Herinated Disc http://www.herniated-disc.net Dedicated to herniated disc information. Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:59:17 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Lower Back Pain Relief Stretches http://www.herniated-disc.net/lower-back-pain-relief-stretches/ http://www.herniated-disc.net/lower-back-pain-relief-stretches/#comments Sat, 29 Jan 2011 19:40:46 +0000 admin http://www.herniated-disc.net/?p=83 Lower back painLower back pain relief exercises can be helpful in reducing or eliminating the pain in your back. First, you must determine the cause of the lower back pain. If the pain is severe, you should contact a doctor immediately before you begin to do any lower back pain relief stretches.

A lower back pain relief workout can help with general pain caused by back strain. If you experience back pain on a regular basis, specific motions could help you to feel better. The remedy for someone else may not be the same as is it for you. For example, some people feel better sitting, while others feel better standing. Your lower back pain relief workout will depend on what makes you feel better. Here are some simple stretching exercises to help with your pain:

Cat Stretch

Think of how a cat stretches when you do this move. There are two steps to this stretch. Get on your hands and knees. Raise your head up slowly. While you do this, allow your belly to open downward toward the floor. Allow your back to fall into an arch. Next, stretch your spine in the opposite direction. Drop your head with your chin moving toward your chest as your back rises toward the ceiling. Repeat 5 to 10 times.

Mobilizer

This is a full body exercise that is divided into two parts. Be sure you are able to perform part one comfortably before you move on to part 2. Do not straighten both legs at the same time, as this can cause too much pull, straining your lower back.

  • Part 1 – Stand with your feet hip width apart while your knees are slightly bent. Drop your chin to your chest slowly and bend forward with your head moving towards the ground until your head is even with your knees. Put your hands on your knees for support. Slowly straighten your right knee, which will force your left knee to bend even further. You will feel the stretch here. Your right knee can return to a bent position. Now straighten up your left knee. This will force your right knee to bend. Feel this stretch. Alternate the stretch between the right and left leg 5 to 10 times.
  • Part 2 – Now you will add in arm movement. Start this part with the position where your elbows are resting on your knees and your head is downward. Straighten your right knee slowly while the left knee bends further. While your head is facing downward, reach directly toward the ceiling in this position with your right arm, as if you are reaching to replace a light bulb. Your entire upper body should twist so you can reach easier. Your body weight should be supported with your left elbow on your knee. Now bring your right arm down and return to your knee bent position. Repeat entire process with your other side. Repeat 5 to 10 times.

Cobra

Lie on the floor face down and toes pointing backward. Place your hands at your armpits. Press down so your shoulders rise up. Extend your arms fully while you press your hips toward the floor. Hold this stretch for 10 to 30 seconds.

Additional Lower Back Pain Relief Stretches

  • Press up back extension
  • Alternate arm and leg exercise
  • Knee to chest exercise
  • Curl ups
  • Pelvic tilts
  • Bridging
  • Hamstring stretch
  • Prone buttocks squeeze

Try to exercise a little each day, and try to combine the following types of exercises each day: aerobic, stretching, and strengthening. Aerobic exercises will condition your heart and other muscles. They will also maintain health and help to speed up recovery. Strengthening exercises will help you focus on your back, stomach, and leg muscles. Stretching exercises will help keep your muscles and other tissues flexible, which will reduce your risk for injury.

Exercises to Avoid

While a lower back pain workout can be helpful to your lower back pain, there are some types of exercises to avoid, which include:

  • Straight leg sit ups
  • Leg lifts
  • Partial or bent leg sit-ups
  • Toe touches while standing

It is important to remember when you are creating your lower back pain workout that you choose exercises that will not strain your back. There are many different lower back pain relief exercises that you can choose from, so make sure you choose lower back pain relief stretches that will work for you.

]]> http://www.herniated-disc.net/lower-back-pain-relief-stretches/feed/ 0 Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief Tips, Exercises, and Treatment Options http://www.herniated-disc.net/sciatic-nerve-pain-relief-tips-exercises-and-treatment-options/ http://www.herniated-disc.net/sciatic-nerve-pain-relief-tips-exercises-and-treatment-options/#comments Fri, 31 Dec 2010 01:57:20 +0000 admin http://www.herniated-disc.net/?p=80 Sciatic nerve pain relief can be minimal or extensive, depending on the severity of your sciatic nerve pain.  This pain is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve or nerve roots.  The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body.  It runs from your lower back and pelvis, through the hip and buttock area, and down the back of each leg.  It actually controls many of the muscles in these areas.

Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief Tips

Many times, Sciatica will go away on its own.  You will want to avoid pain triggers, such as bending over or lifting heavy things.   However, there are some things you can try at home to help relieve the pain:

  • Apply a cold pack for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours a day to help reduce inflammation, which will help reduce mild pain.
  • Apply a hot pack or take hot baths on a regular basis to help relax the tight muscles that can be putting pressure on your nerve.
  • Take natural herbs to help reduce pain and prevent reoccurrence.  Some herbs to consider are:  Matricaria recutita, Arctium lappa, and Devil’s Claw.  These all have anti-inflammatory properties to help take the pressure off of the nerve by reducing inflammation.
  • Avoid sitting unless you are more comfortable than standing.
  • Alternate lying down with short walks.
  • Take over-the-counter pain medication.
  • Perform stretching exercises and aerobics.  Avoid doing any exercises that have quick or jerking movements until the pain has subsided.

Sciatica Exercises

While most people will only want to lie around after they experience Sciatica pain, this will not help you.   However, you may want to rest for a day or two after the onset of a sciatic pain “flare up.”  But, if you rest too long, you will make the pain even worse.  When you do not move/exercise your muscles, the back muscles and spinal structures become weak.  This can lead to back injury and/or strain, which can cause even more pain.  When you move, nutrients and fluids exchanged within the discs help keep the discs healthy, which will help to prevent pressure on the Sciatic nerve.

It is very important to get a specific diagnosis for why you are experiencing Sciatic nerve pain.  If you do the wrong type of Sciatica exercises, you can increase the pain.  An exercise program should be tailored to your individual problem.

Types of Sciatica Exercises to Possibly Include in a Workout Routine

  • Hamstring Stretching – Stretching your hamstrings is one exercise that can be done regardless of the diagnosis.  These muscles are located in the back of your thigh.  When they are extremely tight, this can increase the stress on your lower back, which can aggravate the Sciatic nerve.
  • Core Muscle Strength – Strengthening the abdominal and back muscles will provide additional support for your back.  The stretching you will do for these exercises will target the muscles that cause pain when they are tight.  When performing light stretching and strengthening exercises, you can recover quicker from a Sciatica flare up.
  • Aerobic Exercises – Aerobics can release endorphins to help you tolerate pain and reduce your risk for re-injury.  Be sure to do low-impact aerobics, such as:  walking, cycling, or swimming.

Sciatica Treatment

Sometimes Sciatica is the result of a herniated disc or some other type of injury.  If this is the case, you may need to have more intense Sciatica treatment.  Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy, drug treatment, or surgery.

]]> http://www.herniated-disc.net/sciatic-nerve-pain-relief-tips-exercises-and-treatment-options/feed/ 0 Degenerative Disc Disease – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options http://www.herniated-disc.net/degenerative-disc-disease-%e2%80%93-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-options/ http://www.herniated-disc.net/degenerative-disc-disease-%e2%80%93-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-options/#comments Thu, 09 Dec 2010 20:44:51 +0000 admin http://www.herniated-disc.net/?p=68 You may notice degenerative disc disease symptoms as you age.  This is because degenerative disc disease is not actually a disease, but is a normal change in your spinal discs as you grow older.  Your spinal discs are soft and compressible discs that actually separate the interlocking bones in your spine.  They act as shock absorbers.

Without these discs, you would not be able to bend, twist, or flex your back.  The most common areas in your spine that are affected are the lower back and the neck.  However, degenerative disc disease can occur in any place where a disc is located.

Degenerative Disc Disease Causes

Because this generally occurs as you age, there are common age-related causes for degenerative disc disease.   You are more likely to suffer from it if you smoke or you have a job where you are constantly doing heavy lifting.

