Sciatica is a set of symptoms associated with Back Pain that is caused by irregular compression of radicular nerve or nerve roots of sciatic nerve. Exercises are often best means to achieve Sciatica Relief. They vary according to the cause of pain…

 
What is Sciatica?

This is a term that is the cause of much confusion and is often grossly misunderstood. Sciatica is not just a disease or ailment or even a diagnosis by itself that would point to any particular cause of pain, rather it is a set of symptoms. Generally it is used for any pain that is caused by the irregular compression or nuisance in one or more of the nerves in the lower part of the spinal chord that make up the sciatic nerve. These can be caused by various different conditions.

The medical term for sciatic is radiculopathy, which occurs when a spinal disc in the lower back has been extended beyond what is its normal position, irritating the radicular nerve or the nerve root which is connected to the sciatic nerve that in turn has its off-shoots snaking its way down into the lower body through the back of the leg and thus pain is experienced along its path.

Exercises for Sciatica
While we may prefer bed rest to exercise when in pain, active sciatica exercise is the best mechanism for healing sciatica pain. Doctors advise rest to patients for just a day or two after a bout of sciatica but inactivity will only aid in worsening the pain because due to the lack of movement the muscles and spinal structures become further de-conditioned and thus their support of the back weakens leading to back injury and major strain on the muscles and spine which adds to the lower body and back pain.

Exercising also keeps the fluids between the discs healthy and well lubricated as also helping with the dispersion of nutrition and strengthening the muscles of the abdomen and back.
Sciatica exercises for sciatica relief are of many different kinds depending on the cause of the pain and mostly involve stretching to target specific muscles. Engaging in regular exercise helps to keep these muscles mobile and strengthens them that helps to speed up the recuperation process as well as prevent future such painful incidences.

A physiotherapist, certified athletic trainer (ATC), chiropractor, physiatrist or a specialist who treats back and lower body problems can be consulted for sciatica pain relief and exercise should only be done under the supervision of a trained professional. It is very important to get an accurate diagnosis of the cause of the pain because the exercise program to be recommended rests on that. Though rare, sciatica can also be caused by an infection or tumor that requires serious and immediate medical attention.
1. Sciatica from a herniated disc
2. Sciatica from spinal stenosis
3. Sciatica from degenerative disc disease
4. Sciatica from isthmic spondylolisthesis
5. Sciatic pain from piriformis syndrome
6. Sciatic pain from sacroiliac joint dysfunction
7. Hamstring stretching exercises for sciatica

The sciatica exercises for each of these conditions is different and must be done correctly, on a regular basis at least twice a day to obtain optimum results.

Herniated disc Sciatica
It normally causes acute leg pain as the disc protrudes in the incorrect direction or a nerve root is compressed causing pain to radiate along the sciatic nerve. The exercises prescribed for such a problem are ones that need the patient to get into a backwards bending position called extension exercises or press-ups which cause the pain to ease by moving the muscles in the lower extremities upwards and into the lower back.

Spinal Stenosis Sciatica
This is caused by nerve root irritation or impinging which results in the constriction of the nerve’s passageway. This pain shots down the leg while walking or muscle flexing. All exercises that require the patient to bend forward and flex the lower spine help to clear and expand these passages by stabilizing the lower spine thus allowing for the condition heal.

Degenerative disc disease Sciatica
When a degenerative disc intrudes on a sciatic nerve in the lower back it is the cause of sciatica. Exercises for lumbar stabilization are prescribed for this kind of sciatica and includes the McKenzie Method. The lumbar spine and pelvic regions are trained using these exercise movements.

Isthmic spondylolisthesis Sciatica
When the N5 nerve root is impinged upon it is the cause of this kind of sciatica. There are two kinds of exercises that help in this condition; flexing and stabilizing that help the lumbar spine to remain stable in a flexed position.

