A herniated disc is a spinal condition that affects the intervertebral discs, or the fibrocartilaginous pads that are responsible for absorbing impact in the neck and back. The condition is most likely to occur in the cervical spine in the neck and the lumbar spine in the lower back, as these regions of the spine support more weight and are more flexible than the relatively stable thoracic region in the middle back. Those who have been diagnosed with a herniated disc may benefit from learning more about the condition and the various ways in which it is treated.

An Overview of Herniated Discs

An intervertebral disc is located between each of the articulating vertebrae (the bone structures that house the spinal cord) in the neck and back. The discs are tasked with providing cushioning to their adjoining vertebrae and ensuring the pressure that is applied to the spine is evenly dispersed. These responsibilities are made possible due to the way in which the discs are structured. A durable outer shell, called the annulus fibrosus, is tough yet flexible, allowing the discs to conform to the pressure that is placed on them. A disc’s inner content, called the nucleus pulposus, has a gelatinous consistency that allows the discs to distribute pressure evenly in all directions.

In healthy discs, the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus work harmoniously to ensure the vertebrae and other spinal components are not overworked. Unhealthy discs, however, can impact the stability and functionality of the entire spine and are also susceptible to becoming herniated. This occurs when the annulus fibrosus becomes weak and brittle, oftentimes leading to the development of a tear or rupture in the disc’s wall. The nucleus pulposus is then able to seep through the ruptured annulus fibrosus and enter into the spinal column. It is the expulsion of inner disc material through a tear in a disc wall that defines a herniated disc.

Symptoms of Herniated Discs

The outer third of a disc’s annulus fibrosus is innervated by the sinuvertebral nerve. When a disc rupture affects the outer third of the disc, the sinuvertebral nerve can become irritated and patients can experience what is called discogenic pain. This type of pain is experienced locally, at the site of the herniated disc. Additionally, the nucleus pulposus contains inflammation-inducing biochemicals that can irritate the nerves it comes into contact with. When the extruded nuclear material comes into contact with a nearby spinal nerve or nerve root, the patient may experience what is called chemical radiculopathy, which causes symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness along the length of the affected nerve. As a result, patients can experience the symptoms of chemical radiculopathy in the areas of the body that are innervated by the affected nerve, as follows:

– Neural compression in the cervical spine can cause radiculopathic symptoms to appear in the neck, upper back, shoulders, arms, and/or hands.

– A pinched nerve in the thoracic spine can lead to discomfort in the middle back, torso, ribs, and/or inner organs.

– If a nerve in the lumbar spine is affected, patients may experience symptoms in the lower back, hips, buttocks, legs, and/or feet.

Treating a Herniated Disc

Many patients who suffer from a herniated disc are able to relieve their symptoms through the use of conservative, nonsurgical treatments. Perhaps one of the most effective of these conservative treatments is the use of over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen or ibuprofen. This type of medication blocks the body’s production of the COX-1 and/or COX-2 enzymes, which are an integral part of the body’s inflammatory response. By preventing the creation of these enzymes, NSAIDs can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Some patients – especially those with cardiovascular or gastrointestinal conditions – may be unable to take NSAIDs. Instead, these patients may be advised to take over-the-counter analgesics like acetaminophen. Occasionally, some patients may be prescribed narcotic pain relievers or muscle relaxants, but these medications are typically reserved for those who are in severe or debilitating pain.

The symptoms of a herniated disc may also subside with the use of cryotherapy and thermotherapy. In the most simple of terms, cryotherapy involves the application of ice while thermotherapy entails the use of a heating element. Cryotherapy can not only help to relieve pain by numbing the affected area, but it can also help to reduce inflammation. Thermotherapy can be used to relieve tense muscles and muscle spasms, which the body may produce in an effort to stabilize the area surrounding the herniated disc. Both muscle tension and muscle spasms can contribute to or even cause neural compression, which can be relieved through the use of thermotherapy.

Some patients may be advised to make certain lifestyle changes in order to receive optimal treatment for their herniated disc. This is especially true of overweight individuals, who are subjecting their neck and back to undue strain. Shedding excess pounds can not only reduce the burden that is being placed on the intervertebral discs and other anatomical components of the spine, but it may also help in relieving neural compression. Other lifestyle changes that may help to relieve the symptoms of a herniated disc include:

– Quitting smoking

– Reducing alcohol consumption

– Becoming more physically active

– Following a well-balanced diet

– Avoiding high-impact sports, such as gymnastics and football

Alternative therapies are sometimes utilized to complement the patient’s doctor-recommended conservative treatments. Some popular options include herbal supplements, acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation, deep tissue massage, and restorative yoga, among others. Patients should be sure to inform their physicians of all alternative therapies they intend to integrate into their treatment regimen.

Herniated Disc Surgery

Some patients may not find relief from the use of conservative, nonsurgical treatments. Many physicians will advise these patients to undergo open spine surgery to remove the affected disc and fuse the adjoining vertebrae together. While this may help to relieve the symptoms of a herniated disc, these highly invasive procedures also limit mobility in the affected area of the spine, require a lengthy hospitalization, and necessitate an arduous rehabilitation.

In lieu of open spine surgery, some patients may be candidates for a minimally invasive spine procedure. These procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and utilize an endoscope to access the patient’s herniated disc. The surgeon only removes the portion of the disc that is causing neural compression, preventing the need for spinal fusion. This can also drastically reduce the patient’s recovery time, allowing many patients to return to daily activities within a matter of weeks.

Those who have been advised to undergo open spine surgery for a herniated disc may want to ask their physicians if they are a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure. Before undergoing either type of operation, patients should fully research all risks and benefits and be 100 percent confident in their decision. It may also prove worthwhile for patients to receive a second or third opinion to ensure the correct diagnosis was made and that all nonsurgical treatments have already been utilized.

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