A herniated disc, commonly referred to as a “slipped disc,” is a prevalent spinal condition that can lead to significant pain and discomfort. A herniated disc occurs when a segment of an intervertebral disc moves out of place, often compressing adjacent nerve roots. This phenomenon is a leading cause of back and leg pain, especially in the lumbar region of the spine.
What Causes a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc can result from various factors, but the most common culprits include the weakening of the disc’s outer wall and immense pressure applied to the disc. An initial stage of this condition is a bulging disc, wherein the outer wall of the disc weakens, but doesn’t rupture, causing it to “bulge” outward. If the outer wall then ruptures due to significant pressure, the disc becomes herniated. This can happen in various regions of the spine, including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar.
How Do Most Herniated Discs Progress?
The encouraging news for patients is that a majority of herniated discs show spontaneous improvement. In fact, 90% of herniated disc cases resolve on their own within six months. The body actively releases enzymes that aid in clearing away the herniated piece, thereby alleviating pressure on the nerves. This is likely why most lumbar disc herniations, specifically, don’t require any treatment.
However, for persistent cases that are especially painful, there are various treatment avenues available.
Treatment Options for Herniated Discs
Conservative Management: Initially, doctors often advise patients to take over-the-counter pain relievers and restrict activities that aggravate the pain. Furthermore, a regimen of physical therapy is commonly prescribed to help alleviate discomfort and promote healing.
Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs are frequently utilized to reduce inflammation and pain.
Epidural Steroid Injections: If pain continues despite the above measures, epidural steroid injections can provide relief by delivering steroids directly to the affected area.
Surgical Interventions: For those rare cases where conservative methods don’t suffice, surgical interventions such as discectomy or microdiscectomy may be considered. During these procedures, the surgeon removes the herniated portion of the disc and any other fragments to decompress the affected nerve.
In Conclusion
Herniated discs, while distressing, are a manageable condition for most individuals. The majority find relief through non-invasive measures, while a smaller subset might need surgical interventions. If you suspect you have a herniated disc or are experiencing severe back or leg pain, consulting a specialist is crucial. Click here to book an appointment and learn more about lumbar disc herniation.
