A herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc, is a painful back condition. Your spine is made up of vertebrae cushioned by small pads or discs of cartilage. The discs consist of an outer layer called the annulus and a soft inner layer called the nucleus. When a small amount of the nucleus leaks out from a tear in the annulus, it can cause irritation to nerves and result in weakness, numbness and pain in the back, leg or arm.
Treatments
Modifying your activity can help herniated disc pain. Avoid activities that can aggravate your back such as improper lifting or bending. You should exercise, but do so in a way to help strengthen back muscles. Stretching exercises and yoga are low impact, but still provide physical activity to help maintain fitness and reduce stiffness.
A physical therapist can show you different exercise routines to help strengthen back muscles. She can also use traction, ultrasound and electrical stimulation in order to reduce pain. When pain begins to improve, she can show you maximize your exercise regimen and protect your back from any future injuries.
Apply ice packs to the back to reduce swelling, but no longer than 20 minutes at a time. A heating pad can help later on to reduce stiffness in the back.
Severe back pain may need one or two days of bed rest, but any longer than that can inhibit recovery.
Medications
Pain relievers such as Tylenol or Motrin can help with pain relief. Steroid injections into the back where the herniated disc is located are sometimes given to reduce inflammation and help relieve pain. Only three shots can be given a year as steroids have severe side effects.
Surgery
When conservative treatment doesn't work, surgery may be required in order to relieve the pain. The most common surgery for a herniated disc is called microdiskectomy. This surgery involves cutting away part of the vertebrae in order to get to the herniated disc and the compressed nerves. The herniated portion of the disc is removed as well as any other pieces of bone that may be compressing the nerve. Full recovery can range from two to six weeks.
Other Therapies
Acupuncture may provide short-term pain relief. Chiropractic manipulation of the spine may help lower back pain. Consult your doctor first before using this type of therapy. Massage can help loosen and relax tightened muscles. Practicing yoga with stretching and breathing exercises can reduce herniated disc symptoms.
Tags: herniated disc, activity help, back muscles, back pain, help strengthen