Piriformis syndrome
Experiencing pain along the sciatic nerve is a common symptom of piriformis syndrome. But this syndrome is not really sciatica but a muscle called the piriformis muscle which lies in close proximity to the sciatic nerve itself is irritates it to cause pain. These cause excruciating pain, tingling and numbness running from the lower back, to the rear and sometimes down the leg and into the foot. Stretching exercises for the piriformis muscle, hamstring muscles and hip extensor muscles helps decrease the painful symptoms.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
The inflammation of the SI joint or sacroiliac joint causes this. Therefore this is not true sciatica but the similar symptoms occur and exercise like stretching and movement exercises should be performed to help alleviate the pain.

Long term Sciatica Relief
These exercises must be performed as a part of daily living and not just treated as a means to get rid of back pain. They ensure good spinal health and help to ease the pressures that stress has on us. It is also a must to maintain good posture while performing daily activities and use ergonomically correct furniture to make sure the lower back is well supported and avoid standing or being cramped in the same position for long periods of time.

By Jayashree Pakhare Published: 4/25/2007

Some Natural Sciatic Nerve Exercises

Most people who are in their old age already can be victims of sciatica, which is a pain that results from irritation of one of the sciatic nerves.

Back Pain Care

Sciatica is one of the problems that anyone can have today especially those who are very physically active. 

Exercises for Sciatica

In most cases, the name sciatica is used when you have nuisances in the nerves area of the lower spinal chord or in cases of irregular compression. There are a number of conditions that can cause this.

Sciatica Exercises

San Francisco Chiropractor and Herniated Disc Doctor Comments: We have been treating low back pain and sciatica in the SF Financial District for about 18 years now at Executive Express Chiropractic’.

The best 5 sciatic nerve exercises

Sciatica is nerve problems that cause a lot of pain, even thought you may not have heard of this disorder before.

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During pregnancy, your body undergoes a great many changes. A great many of these will seem strange and uncomfortable, but it’s important to realize that almost all women going through pregnancy are experiencing the very same changes. Some of these changes can cause pain and discomfort, but if you are aware of and prepared for them, you can do a lot to minimize that pain and discomfort.

A large majority of women will experience lower back pain during pregnancy. It simply makes sense that as your body weight increases and center of gravity shifts, your back will feel at least some strain. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to ease lower back pain, making your whole pregnancy a much more pleasant experience.

One of the best and most effective things you can do to ease lower back pain are exercises that are geared toward strengthening your core muscle groups. These muscles, primarily in your back and abdomen can take a great deal of strain off of your back when properly conditioned. Unfortunately, many people do not use these muscles enough and they become soft and unsupportive. Ask your doctor for some easy and safe exercises that will build up these core muscles and help prevent lower back pain during pregnancy.

While pregnant, keep in mind that you should avoid any physically demanding work, if at all possible. In addition, be careful of what you lift and carry. Try to avoid carrying anything very heavy, including children.

Another important factor in preventing back pain during pregnancy is to be mindful of your posture. One of the biggest problems pregnant women face is the shifting of weight forward by their growing belly. As the weight shifts, it seems natural to compensate, so many women lean back too far, and arch their back, creating strain and eventual pain. To ease lower back pain, concentrate on keeping correct posture even before your body starts to change perceptibly. That way, it will be easier to maintain, even as your center of gravity gradually shifts forward.

While walking, make sure your shoulders are back, and your hips are basically aligned over your feet. Avoid standing if possible, but if you can’t, then try to shift weight from one foot to the other fairly frequently. When sitting, make sure your lower back is supported, using a pillow if necessary, and that both feet are firmly planted on the floor. Sleep on your side, with a pillow between your knees for additional support.

Lower back pain during pregnancy is extremely common, but you may not need to suffer from it if you’re prepared. Doing core strengthening exercises, and keeping your posture correct will do much to ease lower back pain Do your best to avoid activities that can exacerbate it, like lifting and carrying heavy objects, or standing for extended periods of time. If you do all of these things consistently, chances are that lower back pain won’t trouble you very much.

Author: Sandra B Wilson

You can find helpful information about lower back pain during pregnancy and everything you need to know about ease lower back pain at Aha! Baby.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandra_B_Wilson

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Suffering with Herniated Disc Problems? 5 Ways to Relieve Your Back Pain Now

A herniated disc diagnosis continues to cause concern in people suffering with back pain … understand its significance and the steps you can take to reduce the chances of it ever becoming an issue.

