
Does a herniated disc require surgery? This is the most common fear among patients of a herniated disc. In actuality, only about ten percent of cases do not improve within four to six weeks. Of this ten percent, only half of patients with an unimproved herniated disc require surgery. Surgery on the spine is a last resort and is not considered by most doctors until all other treatments have failed.
What treatment might a doctor prescribe for a herniated disc? Your doctor may recommend physical therapy. The goal of this treatment is to ease the swelling and pain in your back while also promoting healing. During physical therapy you will also learn exercises to strengthen your back and reduce your risk of further injury.
What can I do for pain from a herniated disc? If you have severe pain due to pinched nerves, your doctor may prescribe prescription medications to relieve your pain. However, many of the prescription medications that your doctor will prescribe can be found over the counter in small doses. In extreme cases your doctor may prescribe narcotic pain medication, which can be addictive and have other side effects.
How can I prevent another herniated disc? It is true that people who have had a herniated disc are at greater risk of the condition in the future. However, there are many things that you can do to prevent another episode. Correcting poor lifting habits, doing back strengthening exercises, and simply being more careful can greatly decrease your risk of getting another herniated disc.
Source: http://www.positivearticles.com/blog