|
Non-Surgical Treatment
Most patients with a lumbar herniated disc do not need surgery! Initially, the
doctor may recommend some bed rest, cold therapy, and medications. Bed rest
takes the pressure off nerves in the low back. During the first 24 to 48 hours
cold therapy helps to reduce swelling, muscle spasm, and pain by reducing blood
flow. Never apply cold or ice directly to skin; instead wrap the ice pack or
cold product in a towel and apply for no longer than 15 minutes.
Medications may include an anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling, a muscle relaxant
to calm spasm, and a pain-killer (narcotic) to alleviate intense but short-lived
pain (acute pain). Mild to moderate pain may be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs). These work by relieving both swelling and pain. Discuss NSAID
use with your physician first.
Usually, after the first 48 hours, heat therapy can be applied. Heat increases
blood flow to warm and relax soft tissues. Increased blood flow helps to flush
away irritating toxins that may accumulate in tissues as a result of muscle
spasm and disc injury. Never apply heat directly to skin; instead, wrap the
heat source in a thick towel for no longer than 20 minutes.
If leg pain is severe, or leg weakness is developing, the doctor may prescribe
an epidural injection. An epidural is an injection of anti-inflammatory medication
into the space near the affected nerves. You should discuss this option with
your doctor and ask about potential side effects before beginning this treatment.
The doctor may recommend physical therapy. The doctor's orders are transmitted
to the physical therapist by prescription. Physical therapy includes a combination
of non-surgical treatments to decrease pain and increase flexibility. Ice and
heat therapy, gentle massage, stretching, and pelvic traction are some examples.
In four to six weeks, the majority of patients find their symptoms are relieved
without surgery! Be optimistic about your treatment plan and remember that less
than 5% of all back problems require surgery!
Surgical Treatment
Spine surgery is considered if non-surgical treatment does not relieve symptoms.
Constant pain, leg weakness, or loss of function requires further evaluation.
Rarely, does a lumbar herniated disc cause bowel/bladder incontinence or groin/genital
numbness, which requires immediate medical attention. If surgery is recommended,
always ask the purpose of the operation and what results you can expect. Never
be afraid to obtain a second opinion.
To relieve nerve pressure and leg pain, surgery usually involves a partial disc
removal or discectomy. In addition, the surgeon may need to access the herniated
disc by removing a portion of the bone covering the nerve. This procedure is
called a laminotomy. Fortunately, these procedures can often be done utilizing
minimally invasive techniques. Minimally invasive surgery does not require large
incisions, but instead uses small cuts and tiny specialized instruments and
devices such as a microscope and endoscope during the operation.
Prevention
Aging is inevitable, but lifestyle changes can help prevent lumbar disc disease.
Risk factors include poor posture and body mechanics, weak abdominal muscles,
smoking, and obesity. Start now to adopt habits that will help preserve your
spine for the future.
Continue this article...
|