Does this scenario sound familiar?

You bend over to pick a Kleenex off the floor. Your back locks up. You begin to experience lower back pain radiating into the buttocks and down the leg. You consult with your doctor who orders an MRI. The MRI report identifies a herniated disc.

Bad news?

Maybe but in all likelihood, it’s not as bad as you may think.

You may have heard people say they have a "slipped" or "ruptured" disc in the back. You may have even heard terms like "bulging" or "protruding" discs. These are common "street names" that describe a herniated disc.

The Truth About Herniated Disks May Shock You

Did you know that if we were to perform an MRI on people with NO back pain, as high as 85% of those people would show evidence of a herniated disc? The truth is that if you have back pain, there’s a good chance a herniated disc has NOTHING to do with your pain.

Low back pain will affect 80% of the American population at some point in their life. And, of the 80% who experience a first time episode of back pain, the pain will resolve with little or no intervention. In fact, only 10% of all back pain sufferers ever require surgery.

Yet, despite these favorable back pain statistics, a herniated disc diagnosis continues to cause concern in people suffering with back pain.

To alleviate this concern, it’s important that you understand the process for determining the significance of a herniated disc. Plus, you should know the steps you can take to reduce the chances of a herniated disc ever becoming an issue.

How to End Your Worrying & Your Back Pain

1. Understand that the presence of low back pain, pain radiating down the leg, and a positive MRI do NOT necessarily implicate a herniated disc as the source of your back problem.

Pain that radiates into the buttocks and down the leg is often referred to as sciatica. Yes, sciatica pain can be caused by irritation of the nerve root from a herniated disc. But, chances are your sciatica symptoms are the result of irritation of the sciatic nerve from a structure outside the spine.

To make this determination, a thorough physical examination must be performed and the findings corroborated with MRI films.

WARNING: Your report of symptoms and a study of the MRI film DOES NOT constitute a thorough physical exam. It should include a detailed medical history, an actual assessment of your movement, strength, reflexes, sensation and any pertinent clinical tests plus a review of the MRI film.

2. Increase your awareness of specific symptoms that may implicate a more serious back problem.

These include:

– Fever in addition to intense back or neck pain.

– Inability to manage daily activities.

– Severe pain, which worsens over a period of weeks.

– Pain returning often.

Seek immediate medical attention if you should experience:

– Numbness around crotch or genitals

– Difficulty in passing or controlling urine

– Numbness, pins and needles or weakness in both legs

– Unsteadiness while standing

3. Realize herniated disks don’t just happen because you leaned over to pick up a Kleenex.

Spinal discs are tougher than what was once thought. They can tolerate a tremendous amount of physical abuse. Just ask the Navy SEAL recruits who entered SEAL training with diagnoses of herniated disc problems. After 14 weeks of the most physical and mental challenging training on the planet, they experienced no changes in their herniated discs.

Degenerative disc disease and subsequent herniated discs are linked to two factors:

– Aging
– Genetics

As we age, the deep muscles of the spine begin to deteriorate. This creates a dynamic instability to your back. At the same time, the discs begin to lose their water content resulting in a loss in disc height and strength. This ultimately leads to failure of the disc material.

4. Stop or reverse your spinal aging process by exercising and retraining your affected back muscles.

Tight back muscles need to be stretched and weak back muscles need to be strengthened. Too many times back treatment is geared towards symptom management rather than addressing the specific muscle imbalances, which are responsible for your back pain problems.

Treatment such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, massage, and moist heat, while soothing, do nothing to address your muscle imbalances. Even surgical intervention is ineffective if you don’t first address the underlying muscle imbalances.

5. Stop pursuing treatments that will have zero effect on your herniated disc problems.

Instead you should seek out a musculoskeletal specialist that has the skills to identify and address underlying muscle imbalances. Chances are that once identified and treated, your back pain and sciatica pain will go away completely.