Age Related Causes

  • Loss of Fluid in Discs – Loss of fluid will make the discs thinner, which will reduce the discs ability to act as shock absorbers.  It also reduces their flexibility.
  • Tears in the Disc – When a tear, even a tiny one, occurs in your disc, the jellylike material that is found inside the disc will seep through the tear.  This will cause the disc to bulge, break open, or break into fragments.

While degenerative disc disease commonly occurs as you age, young people may suffer from a herniated disc as the result of a sudden injury. When this happens, the process may begin.

Degenerative Disc Disease – What Happens?

When the space between the vertebrae gets smaller, the padding is reduced significantly.  This makes the spine less stable.  Your body will begin to construct bone spurs, which are bony growths.  These bone spurs will put pressure on your spinal nerve roots (spinal cord), which will cause pain and affect the nerve function.

Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms

Degenerative disc disease can cause pain in the back or neck.  However, some people may not even experience pain.  It will depend on you and how severe the damage is and where the damage has been done on the disc.  Some people may experience pain in the neck or arm if the damage has occurred in the neck, while a disc that is affected in the lower back may cause pain in the back, buttocks, or leg.

You may experience increased pain when sitting, bending, lifting, or twisting.  If you notice that the pain you are experiencing is less severe when you walk or run, lie down, or change positions, this could be symptoms of a damaged disc.

If the following symptoms occur, you should seek help immediately:

  • Pain is disabling and/or getting more severe
  • Weakness, pain, numbness or tingling in your leg or arm
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment

Treating degenerative disc disease will vary depending on the damage that has been done to the disc.  Many may be able to relieve pain by putting ice or heat on the affected area or by taking non-prescription pain medication.  If these do not dull the pain, then your doctor may be able to prescribed stronger pain medication.  Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy and special degenerative disc disease exercises to strengthen and stretch your back.

Unfortunately, degenerative disc disease treatment may result in surgery.  This will involve removing the damaged disc.  You may need to have your bone permanently fused to protect the spinal cord.  It is possible to have artificial discs as a replacement.

Degenerative Disc Disease Exercises

Exercise cannot cure a damaged disc; however, exercise can help you to feel better and can possibly relieve some of the pain.  Here are some different approaches to take for exercising if you have degenerative disc disease:

Stretching – Lumbar

  • Hook-Lying March – Lie on your back with your knees bent.  You will slowly start “marching.”  Do this by alternately raising your legs three to four inches from the ground.  Do this for 30 seconds at a time.
  • Leg Raises – Lie on your stomach.  Raise each leg alternately and hold it in place for 4 to 6 seconds.
  • Bridging – Lie on your back and raise your buttocks from the floor.  Hold for 10 seconds.  Start slow and increase reps as you can.

Stretching – Hamstring

Stretching your hamstrings is important for treating sciatica, which is a common condition that most people with this disease suffer from.  It is very painful and generally radiates pain down into the leg and foot.  When your hamstrings are tight, your disc may become aggravated, which can lead to sciatica.

Stretch your hamstrings by simply lying on your back with your legs bent slightly.  Lift each leg into the air as high as you can.  Hold for 10 to 20 seconds.  You can also sit down in a chair and raise your leg as high as possible.  Make sure your heel is pointed to the floor.  Perform once a day for a few minutes.

Aerobic

Including aerobic exercise in your workout will help to lower pain levels because it can release endorphins and increase the ability for your body to tolerate pain.  You should only perform low-impact aerobics, such as:

  • Walking
  • Jogging
  • Cycling
  • Swimming

Degenerative disc disease is something that many people suffer from, if not from aging, then from an injury.   If you experience degenerative disc disease symptoms, contact a doctor to determine which course of action will best benefit you.

]]> http://www.herniated-disc.net/degenerative-disc-disease-%e2%80%93-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-options/feed/ 0 Herniated Disc – Overview http://www.herniated-disc.net/herniated-disc-%e2%80%93-overview/ http://www.herniated-disc.net/herniated-disc-%e2%80%93-overview/#comments Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:28:08 +0000 admin http://www.herniated-disc.net/?p=54

A person suffering from lower back, arm, neck, or leg pain may be diagnosed with a herniated disc.  In order to truly understand what this means, it is important to know what a disc is made up of and what the functions are of a healthy disc.   A disc is made up of a tough outer core and a gel-like inner material.   A disc functions as a spacer, shock absorber, and motion unit.

