Does everyone develop shrinkage of the herniated discs?
Yes, it is important to understand is that regardless of treatment type, spontaneous shrinkage does occur to some degree in all individuals.
How should herniated discs be treated?
The first treatment for herniated discs is always non surgical. This hold true as long as there is no loss of bowel or bladder control. If a surgeon recommends surgery before trying out any other therapies, you need to get a new physician.
How long does improvement take?
Generally the pain can be moderate/severe during an acute episode of disc herniation and last anywhere from 2-10 days. The majority of individuals will improve without any aggressive treatment. In most cases, this simply means rest and pain control. Gradual decrease in pain will occur over the next two months
What are treatment options for herniated discs?.
The currently available non surgical methods to treat herniated discs include:
- use of over the counter pain medications (Advil)
- use of prescription pain medications
- use of heat packs
- use of ice packs
- application of TENS
- Wearing braces or corsets
- Hydrotherapy once the pain has subsided
- Use of ultrasound
- traction devices to help ease pain and increase range of motion
- Stretching of muscles
- Aerobic exercises
Which treatment should a patient with herniated disc undergo first?
Most individuals should undergo a trial of one or more of above treatments for at least 3-9 months before any decision about surgery is made.
When should one undergo surgery for herniated disc?
If you can help it- avoid surgery. However, sometimes there is no choice. In any case, the decision to undergo surgery is complex and needs to be thoroughly discussed with the surgeon. You need to get a surgeon who is more interested in your back than the money. Plus, the surgeon must be competent. Thirdly check out the surgeon’s experience and record. Ask to talk to his/her former patients. And most important, get to know the procedure and its possible complications. Surgery for back pain has a very poor track record of success.
What types of surgery is available for herniated disc?
The two currently available surgical options for herniated discs include:
- minimally invasive surgery (small incisions)
- decompression surgery to remove pressure off the nerve
If you have a herniated disc, the best thing to do is have a consultation with a physician who specializes in back disorders.
Remember read about the procedure and surgery is always the last option. There are no refunds when things go wrong.
Showing posts with label herniated discs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label herniated discs. Show all posts
Friday, April 3, 2009
Herniated Discs 101
What is a herniated disc?
A herniated disc is one of the most common reasons for long term disability in young people in North America. Basically, all of us have a jelly like substance in our vertebral joints. For some unknown reason (e.g. trauma, heavy lifting) this jelly-like substance leaks and impinges on the nerves which are leaving the spinal cord. When the nerves are pinched or compressed, the patient feels pain. When a herniated disc develops, it can limit how an individuals functions on a daily basis- the chief reason is because of continuous pain. The pain is a dull ache which often radiates to the back of the legs.
How is diagnosis of herniated disc made?
The diagnosis of a herniated disc can be made very easily with an MRI. However, even with a diagnosis, the treatment is somewhat difficult. There is no one type of treatment that works in everyone. Even the same treatment may not work in the future. For most patients with back pain, the treatment has to be individualized. Unfortunately, most health care professionals simply write a pain prescription, send you to a physical therapy exercise (owned by the physician), and then recommend surgery.
Who makes decision about treatment?
In general both the patient and physician should discuss the issue. However, since many patients do not know of all the options, they are at a major disadvantage. Physicians in general will recommend therapies which they know or therapies which are expensive
Can herniated discs occur in the neck?
Sure, herniated discs in the neck are common. But it is herniated discs in lower back that are frequently more disabling that those seen in the neck region.
Can the pain resolve on its own?
Definitely, if one is patient enough, pain from herniated discs will subside with time. In the majority of cases this may take anywhere from 4-6 weeks. Of course, you will need some pain medications for the first few weeks. Once the pain has diminished, one can start physical therapy.
Over time, the herniated disc will shrink and limit the compression on the nerves. Shrinkage of the herniated disc can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks. That is why it is extremely important not to undergo any surgery before this time.
A herniated disc is one of the most common reasons for long term disability in young people in North America. Basically, all of us have a jelly like substance in our vertebral joints. For some unknown reason (e.g. trauma, heavy lifting) this jelly-like substance leaks and impinges on the nerves which are leaving the spinal cord. When the nerves are pinched or compressed, the patient feels pain. When a herniated disc develops, it can limit how an individuals functions on a daily basis- the chief reason is because of continuous pain. The pain is a dull ache which often radiates to the back of the legs.
How is diagnosis of herniated disc made?
The diagnosis of a herniated disc can be made very easily with an MRI. However, even with a diagnosis, the treatment is somewhat difficult. There is no one type of treatment that works in everyone. Even the same treatment may not work in the future. For most patients with back pain, the treatment has to be individualized. Unfortunately, most health care professionals simply write a pain prescription, send you to a physical therapy exercise (owned by the physician), and then recommend surgery.
Who makes decision about treatment?
In general both the patient and physician should discuss the issue. However, since many patients do not know of all the options, they are at a major disadvantage. Physicians in general will recommend therapies which they know or therapies which are expensive
Can herniated discs occur in the neck?
Sure, herniated discs in the neck are common. But it is herniated discs in lower back that are frequently more disabling that those seen in the neck region.
Can the pain resolve on its own?
Definitely, if one is patient enough, pain from herniated discs will subside with time. In the majority of cases this may take anywhere from 4-6 weeks. Of course, you will need some pain medications for the first few weeks. Once the pain has diminished, one can start physical therapy.
Over time, the herniated disc will shrink and limit the compression on the nerves. Shrinkage of the herniated disc can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks. That is why it is extremely important not to undergo any surgery before this time.
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