If you or someone you know has experienced lower back pain, you understand how disruptive and painful it can be. Sometimes this discomfort is due to a condition known as a herniated disc.
But what is a herniated disc, and what treatments are available? Let’s explore the most common treatment options available for herniated disc treatment.
What is a Herniated Disc?
Your spine is made up of a stack of bones called vertebrae. Between each pair of vertebrae is a small, round cushion known as a disc. These discs act like shock absorbers for your spine, helping you bend and flex without pain.
A herniated disc occurs when one of these discs gets damaged, and the soft inner part pushes out through a crack in the tough outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves, leading to pain and other symptoms.
Bulging Disc vs. Herniated Disc
A bulging disc is a stage before a herniated disc. In a bulging disc, the disc protrudes out of its normal space but doesn’t break open. When the disc herniates, it tears and the inner jelly-like material leaks out. This leakage can press against nerves, causing more severe pain.
Common Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Here are some typical herniated disc symptoms:
- Back pain: This is the most common symptom and can range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain.
- Sciatic pain: Pain that shoots from the affected part of the back down one leg. This happens when the herniated disc presses on the sciatic nerve.
- Numbness or tingling: This can occur in your legs or feet if the herniated disc affects certain nerves.
- Muscle weakness: You might find it harder to lift objects or hold things steady.
Seeing a Spine Doctor
If you think you might have a herniated disc, it’s important to consult a spine doctor near you. They can perform tests like an MRI or CT scan to diagnose the spine problem and suggest the best treatments.
Treatment Options for Herniated Discs
There are various ways to treat a herniated disc, depending on the severity of your symptoms. Here are the most common options:
Rest and Activity Modification
Giving your back time to heal by resting can be helpful. However, complete bed rest is not recommended for long periods.
Instead, avoid activities that worsen your pain and engage in light activities like walking to keep your muscles active.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can guide you through exercises designed to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles. These exercises also improve your posture and flexibility, which can help alleviate pain.
Pain Management
For managing lower back pain, spine doctors may prescribe over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
In cases of severe lower back pain, stronger prescription medications or corticosteroid injections may be needed.
Herniated Disc Surgery
When conservative treatments don’t provide back pain relief, herniated disc surgery might be necessary. There are different types of surgeries, such as:
- Microdiscectomy: This is a surgery where the doctor removes the part of the disc that is bulging out and pressing on a nerve. This helps to relieve pain and other symptoms.
- Laminectomy: This surgery involves removing a small piece of bone (lamina) from your spine. This will create more space around the spinal nerves, reducing the pressure and relieving pain.
Lifestyle Changes
Exercise
Regular exercise is important for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing strain on your spine. If you have lower back pain from a herniated disc, low-impact activities like swimming or walking can help.
Ergonomics
Improving your posture and using ergonomic furniture can also make a big difference in relieving pain. It’s important to have a supportive work environment that supports your back and overall health.
Diet
Eating a balanced diet with lots of anti-inflammatory foods can also aid in recovering from a herniated disc. Try to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains for the best results.
Finding Help Near You
If you’re suffering from lower back pain or other symptoms associated with a herniated disc, searching for “back doctor near me” or “pain management near me” can help you find a spine doctor who can provide relief. It’s essential to get a herniated disc treatment plan tailored to your needs from a trained and experienced spine doctor.
Herniated Disc Treatment in Rochester Hills, Bad Axe, and Lapeer, Michigan
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a herniated disc, such as lower back pain, sciatic pain, or numbness and tingling in your arms or legs, it’s important to seek professional help.
At Ahlgren Spine, Dr. Bradley D. Ahlgren and his team are dedicated to providing comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for spine conditions, including herniated discs. Dr. Ahlgren will suggest the best course of treatment for your specific condition, starting with nonsurgical options to relieve your pain.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahlgren, call us today at (248) 215-8080 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
