If you’ve been diagnosed with a herniated disc, then you likely have a bevy of questions. Be sure to make an appointment with your physician so you can receive answers that speak specifically to you and your unique situation. That said, this article contains very general information about herniated discs.

What is a Herniated Disc?

An intervertebral disc has two main components: the annulus fibrosus and the nucleus pulposus. The annulus is incredibly durable and somewhat flexible, while the nucleus has a gel-like consistency. When pressure is placed on a disc (such as when a person walks), the annulus absorbs the impact and the nucleus spreads that impact evenly in all directions. In the case of a herniated disc, a weakened annulus ruptures and allows some of the nucleus to seep out. When the nucleus enters the spinal canal, it can press against a spinal nerve root or even the spinal cord itself, causing a great deal of pain and discomfort.

What Causes a Herniated Disc?

In most cases, the cause of a herniated disc is nothing more than the natural aging process. The intervertebral discs are constantly absorbing impact, so it’s really no wonder that they would eventually succumb to wear and tear. By the time an individual reaches middle age, the annuli have hardened and lost elasticity and the nuclei have lost water content. These degenerative changes make the discs prone to herniating.

How is a Herniated Disc Treated?

More often than not, patients are able to relieve their pain and discomfort through the use of conservative treatments. This could include any combination of the following:

– Over-the-counter medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen) and analgesics (acetaminophen) to reduce inflammation and relieve pain

– Physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the muscles in the neck and back

– Hot/cold therapy to relieve tension and reduce inflammation, respectively

– Lifestyle changes (i.e. losing weight, becoming more physically active, quitting smoking) to achieve an overall better level of health

– Massage therapy to relieve any muscle tension that might be contributing to neural compression

– Alternative therapies such as chiropractic manipulation and acupuncture

These treatments rarely prove ineffective, but when they do, a patient may need to consider undergoing an operation to decompress the affected neural structure. Before consenting to an operation, patients would be well served to consult with at least one other physician to ensure that they are, in fact, suffering from a herniated disc and that they do indeed require surgical treatment.

Patients may also want to ask their physicians if they’re candidates for minimally invasive procedures as alternatives to open back surgery. These procedures are performed endoscopically, on an outpatient basis, and require less rehabilitation than traditional spine surgery. Most patients are able to resume their day-to-day activities within a matter of weeks and some even experience immediate relief. But, like all operations, minimally invasive procedures come with certain risks, and patients should be 100 percent comfortable exposing themselves to such risks before they consent to undergoing the procedure.

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 a herniated disc 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 a herniated disc. 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 a herniated disc and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Herniated Disc