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A
constant pain in the lower back and uncontrollable
weakness in the legs or feet is a common symptom for
people who suffer from a herniated (bulging) disc.
Although the symptoms can be different, the cause
is often the same -- a disk in the spine has herniated,
and is exerting pressure on a nerve root.
What
is a Herniated Disc?
Herniate means to bulge or stick out. Discs are defined
as the soft cushions between the bones of the spine.
A herniated disc is a displaced fragment of nucleus
that is pushed through a tear in the outer layer of
the disc (annulus). Often when a disc is herniated,
it is in the early stages of degeneration or in a
declining phase from its normal state. Herniated discs
are common in the lumbar spine, a part of the backbone
that is between the bottom of the ribs and hips.
What
Causes it?
Activity,
stress or mechanical problems often cause herniated
discs. A herniated disc may even be caused by a single
excessive strain. The compression and sharp pain a
person feels down the leg because of the slipped disk,
is called sciatica.
Treatment
Options
Initial treatment for a herniated disc is conservative
or non-operative, and usually involves resting the
lower back area, maintaining a comfortable posture
and allowing only minimal activity for a few days
or up to several weeks. This resting period results
in relief from any spinal nerve inflammation. Non-steroidal
and anti-inflammatory medication such as Motrin, Advil
or Nuprin, may be offered to patients. More activity
is often permissible after the pain medication is
taken for at least two days. In addition, physical
therapy may be beneficial under the guidance of a
physical therapist. Physical therapy remedies may
include traction, ultrasound and electrical muscle
stimulation.
A
main goal of treatment is to decrease the amount of
muscle spasm a patient is experiencing. When pain
is severe, difficult to cure through conservative
treatment and involves nerve damage, a neurological
surgeon may be called in to remove the disc material
using procedures such as a discectomy (surgical removal
of the disc) or laminotomy (surgical division of a
vertebral lamina). When the disc is removed, the pressure
on the nerve should disappear, which may relieve pain
and permanently restore any lost muscle function.
After a laminotomy or discectomy, 80 to 85 percent
of patients do extremely well and are able to return
to normal everyday activities in about six weeks time.
However, the majority of people who suffer from disc
herniation, (90 percent), do not require surgical
treatment.
Who
Does it Affect?
People
who are 30 to 40 years of age are most commonly affected
by herniated discs. Research shows that a predisposition
for slipped discs may occur in families, often affecting
several members. Recovery Period Most people suffering
from a herniated disc can recover in about four weeks,
or sometimes longer. If patients experience numbness
or pain after four to six weeks, it makes sense to
consult their doctor. Surgery may be needed to relieve
the pain.
To learn about the American Association of Neurological Surgeons
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