Discs are small circular, compressible cushions between the vertebral bones in the spinal column. They act as cushions for the vertebrae. A herniated disc bulges from its proper place, putting pressure on spinal nerves. This is most common in the lower spine.
A herniated disc is caused by reduced water content, which results in flattening and less cushioning. It can also be the result of trauma.
Could you have a Herniated Disc? Please call TriStar MedLine® at (615) 342-1919 to make an appointment with one of our specialists.
Herniated Disc Risk Factors
A herniated disc is generally associated with normal aging. It is more common in people after age 30 years of age. Other factors that may increase your chance of a herniated disc include:
- Trauma from a fall, accident, or sudden twisting
- Strain on the back - either repeated or sudden, as from lifting a heavy weight
- Certain jobs that require heavy lifting
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Diabetes
Herniated Disc Symptoms
A herniated disc may cause:
- Pain
- May be sharp, dull, piercing, aching, burning, or throbbing, depending on the disc and size of herniation
- May spread over the back, buttocks, down the back of one thigh, and into the calf
- May be in one leg or both legs
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, feet, or in one or both arms
- In severe cases, inability to find comfort even lying down
- Sudden aching or twisted neck that cannot be straightened without severe pain
- Cauda equina syndrome - involves bowel or bladder changes and/or numbness in the groin
- Note: This is an emergency, call 911 right away.
Herniated Disc Treatment
Staying active may be better than bed rest. Treatments may include:
Physical Therapy
The following therapies may be used:
- Back or neck massage and physical therapy to:
- Relax the neck or back muscles
- Decrease pain
- Increase strength and mobility
- Back and abdominal exercises
- Hot or cold packs to reduce pain and muscle spasms
- Chiropractic care
- Using weights and pulleys to relieve pressure on the discs and keep you from moving around
- A neck collar or brace for a herniated disc in the neck to relieve muscle spasms
Medications
Your doctor may advise:
- Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers
- Muscle relaxants to reduce muscle spasms
Interventional Spine Care
Interventional spine care treatments may include:
- Steroid injections into the area around the nerve and disc to reduce pain and inflammation; the injections are used if other medications do not work
- Minimally invasive procedures may include:
- Nucleoplasty
- Intradiscal electrothermy (IDET)
- Chemonucleolysis
Surgery
Surgery may be used for people who fail to respond to other treatments. Immediate surgery is necessary for cauda equina syndrome. Options include:
- Laminectomy - removal of some of the bone over the spine and of the problem disc
- Microdiscectomy - removal of fragments of herniated disc through a small incision; this procedure is also known as intervertebral discectomy
- Spinal fusion - fusing of vertebrae together with bone grafts or metal rods; this is rarely done for first-time disc problems
Concerned about a Herniated Disc? Please call TriStar MedLine® at (615) 342-1919 to make an appointment with one of our specialists.