Functions of a Healthy Disc

When it performs its duty as a spacer, this helps the intervertebral foramen maintain a height that allows room for the nerve roots to rest without compression.  They act as a shock absorber when a person decides to jump or run, allowing the spine to compress or rebound.  They act as a motion unit, so they allow a person to flex, bend, or rotate.

Brief Description of a Herniated Disc

A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like inner material breaks through the tough outer core and compresses on the nerves that are located outside of the disc.

Causes of a Herniated Disc

There are two main causes of a herniated disc.  Wear and tear due to age is common in older patients.   A traumatic injury is another cause that could also be found in younger patients.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

A person suffering from a herniated disc will feel symptoms in different areas of the spine.  The spine is divided into three sections.  These are:

  • Cervical
  • Thoracic
  • Lumbar

When the nerves outside of the discs are pressed on, symptoms will occur, such as: pain, numbness, and weakness.  A common symptom is sciatica, which is most commonly found in the lower back.

Diagnosis of a Herniated Disc

Tests to be run for a herniated disc are a MRI or CT scan.  They can confirm a herniated disc or rule out any other problems.

Treatment of a Herniated Disc

Most people who are diagnosed with a herniated disc will not need surgery.   The first course of treatment will be a set of nonsurgical treatments that will be done for a period of four to six weeks.  Most herniated discs will begin to heal within this time period.

If they do not heal, surgical options may be discussed.  The traditional back surgery is not as common these days.  There are a couple of surgical options that will allow a person to have outpatient surgery without the risks of a traditional open back surgery.

Disc replacement surgery is also an option that requires a longer recovery period and has risks similar to the open back surgery.

Good Candidates for Herniated Disc Surgery

A doctor will take into consideration a number of factors that will help him/her determine if a patient will benefit from herniated disc surgery.

A herniated disc can be a painful and disabling health issue.  The good news is that most people can heal over a period of one to six months without needing surgery.  Even better news is that because of advanced technology, there are less invasive surgical treatments that allow a patient to feel relief on the same day of the procedure, as well as return to normal daily activities without pain in minimal time.

]]> http://www.herniated-disc.net/herniated-disc-%e2%80%93-overview/feed/ 0 Herniated Disc – Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery http://www.herniated-disc.net/herniated-disc-%e2%80%93-artificial-disc-replacement-surgery/ http://www.herniated-disc.net/herniated-disc-%e2%80%93-artificial-disc-replacement-surgery/#comments Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:25:49 +0000 admin http://www.herniated-disc.net/?p=52

Artificial disc replacement surgery is a more invasive surgery.  The intended purpose of this herniated disc surgery is to restore the disc height while also restoring the physiologic motion that a person would have with a healthy disc.  Artificial disc replacement surgery is a type of joint replacement, which will involve inserting the artificial disc into the intervertebral space.   Therefore, the original unhealthy disc will be removed so that a new artificial one can be implanted.

The artificial disk is designed to function like a joint.  It will provide motion, such as:  flexion, extension, side bending, and rotation.  It will also provide height and curvature alignment to resemble the natural disc.

Understanding the Role of a Healthy Disc within the Spine

A healthy disc acts as a spacer, a shock absorber, and a motion unit.  When the disc is functioning as a spacer, this allows motion to occur.  Spacing is important because it allows the intervertebral foramen to maintain a specific height, which will allow room for the segment nerve roots to exit without pressure.

When it acts as a shock absorber, this will allow the spine to compress and rebound while the spine is preparing for activities, such as jumping and running.  It helps to resist the downward pull of gravity on the head and trunk when a person is sitting or standing.

When acting as a motion unit, the disc’s elasticity will allow motion, so the spinal segment can flex, bend, or rotate.  It will also allow the spine to bend to the side.

Benefits and Risks of Disc Replacement Surgery for a Herniated Disc

The most obvious benefits are that the spine can move.  Another benefit is that bone graft is not required.  When a patient has spinal fusion surgery as opposed to disc replacement surgery for a herniated disc, bone graft must be taken from the hip to pack the disc space.  This will leave two incisions that will need to heal.

