The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary widely depending on the severity of the herniation, which region of the spine is affected, and the patient’s overall level of health, among other factors. Just as the symptoms of the condition can vary from patient to patient, so too can the ways in which the patient is treated. Due to the fact that there is such a large spectrum of treatments for and symptoms of a herniated disc, it is essential that patients consult a physician before utilizing any techniques for managing symptoms.

An Overview of the Intervertebral Discs

In order to understand exactly what a herniated disc is, it is first necessary to know about the responsibilities and the composition of the intervertebral discs. Discs are positioned between adjacent, articulating vertebrae, which are the hollow bone segments that house and protect the spinal cord. Discs not only prevent the vertebrae from grinding against one another, but they also serve to absorb the pressure that is exerted on the neck and back when an individual moves or supports weight.

These tasks are made possible thanks to the resilient nature of the discs. The annulus fibrosus, or the outer shell of a disc, is made of several layers of cartilage and fibrous tissue that make the disc strong and durable. Within the annulus fibrosus is a jellylike substance called the nucleus pulposus, which is composed of collagen and various fibrous substances that attract water to ensure the disc is adequately hydrated. The annulus fibrosus and the nucleus pulposus work in harmony to absorb impact and ensure that force is equally distributed within the disc.

Herniated Discs Explained

The primary cause of a herniated disc is the degenerative changes that coincide with the natural aging process. Years of continuously bearing the brunt of the pressure that is placed upon the spine can understandably take its toll. As an individual approaches middle age, the annulus fibrosus begins to thin out and become brittle while the nucleus pulposus begins to dehydrate and become less gelatinous. These changes create the perfect storm for the development of a herniated disc, which occurs when the annulus fibrosus ruptures and allows the nucleus pulposus to seep into the spinal canal.

It should be noted that a herniated disc and a bulging disc, while often mistaken for one another, are actually two distinct spinal conditions. In the case of a bulging disc, the annulus fibrosus remains intact and, therefore, the nucleus pulposus stays contained. Bulging discs occur when a weakened annulus fibrosus is no longer able to keep the nucleus pulposus within its normal boundary. In turn, the disc balloons to one side, hence the name “bulging disc.”

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

The symptoms of a herniated disc almost always include localized pain because the outer third of the annulus fibrosus contains several tiny nerves and these nerves are usually affected by a rupture in a disc’s outer wall. The other common symptoms of a herniated disc are also neuropathic in nature, though they are caused by interference with the nerves that are found outside of the disc’s structure. If the excreted nucleus pulposus enters the spinal canal, it can press against a spinal nerve root and/or the spinal cord, leading to what is referred to as radiculopathy.

Patients with radiculopathic symptoms often experience pain, numbness, tingling, and/or muscle weakness in the areas of the body that are affected by the spinal nerve that is being compressed by the expelled nucleus pulposus. The exact location of these symptoms will vary depending on which region of the spine contains the affected nerve. Neural compression in the cervical spine can lead to discomfort in the neck, upper back, shoulders, arms, and/or hands. A constricted nerve in the lumbar spine can cause symptoms to appear in the lower back, hips, buttocks, legs, and/or feet. While it is not unheard of for a herniated disc to occur within the thoracic spine, this rarely occurs because of the stability and lack of flexibility in the middle back. In the event that a nerve in the thoracic spine is affected, symptoms can appear in the middle back, ribs, torso, and/or inner organs.

Treating the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

Unfortunately, there is no magical cure that will repair a rupture in the annulus fibrosus, nor is there one that will draw the nucleus pulposus back into place. Instead, the treatment of a herniated disc focuses on managing the patient’s symptoms while the body carries out the healing process. This can usually be achieved through the use of conservative, nonsurgical treatments, such as:

– Physical therapy – strengthening exercises; cryotherapy; thermotherapy; posture modification exercises; massage therapy; transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS); and other techniques

– Medication – over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen; over-the-counter analgesics like acetaminophen; narcotic pain relievers; muscle relaxants

– Lifestyle modifications – losing weight; becoming more physically active; reducing alcohol consumption; quitting smoking; and following other healthy living guidelines

Some patients choose to complement their doctor-recommend treatment regimens with alternative therapies, such as chiropractic manipulation, herbal remedies, and acupuncture, among others. Patients should inform their physicians before they begin utilizing any alternative therapies.

Surgical Treatment for Herniated Discs

In the rare chance that conservative methods prove ineffective in managing the symptoms of a herniated disc, patients may be advised to undergo surgery. Open spine surgery usually entails the complete removal of the affect disc, which is followed by the installation of a bone graft and various types of hardware that are used to fuse the adjoining vertebrae. While the affected segment of the spine is reinforced by vertebral fusion, all mobility is lost following the operation. Those who undergo open spine surgery face a long and arduous rehabilitation and may not be able to return to daily activities for several weeks or months.

In place of open spine surgery, some patients may be candidates for a minimally invasive alternative. These procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and utilize an endoscope to access the spine. The surgeon only removes the portion of the disc that is causing neural compression, usually by vaporizing the expelled nucleus pulposus with a laser. Since the entire disc is not removed, spinal fusion is not necessary and the recovery time is a fraction of that of open spine surgery. Some patients experience immediate relief following a minimally invasive procedure, though most require a few weeks of downtime before returning to daily activities.

Both open spine surgery and a minimally invasive procedure come with unique risks and benefits. Patients should thoroughly research both operations before committing to one or the other. It may also prove beneficial for patients to receive a second or third opinion to ensure surgery is necessary and that the correct diagnosis was made in the first place.

Learning More About Herniated Discs

For more information about the symptoms of a herniated disc and the various ways in which they can be relieved, please consult a primary care physician or spine specialist.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of herniated discs and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for herniated discs and several other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/herniated_disc/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of herniated discs and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Herniated Disc Symptoms