Back pain is one of the most common complaints about people of all ages. The human spine is made up of interlocking bones called vertebrae that form the spinal column. Between each vertebra is an intervertebral disc that prevents friction between bones. The discs are integral for everyday movement as they act as shock absorbers but can become damaged over time due to wear and tear, spinal nerve damage, lumbar disc rupture, damaged nerve roots, smoking, sciatica, degeneration, aging, or trauma. Disc injuries occur when soft tissues become damaged or ruptured. Among the many spinal injuries, the two most frequent disc injuries are the disc bulge and herniated disk. A bulging disc usually forms as people grow older as the disc loses shape, though it remains intact.
The bulge causes friction because the disc no longer uniformly cushions the vertebra as it encroaches spinal cord spaces. While a herniated disc is similar to a bulge, the disc shape is no longer intact because of a tear of the spinal disc’s rigid outer wall, resulting in a leak of the nucleus pulposus. The herniation, or slipped disc, refers specifically to the breach of the wall, or outer ring, surrounding the inner-disc gel (disc material). Patients who experience spinal symptoms should seek medical advice from a New York Spine Specialist to learn more.
Over time, numerous non-surgical treatment options were developed for the treatment of herniated discs. Specific treatment depends upon the severity of the condition, age of the patient, and available range of motion. To determine whether a herniated disc causes a patient’s back complaint, doctors consider these symptoms:
- Recent trauma (car accident, sports injury, slip and fall)
- Advanced age of the patient
- Inhibited reflexes
- Numbness or tingling
- Sharp or burning sensations
- Difficulty bending, reaching, or lifting
- The trouble with sitting, standing or walking
- Insomnia
- Limited range of motion
- Aching or throbbing
Types of Treatment
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a course of treatment designed to reduce pain and restore natural body movement. Treatments generally begin with a physical exam followed by a review of a patient’s medical history. Various stretches, exercises, and movements are performed to increase muscular strength and coordination. A physical therapist monitors chiropractic sessions that record notes, adjust treatment techniques, and periodically evaluates the patient. Studies, including the CT scan, CAT scan, MRI, X-ray, myelogram, and other disc imaging studies, are recommended to diagnose a condition better. Treatment may also include ultrasound therapy, electrotherapy, an epidural steroid, electrical stimulation, heat therapy, discectomy, and changes in the patient’s daily activities. Patients often find they reduced discomfort and increased confidence after therapy is complete, which can take weeks or months depending upon the nature of the disease or injury treated. Your doctor may recommend surgery as a treatment option. If you require surgery, there may be a potential issue concerning nerve inflammation, muscle spasms, or nerve compression. You should meet with a New York Spine Specialist if you have concerns regarding a herniated disc.
Manipulation Under Anesthesia
Manipulation Under Anesthesia (“MUA”) is the non-surgical option closest to an invasive procedure. During an MUA, patients meet with anesthesiologists to be completely subdued during the manipulation. This is necessary for allowing medical professionals to move, rotate, and extend the limbs in positions that might otherwise be painful for conscious patients. The procedure addresses fibrous adhesions directly. Fibrous adhesions are internal scar tissues that restrict spinal joints, causing pain upon movement. Each manipulation potentially destroys these adhesions by working through compressed areas of the spine. Patients often feel immediate relief.
Massage
Massage therapy reduces stress and attacks specific pressure points that habitually cause pain. Massages are recommended in addition to other treatments, like exercising and formal physical therapy. Massage therapy is particularly effective for immediate, short-term relief.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Eastern medicine involving the placement of small needles throughout the body to restore “Chi,” or a patient’s natural energy. Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with other treatment services. Patients have found the techniques to be calming and therapeutic, although somewhat unconventional compared to traditional Western medicine.
Orthopedic Assistive Devices
Physicians prescribe orthopedic assistive devices, such as canes, crutches, wheelchairs, braces, splints, or casts, to treat specific conditions. If a herniated disc is caused by trauma, the utilization of a neck collar or back brace may be administered to assist with returning to normal activities.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Non-surgical spinal decompression involves stretching the spine using motorized traction and impulses to heal a disc herniation and reposition the spinal column, relieving pressure on the spinal vertebrae. Spinal decompression reduces fatigue by aligning the spinal vertebrae and healing torn discs.
Lifestyle Changes
The long-term option for reducing lower back discomfort is adopting lifestyle changes. The following changes can relieve pain caused by herniated discs if implemented daily:
- Eating healthy and maintaining a healthy weight: excessive weight can cause lower back, knee, legs, and buttocks strain, especially due to sedentary activities. Back pain can radiate to other body parts and advance degenerative conditions.
- Invest in ergonomics: ergonomics refers to the idea that a person can reduce strain, fatigue, and stress by utilizing appropriate products for their body. A proper ergonomic design can improve posture, strengthen back muscles, and support a healthy lifestyle. Examples of ergonomic products include desk chairs, document stands; kneeling chairs; exercise balls for sitting; cushioned wrist pads; and seat cushions.
- Avoid prolonged sitting over long periods: while many jobs are sedentary in nature, standing and stretching every fifteen minutes or taking regular walks can reduce the overall time spent sitting each day. Standing desks prevent long stretches of sitting altogether.
- Give up smoking: besides reducing risks for cancer, stroke, and heart disease, cigarettes also lead to back pain numbness. The ingestion of nicotine restricts blood flow throughout the body, forcing a smoker’s heart and lungs to work harder. As a result, the spinal discs suffer from this lack of blood flow, and the rate of degeneration increases as a result.
WE CAN HELP!
In addition to these options, surgical intervention is are available, but most patients prefer non-surgical options first. Your doctor may recommend prescription medications, pain injection, or surgery if conservative treatment fails. For some patients, the pain subsides over time. For others, extensive physical therapy, chiropractic, massaging, and pain management are necessary to find relief. Scheduling a visit with an experienced New York Spine Specialist to discuss how your feeling is the first step to living a pain-free life.
