Herniated Disc Treatments

 Over 70% of people will have some type of back pain in their lifetime. Of these people, 25% will be diagnosed with heniated disc. The good news is that althouth herniated discs can be painful, 95% of the cases will resolve on their own within four to six weeks. The remaining 5% will be disabled more than three months.

Vertebral discs are a jelly-like substance that lay in between the vertebra or bones of the spine. Spinal discs not only act as shock absorber, they act as ligaments that hold the vertebra together and act as cartilaginous joints that allow for mobility of the spine.

Unfortunately, over time, the discs can lose their softness and elasticity. When the discs become inelastic and rigid, they are more prone to injury. Consequently, repetitive strain or accidents can cause them to rupture and leave less space for the spinal nervers. When the spinal nerves become irritated or pinched, it can cause exteme pain. MRIs have shown 30% percent of people as young as thirty have evidence of disc deterioration.

Although not all people have pain from a herniated disc, they can cause unbearable, extreme pain. Symptoms can include pain, muscle weakness, tingling and numbness, and bowel or bladder problems. In response to the symptoms, a physician will usually test sensation, muscle strength, and reflexes. If he or she suspects a disc herniation, an MRI will usually be ordered.

If a herniated disc is diagnosed, at first, treatment is usually conservative. Often a the symptoms of a herniated disc will resolve itself in time. Treatment usually consist of:

• Avoid stenuous activity
• Exercise in moderation - Exercise is important in healing a herniated disc. Research has proven that weak abdominal muscles, tight hamstring muscles, and muscle imbalances can increase the chances of back injury. Secondly, there is not alot of blood flow to the discs.
• Heat and cold applications - When you first injure your back, cold applications should be used. Cold compresses can reduce pain and inflammation. Following two to three days of cold applications, heat applications should be used. Heat applications can reduce muscle spasms and encourage the flow of blood to the damaged area.
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Traction - Traction uses the pressure of weights to bring the spine into better alignment
• Steroid medications
• Steroid epidural injections - These inject corticosteroids that reduce swelling and pain in the injured area.
• Muscle relaxants
• TENS unit
• Ultrasound - By sending sound waves and heat deep into your muscle tissues, ultrasound can increase circulation and reduce muscular pain and stiffness.
• Chiropractic therapy
• Spinal decompression therapy (Vax-D or DRX9000) Vax-D uses a computerized, split table with a pelvic harness that alternatively stretches and relaxes the lower spine and relieves pressure on the back structures. The patient lies face forward on the table with their hips attatched to the pelvic harness and their arms extended holding hand grips. The split table moves apart and gently stretches the back. While the disc is normally under positive pressure, the Vax-D creates a negative pressure or partial vacuum that enables the herniated disc to retract. If pain is experienced, the patient can let go of the hand grips at any time. The DRX9000 works in a similar fashion.
• Surgery - Although most herniated discs resolve on their own, if you're experiencing loss of bowel or bladder control, muscle weakness, or severe pain longer than four to six weeks, sometimes surgery is advised. Fortunately, there have been great strides made in back surgery. Whereas at one time, they use to cut your back open and perform a laminectomy/disectomy, nowadays, they have microsurgeries available which are less invasive. However, before I agreed to any surgery, I would get second opinions from at least one to two surgeons.

If you don't have a herniated disc, but back problems run in your family, you may wonder if there is any way to prevent a herniated disc. The answer is yes. To prevent a disc herniation, there are several things you can do. They include:

• Lose weight
• Stop smoking
• Strengthen your abdominal muscles and do back stretches
• Use proper lifting techniques
• Maintain good posture

 Like many things in life, most people don't appreciate their back until something goes wrong. Considering the pain of back problems, it is important to take care of your back. Live a healthy lifestyle. If you do have problems, use surgery as a last resort.