Herniated disc treatment regimens should be developed on a patient-to-patient basis due to the condition’s wide array of causes and symptoms. Those who have been diagnosed with a herniated disc should consult their primary care physician or a spine specialist to receive a treatment plan that caters to their specific needs. That said, there are several basic categories to which herniated disc treatment techniques can belong, including various medicinal options, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications, as well as surgery.

A Brief Overview of Herniated Discs

Simply stated, a herniated disc occurs when the outer wall of an intervertebral disc ruptures and allows its inner contents to escape. Discs, or the sponge-like pads that separate adjacent vertebrae, are tasked with absorbing the brunt of the force that is applied to the neck and back when an individual moves. Discs are also responsible for easing the weight burden that is placed on the spine by an individual’s own body. Over time, the discs will wear down because of the hard work they’ve continuously performed for the spine. This can cause them to eventually begin to deteriorate and become hard, brittle, and dehydrated, in turn making them susceptible to herniation.

Interestingly, the expulsion of inner disc material may not cause any symptoms. Many patients only experience the pain and discomfort that is associated with the condition when it leads to the compression of a nearby spinal nerve. When this occurs, symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, and/or muscle weakness may be felt in the hips, shoulders, and/or extremities.

Developing a Treatment Regimen

As previously mentioned, effective herniated disc treatment requires the development of a plan that takes the patient’s specific needs into consideration. The following factors can affect which techniques may or may not be recommended for a particular patient:

– Age

– History of injury to the neck or back

– Overall level of health

– Family medical history, especially pertaining to spinal health

– Severity of symptoms

– Duration of symptoms

– Location of the herniated disc (i.e. cervical versus lumbar spine)

– And others

As a general rule, most physicians will initially suggest a conservative, nonsurgical treatment regimen that has been specifically developed for the patient. It is usually only after these techniques prove insufficient that surgery will be recommended.

Medicinal Treatment for a Herniated Disc

A number of medications can be utilized to manage the symptoms of a herniated disc. Many patients are advised to take over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. However, those with cardiovascular or gastrointestinal conditions may be unable to take NSAIDs and may instead be advised to take an over-the-counter analgesic like acetaminophen. If over-the-counter medication proves ineffective, or if a patient’s pain is particularly severe or debilitating, the physician may prescribe narcotic pain relievers or muscle relaxants.

Physical Therapy

A herniated disc treatment regimen may also include physical therapy. Many patients can benefit from strengthening the muscles and ligaments in their necks, backs, and abdomen, which in turn can provide the spine with the added support that it needs. Physical therapy can also include other treatment methods, including:

– Cryotherapy – Also referred to as cold therapy, this treatment entails using an ice pack, ice bath, or other cold element to numb pain and reduce inflammation.

– Thermotherapy – Another name for heat therapy, thermotherapy involves applying heat to the neck or back to increase blood flow to the affected area of the spine, thereby supplementing the healing process.

– Massage therapy – This technique serves to relieve tension in the muscles and ligaments in the neck and back and may help to reduce the pressure that is being placed on the compressed nerve.

Lifestyle Modifications

This category of herniated disc treatment often produces the greatest results in terms of relieving and managing a patient’s symptoms. It is also perhaps the category of treatment that requires the most personalization, making it essential that all patients consult their physicians before incorporating any lifestyle modifications into their treatment regimen.

For those who are overweight, shedding excess pounds may significantly relieve the pain and discomfort that are associated with a herniated disc. With less weight to support, the intervertebral discs won’t have to work as hard to support the spine and the pressure that is being applied to the compressed nerve may be reduced. Patients should only embark on a weight loss plan after consulting their physician to ensure they are healthy enough to exercise and to make sure their diet provides optimal nutrition.

Other lifestyle modifications that can prove beneficial for individuals with a herniated disc include:

– Quitting smoking

– Reducing alcohol consumption

– Becoming more physically active

– Using proper body mechanics when lifting, standing, and sitting

– Avoiding high-impact sports like football, hockey, and gymnastics

Surgical Treatment for a Herniated Disc

The majority of those with a herniated disc will find adequate relief from the use of one or more conservative treatment methods. However, a small percentage of patients may require surgery if conservative methods prove ineffective after several weeks or months. An open spine surgery with spinal fusion is traditionally recommended for these patients, though some may be candidates for a minimally invasive alternative.

Open Spine Surgeries

An open spine operation is typically performed through a large incision in the patient’s neck, throat, back, or abdomen. In most cases, the surgeon will remove the patient’s herniated disc in its entirety before replacing it with a vertebral cage, bone graft material, and various types of hardware. This serves to fuse the affected vertebral segment together, thus eliminating the patient’s mobility in that particular region of the spine. Open spine surgery is considered a major operation and many patients face a long and arduous rehabilitation. Patients are also at risk for developing failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), which is the continuation or worsening of symptoms following surgery.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

An endoscopic procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, through an incision that is approximately one inch long. To gain access to the spine, the surgeon gently inserts a series of tubes, each slightly larger than the one before. Surgical tools, including a small camera, are then funneled through the incision. Once all tools are in place, the surgeon will remove only the portion of the herniated disc material that is causing neural compression, usually by vaporizing it with a laser. Unlike an open spine surgery, an endoscopic procedure typically only requires a few weeks of rest and rehabilitation before the patient is able to return to daily activities, and some patients even experience immediate relief.

In Conclusion

There are many different herniated disc treatment options that can be utilized to alleviate the condition’s uncomfortable symptoms. Individuals who are suffering from a herniated disc – or any other spinal condition – should consult a physician before embarking on any independent course of treatment. If nonsurgical methods fail to provide adequate relief, patients would be best served to seek a second or even a third opinion before consenting to surgery. To learn more about herniated discs and the various ways in which they are treated, speak with a 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 Treatment