Herniated Disc Treatment: Disc herniation is among the most frequent causes of sciatica and back pain. A herniated disc refers the nucleus pulposus (HNP) or (gel-substance) breaks through the anulus fibrosus (exterior outer tire like shell) of an intervertebral disc (spinal shock absorber).

Recognizing Disc Herniation:

The back consists of several bones vertebrae. Every one one of these bones is padded by a disc, which absorbs shock and enables flexibility. An opening can form and the soft center of the spinal disc comes out. This can irritate the nerves and spinal cord which causes back pain, numbness, weakness, and arm or leg pain. This injury happens most often in the lower back or the cervical spine. Disc herniation causes:

• Natural wear and tear.
  Disc herniation is often the result of a gradual, aging-related wear and tear called disc degeneration. As one ages, the spinal discs lose some of their water content. This makes them less flexible and more prone to tear or rupture with even a minor strain or twist.
• Spinal injury
  An injury to the spine can lead to cracks in the outer layer of the disc, which can open the structure.
• Lifting heavy items
  Using the back muscles instead of the leg and thigh muscles to lift large, heavy objects can lead to a herniated disc, as can twisting and turning while lifting. It’s most common in the lumbar spinal column, or lower spine.
• Weight: Excess body weight causes extra stress on the discs in your lower back.
• Occupation: People with physically demanding jobs have a greater risk of back problems. Repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, bending sideways and twisting also may increase your risk of a herniated disc.
• Genetics: Some people inherit a predisposition to developing a herniated disc.

Most people cannot pinpoint the exact cause of the herniated disc.

Sometimes although rare, a traumatic event i.e. a fall or a blow to the back can cause a herniated disc.

Symptoms:

Most herniated discs occur in the lower back (lumbar spine), but can also occur in the neck (cervical spine). The most common signs and symptoms of a herniated disc are:

Arm or leg pain: If the herniated disc is in the lower back, one will typically feel the most intense pain in the buttocks, thigh and calf. It may also involve part of the foot. If the herniated disc is in the neck, the pain will typically be most intense in the shoulder and arm. This pain may shoot into the arm or leg when coughing, sneezing or when moving the spine into certain positions.

Numbness or tingling: People who have a herniated disc will often experience numbness or tingling in the part of the body that serves the affected nerves.

Weakness: Muscles that serve the affected nerves tend to weaken. This can cause stumbling, or impair the ability to lift or hold items.

One can also have a herniated disc without knowing it. Herniated discs sometimes show up on spinal images of people who have no symptoms of a disc problem.

Complications

The spinal cord does not extend into the lower portion of the spinal canal. Just below the waist, the spinal cord separates into a group of long nerve roots (cauda equina) that resemble the tail of a horse. Sometimes, however rarely disc herniation can compress the entire cauda equina. Emergency surgery may be required to avoid permanent weakness or paralysis.

It’s time to seek emergency medical attention when:

• Worsening symptoms: Pain, numbness or weakness may increase to the point that daily activities cannot be done.
• Bladder or bowel dysfunction: People who have cauda equina syndrome may become incontinent or have difficulty urinating even with a full bladder.
• Saddle anesthesia: A progressive loss of sensation that affects the areas that would touch a saddle i.e. the inner thighs, back of legs and around the rectum.

Diagnosis:

To determine if a herniated disc is causing these symptoms, our therapists will start with a physical exam. They will discuss the current symptoms, evaluate the spine for tenderness and pain. After that the legs are placed into various positions, that can offer insight into what is happening with the spine. If necessary an MRI can be ordered to confirm the location of the herniated disc and create a baseline image before therapy. This is to identify which nerves are involved, start therapy, track progress and recovery after treatment.

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Prevention

To help in the prevention a herniated disc treatment:

• Exercise: Strengthening the core muscles helps in stability and support of the spine.
• Maintain good posture: Proper posture reduces the pressure on the spine and discs. Keep the back straight and aligned, particularly when sitting for long periods. Lift heavy objects properly, use your legs and not your back to do the heavy lifting work.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts more pressure on the spine and discs, which makes them more susceptible to herniation.

Home Herniated Disc Treatment:

Home remedies for disc herniation can be effective in relieving pain. Included are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Also is the application of heat and ice. Alternating heat and ice is very effective for pain relief for many people. Modifying physical activity is also important. This includes avoidance of activities that aggravate pain and may worsen the nerve impingement. Complete inactivity is unnecessary as they hinder recovery and no movement is not advised.

Chiropractic Care: Herniated Disc Treatment