By Malton Schexneider Published: 4/7/2008

Lower Back Pain – Are You Suffering From A Herniated Disc

If you are suffering from lower back pain do you realize that you could be suffering from a herniated disc?

Stretches to get quick relief from herniated disc sciatica

Leg pain or sciatica (also known as radiculopathy) from a herniated disc is commonly caused by disc material protruding backwards and irritating or compressing a nerve root, which in turn causes pain to radiate along the sciatic nerve.

Types of sciatica: herniated disc,

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Herniated Disc?

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Sitting with a Herniated Disc

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Introduction
A large number of American adults suffer from acute lower back and hip pain, which makes their daily life miserable. Lower back and hip pain not just affects your daily schedule at work and leisure; it might have serious consequences, leading to chronic bone or nerve problems. The key to correct the pain is to first figure out the root causes and then treat them accordingly. There are various causes of lower back and hip pain; however, each individual may experience the pain for a different reason.

About Lower Back and Hip Pain

Pain in the lower back can be horrible in itself and when it comes along with a hip pain, it can be really awful. The worst part of the fact is most of the time you might experience lower back and hip pain together. Though this pain is often associated with the aging process, it is very much possible that lower back and hip pain may even happen to young adults due to a variety of causes.

Primary Causes
Inflammations, mis-alignment of the joints and muscle tightness or weakness are some of the primary aspects that cause back pain. These conditions often contribute to hip pain arising from the piriformis syndrome, which further leads to sciatic nerve inflammation. Often, these conditions are created due to a strain or injury in the lower back which flows down to the hips.

Distortion of the pelvis may also lead to lower back and hip pain as the pelvis is attached to the hips. Partial dislocation in the hip joints is caused due to instability of the hips and the disbalanced hip joints lead to lower back and hip pain.

Risks
Certain conditions may aggravate the chances of lower back and hip pain. Pregnancy, over-stress, stooping or bending jobs, smoking, aging, arthritis, diseases or infection in pelvis or the organs of the lower abdomen, heavy lifting jobs, fracture, serious illness (such as kidney stones, tuberculosis, ovarian cysts, spondylitis etc), obesity are some of those.

Types of Pain
Clinically the pain in the lower back and hip are classified under three categories, namely, acute, sub-acute and chronic.

An acute pain is caused due to excessive use of the back muscles or due to traumatic accidental injuries. This kind of pain is followed by a movement or strain that occurs suddenly. In cases of acute pain, usually soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons etc are damaged. Some of the common symptoms of acute pain include lack of adequate sleep, stiffness, finding difficulty in walking, constipation etc.

Patients suffering from sub-acute pain might require a few weeks to return to their normal lifestyle.

As the name suggests, chronic pain lasts for a longer period of time and in some cases, the patient might never fully recover but only be able to keep it less through exercise or medication. Physical conditions such as slip disc, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal disc herniation, osteoarthritis, vertebral fracture might lead to chronic pain.

Other Important Factors

Some of the other important factors that contribute to the combination of lower back and hip pain include the difference in the length of two legs, bone tumors, incorrect posture and mobility and motion of the hip. Excessive depression, oxygen deficiency, pinched nerves, sciatica, spinal arthritis, muscle injury, hip bursitis, osteoporosis etc. are also considered to be significant conditions, leading to lower back and hip pain.

Symptoms
Some of the symptoms that should be looked for in order to diagnose lower back and hip pain are sudden fevers with back pain along with night sweat, pain in the upper spinal, a pain that has been a result of an accident, injury or trauma and is only getting worse with time. Any structural disorder in the leg, feet or joints and a record of cancer or HIV positive can also be aspects to be taken care of while diagnosing pain in the lower back and hip.

Treatments
It is always advisable to consult your doctor in case you experience any unusual pain in your lower back and hip area. Depending on the patient’s age and root cause, different types of treatments are employed to cure this pain. While some causes can be treated with chiropractic treatment and Chinese ways such as massage, acupuncture etc.; use of herbal medicine, anti-inflammatory enzymatic therapy, homeopathy, allopathic and Yoga are common for others. Stretch exercises and physical therapy along with adequate rest can also be very useful for certain conditions, whereas in some cases the patient might need to opt for surgical solutions.