There are a variety of risks that can be involved in disc replacement surgery.  As with any surgery, there are risks associated with anesthesia complications, blood clots, allergic reactions, as well as adverse effects from undiagnosed medical problems.

Other risks include:

  • Allergic reaction to the material of the artificial disc replacement
  • Artificial disc bends, breaks, loosens, or moves
  • Surgical instruments bend or break
  • Infections to the wound
  • Neck pain
  • Arm pain
  • Swallowing difficulties
  • Speech problems
  • Possible impairment or paralysis due to nerve or spinal cord injury
  • Numbness of extremities
  • Loss of motion
  • Protective membrane tear
  • Swelling of tissue
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Not able to resume to normal activities

Unfortunately, the disc replacement surgery is not always successful.  There is a chance that this surgery will not relieve the pain or could even worsen symptoms.  Also, as with any surgical procedure, death is always a risk.

Recovery from this type of surgery is not easy and will likely require some type of physical therapy.  However, in time, the pain can be substantially reduced or completely eliminated, allowing a person to go back to his/her everyday activities.

]]> http://www.herniated-disc.net/herniated-disc-%e2%80%93-artificial-disc-replacement-surgery/feed/ 0 Herniated Disc – Non-Traumatic Discectomy – A More in Depth Look Into http://www.herniated-disc.net/herniated-disc-%e2%80%93-non-traumatic-discectomy-a-more-in-depth-look-into/ http://www.herniated-disc.net/herniated-disc-%e2%80%93-non-traumatic-discectomy-a-more-in-depth-look-into/#comments Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:23:27 +0000 admin http://www.herniated-disc.net/?p=49

The majority of people diagnosed with a herniated disc will not have to be subjected to surgery.  Those that pass the qualifications for a surgery will be given surgical options.  The more traditional open back surgery is not as common today because of the risks involved, as well as the longer recovery time and hospitalization requirement.

The non-traumatic surgeries available for people require a less invasive incision.  Because of this, the recovery time is almost immediate and requires no hospital time.  In fact, most people will go home the same day and will only require a band-aid over the incision.

Herniated Disc – Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy

In this procedure, a local anesthetic is given to the patient.  A small incision will be made for a round Depuy Tube.  As the tube is inserted, the muscles will be pushed out of the way.  In a traditional surgery, these muscles would have been cut or torn.  This tube will help to prevent damage to the surrounding muscles.

A laser, camera, suction, irrigation, and other surgical instruments will be inserted through this tube.  The laser will vaporize the disc material, which will reduce pressure on the spinal cord or nerve.  Relief will generally be felt as the pressure is taken off of the nerve.   The tube will be removed, and the muscles will move back into their original place.

This herniated disc procedure will take from 30 to 45 minutes.   Recovery time is usually less than two hours. The patient will be able to leave as long as there is someone to drive him/her home.

Herniated Disc – Endoscopic Cervical and Lumbar Discectomy (Laser Spine Surgery)

Endoscopic laser spine surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that only requires a local anesthetic.   A small metal tube is inserted into the area where the herniated disc has ruptured.  With the help of an X-ray and a camera, a large piece of disc material will be vaporized with a laser.  This will kill the pain nerves inside the disc and harden the disc to prevent more leakage of the disc material.  These two types of laser spine surgery are similar, yet they do have some minor differences.   One of these differences is the size of tube that is used.  A cervical discectomy will require a 4mm in diameter tube, while a lumbar will require a 3mm in diameter tube.  Both surgeries have a high success rate and are highly recommended as opposed to the traditional open back surgery.

Herniated Disc Laser Spine Surgery Postoperative Care

The majority of the patients will feel relief from pain immediately following the procedure.  Patients are allowed to get up and walk the same day.  They can be released from the hospital within one to two hours.

Muscle relaxants may be prescribed for those who experience lower back muscle spasms.  These muscle spasms can last for a few days after the procedure.  A patient may also use heat and a light massage for these muscle spasms, if needed.

]]> http://www.herniated-disc.net/herniated-disc-%e2%80%93-non-traumatic-discectomy-a-more-in-depth-look-into/feed/ 0 Cervical Herniated Disc – A More in Depth Look http://www.herniated-disc.net/cervical-herniated-disc-a-more-in-depth-look/ http://www.herniated-disc.net/cervical-herniated-disc-a-more-in-depth-look/#comments Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:19:23 +0000 admin http://www.herniated-disc.net/?p=45

A cervical herniated disc generally causes pain in the arm.   The pain from a herniated disc will many times start without warning, and there will be no indication as to why the pain has started.    A cervical herniated disc will happen when the gel-like material found in the center of the disc protrudes through the outer core of the disc.  At this point, pressure will be applied to the cervical nerve.

Symptoms of a cervical herniated disc depend on where the herniated disc protrudes.  Because there is not much disc material and the discs are not large in this area, even the very smallest cervical herniated disc can cause a lot of pain.   The pain in the arm from a herniated disc in the neck is usually more severe in the beginning.  This is because the nerve is being pinched.

A Description of the Cervical Vertebra

There are four nerve roots where the pain can be felt in a cervical herniated disc.   The type of pain and location of pain will depend on which nerve in the cervical area of the spine is being compressed.   The cervical vertebra disc is divided into segments.  They are described using a letter and number.  The letter C stands for cervical, and the letter T stands for thoracic.  The numbers stand for a segment area.

The majority of the cervical herniated discs will happen in the C5-C6 segments or the C6-C7 segments.  The segments located at C4-C5 are not affected as often, but they do happen.  A herniated disc found in the C7-T1 segment is rare.

Symptoms Help Detect Herniated Disc Location

The symptoms are distinct and fairly foreseeable in the specific areas of the cervical vertebra.   When the herniated disc is compressing a specific nerve, the symptoms will help to determine which nerve the herniated disc is putting pressure on.  The four nerve roots that are affected when a herniated disc protrudes are:

  • C5 Nerve – This nerve is located at the C4-C5 segment.  The symptoms associated with pressure on this nerve root are shoulder pain and weakness in the deltoid muscle of the upper arm.  The C5 nerve root is not generally associated with numbness or tingling.
  • C6 Nerve – This nerve is located at the C5-C6 segment.  The symptoms associated with pressure on this nerve root are weakness in the biceps and wrist extensor muscles, as well as numbness, tingling, and radiating pain to the thumb side of the hand.
  • C7 Nerve – This nerve is located at the C6-C7 segment.  The symptoms associated with pressure on this nerve root are weakness in the triceps of the upper arm and in the muscles in the fingers.   The middle finger could experience radiating pain, as well as numbness and tingling.
  • C8 Nerve – This nerve is located at the C7-T1 segment.  The symptoms associated with pressure on this nerve root are weakness in the hands grip and numbness, tingling, and pain that radiates down the arm and into the little finger’s side of the hand.  While a cervical herniated disc is rare in this segment, the pain can be severe.

Knowing the area of the cervical herniated disc is essential to getting the right treatment.  A series of nonsurgical treatments will be discussed at this point.  If after four weeks there is not pain relief, surgical treatment will be an option.

]]> http://www.herniated-disc.net/cervical-herniated-disc-a-more-in-depth-look/feed/ 0 Herniated Disc – Traumatic Verses Non-Traumatic Discectomy http://www.herniated-disc.net/herniated-disc-%e2%80%93-traumatic-verses-non-traumatic-discectomy/ http://www.herniated-disc.net/herniated-disc-%e2%80%93-traumatic-verses-non-traumatic-discectomy/#comments Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:16:42 +0000 admin http://www.herniated-disc.net/?p=43

The majority of the people who are diagnosed with a herniated disc are not in need of surgery.   Only about 10% of people diagnosed with a herniated disc will need to seek surgical options to relieve their pain.    The purpose for herniated disc surgery is to decrease the pain and allow the patient to move and function as normally as possible.

A doctor will consider the following before he/she makes a decision to operate:

  1. Is there still continual leg pain that has not improved over a four week period of nonsurgical treatment?
  2. Do the results of the physical examination currently show there is weakness, loss of motion, or abnormal sensitivity?
  3. Does the diagnostic testing from an MRI, CT or Myelogram show that there is a herniated disc that can be treated surgically?

Other factors that will be taken into consideration before a decision for surgery is made:

  • Age
  • Overall health
  • Severity of symptoms
  • The impact symptoms have on patient’s life

Traditional Open Back Surgery (Traumatic)

Traditional open back surgery is an option that is slowly becoming less and less used as technology is becoming more advanced.  However, while there are other options for surgery, they may not be as effective for a patient’s needs.  For example, the option of disc surgery is not performed if the only symptom of the herniated disc is low back pain.

Disadvantages of Traditional Open Back Surgery (Traumatic)

  • High risks
  • Hospitalization
  • Long and painful recovery time

Non-Traumatic Herniated Disc Surgery

The non-traumatic approach to remove herniated disc material is generally an outpatient surgical procedure that only requires a local anesthesia.  A small specially designed probe is inserted between the vertebrae and into the herniated disc space through the skin.   An x-ray fluoroscopy and a magnified video are used for guidance.

Traumatic Verses Non-Traumatic Discectomy

It is obvious that the non-traumatic discectomy is what is best for the patient.  There is less recovery time in a non-traumatic surgery because the incision is not as invasive.  There are no stitches needed.  After the probe is taken out, a band-aid will be placed over the incision.

In a non-traumatic discectomy, there is no bone removal or back muscle dissection.   The risk of complications is reduced dramatically.  There is less of a chance for scarring, blood loss, infection, and anesthesia related risks in a non-traumatic discectomy than in a traumatic discectomy.

Types of Non-Traumatic Discectomy

There are a variety of different non-traumatic herniated disc surgeries.  Many different doctors will offer different types of non-traumatic herniated disc surgeries.  They are considered non-traumatic as they do not require hospitalization and they are minimally invasive and have fewer risks than open discectomy.   There is the laser spine surgery and the Lumbar Endoscopic Discectomy, as well as the very common Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy.

It is recommended that a person research all options.  However, the non-traumatic has proven to be the best route to take.   Technology advances have made it possible for patients to endure herniated disc surgery without severe pain.  Check into all the options before making a decision.

]]> http://www.herniated-disc.net/herniated-disc-%e2%80%93-traumatic-verses-non-traumatic-discectomy/feed/ 0 Lumbar Herniated Disc – A More in Depth Look http://www.herniated-disc.net/lumbar-herniated-disc-a-more-in-depth-look/ http://www.herniated-disc.net/lumbar-herniated-disc-a-more-in-depth-look/#comments Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:11:51 +0000 admin http://www.herniated-disc.net/?p=40

The lumbar section of the back is where the majority of herniated discs will occur.  The lumbar segments of the back are located in the lower back.  A lumbar herniated disc occurs when the inner gel-like material leaks out of the outer core.  A herniated disc in the lumbar section of the spine can put pressure on the spinal nerve root.  This will cause sciatica, which is pain that can shoot down the leg.

Nearly 90% of herniated disc in the lumbar area will occur at the bottom of the spine.  The spine is described in segments.  Most herniated discs occur in lumbar segments 4 and 5 (L4-L5), which will cause pain in the L5 nerve, or lumbar segment 5 and sacral segment 1 (L5-S1), which will cause pain in the S1 nerve.   Symptoms will depend on where the herniated disc is located within the Lumbar segments.

Symptoms for L5 Nerve Impingement

A herniated disc at this location can cause weakness when extending the big toe.  This weakness can run up into the ankle.  The top of the foot can experience numbness and pain.  Radiating pain can shoot up into the buttocks.

Symptoms for S1 Nerve Impingement

A herniated disc at this location can cause loss of ankle reflex.  It can also cause weakness in an ankle push off.  The patient is not able to do toe rises.  Pain and numbness can radiate down the leg to the sole of the foot or outside of the foot (Sciatica).

Sciatica and the Herniated Disc

It is important to understand that sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis.  Sciatica is a symptom of a herniated disc that has put pressure on the radiuclar nerve in the lower back.  The clinical diagnosis for a herniated disc protrusion that causes the sciatic symptom is called “radiculopathy”.   When pressure is put on this nerve from a herniated disc, leg pain can occur along with tingling, numbness, or weakness that will begin in the lower back and travel through the buttocks and down the large sciatic nerve in the back of the leg.

The symptom sciatica can be very painful and even debilitating.  However, while it can be extremely painful, it is not commonly known to cause permanent sciatic nerve damage.  Because the spinal cord is not located in the lower spine, a herniated disc in this area will not generally pose a paralysis threat.

Cauda Equina Syndrome

The conus medullaris is formed just below the spinal cord and near the first lumbar vertebra.  Just below the conus medullaris is a bundle of nerve roots called the cauda equina.   Cauda Equina Syndrome is a rare condition that can be caused by compression or inflammation of the nerve roots.

There are two sciatica symptoms to watch for in order to determine if the Cauda Equina Syndrome is present.   It is important to seek emergency medical care in the event that the weakness in the leg becomes progressive and if bladder or bowel incontinence or dysfunction occurs.

Symptoms of the lumbar herniated disc can possibly be relieved within 4 to 6 weeks with nonsurgical treatments.  If after this time there is still pain, surgical options may be discussed.

]]> http://www.herniated-disc.net/lumbar-herniated-disc-a-more-in-depth-look/feed/ 0 Thoracic Herniated Disc – A More in Depth Look http://www.herniated-disc.net/thoracic-herniated-disc-a-more-in-depth-look/ http://www.herniated-disc.net/thoracic-herniated-disc-a-more-in-depth-look/#comments Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:08:42 +0000 admin http://www.herniated-disc.net/?p=37

The thoracic herniated disc is located in the upper back.   Thoracic herniated discs are not as common as the lumbar or cervical herniated disc.  This is because there is generally less pressure and motion in this segment of the spine.

A thoracic herniated disc occurs when the inner gel-like substance of any of the 12 vertebral discs of the thoracic spine leaks out of the inside of the disc.  This puts pressure on a nerve root that creates upper back pain along with other symptoms, such as shooting pain or numbness.    The type of pain caused will depend on which nerve is receiving this pressure.  It will also depend on if the spinal cord itself has pressure being placed on it.

It is important to determine the cause of the thoracic herniated disc before treatment of upper back pain.  There are two sources that doctors will look at to determine which course of treatment to take.  These causes are classified as:

  • Degenerative Disc Disease – Degenerative is associated with a slow and gradual wear and tear of the vertebral discs.   This is generally caused with age.   It is a very slow process, and patients will usually not feel the effects of the wearing and tearing until long after the onset of the degeneration.    Degenerative disc disease will generally be seen in people in their 40’s and 60’s.
  • Thoracic Segment Trauma – When a trauma has occurred to the thoracic region of the back, a herniated disc can develop.   Symptoms will develop upon impact.   A fall or sports injury causing sudden force to the upper back could be a traumatic event that could lead to a thoracic herniated disc.    Younger patients can be exposed to a thoracic segment trauma herniated disc.

Symptoms Associated with the Thoracic Herniated Disc

The symptoms of a thoracic herniated disc will depend on the size and location of the herniated part of the disc.  There are general areas that a herniated disc can erupt, which are:  central, lateral, or centro-lateral.   The symptoms for each are as follows:

  • Central Disc Protrusion – There is not much room under the spinal cord in the thoracic spine.  Therefore, when there is pressure from the thoracic herniated disc, pressure is put on the spinal cord and can affect this nerve.  This type of herniated disc will cause upper back pain.  It will depend on the size of the herniated disc and the amount of the pressure on the spinal cord as to the extent of the symptoms.  In severe cases, paralysis from the waist down could be a result.
  • Herniated Lateral Disc – If a disc protrudes laterally, this is to the side.  The gel-like material will put pressure on the nerve that is located at that level of the spine and will likely cause radiation chest wall or abdominal pain.
  • Herniated Centro-lateral Disc – A combination of symptoms can occur with this type of thoracic herniated disc.  This could be upper back pain, radiating pain, or Myelopathy, which is a functional disturbance or pathological change in the spinal cord.

While the thoracic herniated disc is not as common as the others, it still exists and can be painful.  It is important that the type of herniated disc is discovered to ensure proper treatment.

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