Conclusion
Proper diagnosis and treatment of lower back and hip pain can only happen once the root cause is identified. Therefore, it is essential to consult a specialist immediately if the pain persists for an unusual period of time.

By Paramita Ghosh Published: 3/10/2008

Understanding Back Pain

The causes of back pain are numerous; some are self-inflicted due to a lifetime of bad habits and other back pain causes include accidents, muscle strains, and sports injuries. Although the causes may be … Sharp, localized pain in the neck, upper back, or lower back — especially after lifting heavy objects or engaging in other strenuous activity. 

Lower Back Pain Causes and Solutions?

my mom is a bit heavier than the perfect weight and she is having a lot of trouble with her lower back that she cant sleep cook or do anything for more than10.   

What is the Best Ointment or Spray or Solution for Severe Back Pain?

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What Causes Lower Back Pain and How to Avoid it

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Holistic Treatment For Upper Back Pain

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Learn how non-surgical spinal decompression and the DRX9000 can help alleviate .

Sciatica is a painful symptom that may be caused by compressive forces, as well as irritation of the sciatic nerve or any of its nerve roots. It is most commonly associated with painful stinging, burning or numbing pain that may be experienced in the lower back, buttock, thigh, leg, or foot. Diagnosis of this particular symptom may be achieved through a physical examination or medical history review. If the condition that is causing this nerve-associated symptom is left untreated, it may have a huge impact on everyday activities such as walking, sitting, lifting and other simple movements.

This painful symptom may be caused by several conditions such as piriformis syndrome, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs and bulging discs. Although there may be several conditions that lead to similar symptoms, only herniated discs, bulging discs and degenerative disc disease are associated with the intervertebral disc.

A sciatica symptom caused by an intervertebral disc related condition may have a wide range of painful effects. The compression or irritation that is created by sciatica may produce stinging or burning lower back pain, which will quickly work its way along the buttocks and leg. In several cases, the shooting pain may lead down to the foot causing numbness.

When a person is experiencing sciatica symptoms, it may be difficult for them to live a normal or active lifestyle. Unless the condition is treated, a person may not likely be able to partake in normal daily functions which may also lead to depression and other negative effects.

A physician may recommend a certain treatment option based on age, general health, medical history and level of degree of the sciatica causing condition. Common treatment options associated with sciatica causing conditions may include bed rest, pain medications, physical therapy, acupuncture, surgery and traction.

A relatively new treatment option to consider for intervertebral disc related conditions that lead to sciatica problems is called non-surgical spinal decompression therapy. A highly recognized device that has been shown to provide back pain relief for symptoms associated with herniated disc, bulging or protruding intervertebral discs and degenerative disc disease is called the DRX9000 True Non-surgical Spinal Decompression System.

This particular form of therapy is both non-invasive and non-surgical. Through the application of spinal decompressive forces to compressive and degenerative injuries of the spine, the DRX9000 has given patients relief from painful symptoms and has allowed them to resume a healthy normal life.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from an intervertebral disc condition that’s causing painful sciatica symptoms, contact your local DRX9000 physician to learn more about non-surgical spinal decompression therapy.

By Rick Durand Published: 9/11/2008

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The excruciating pain that accompanies the dislodging of a disc of the spinal canal is not something that can be put into words. Most patients with the irregularity opt for Herniated disc surgery. The urgency arises out of the fragment of dislodged disc pressing against the spinal cord. Many a time, it even stresses nerves that surround the spinal cord. The pressure exerted leads to the manifestation of symptoms like back and leg pain and weakness of muscles.

Reason for Discomfort

A herniated disc is the result of a shift in the ‘cushion’ that occupies the space between the spinal vertebrae. When this gets pushed out of its normal position, it is diagnosed as a herniated disc. Spinal discs have nerves located very close to the edges. When, with age, the spinal disc becomes less elastic, it ruptures. The herniated disc bulge pinches the spinal nerves and spinal cord.

Any kind of pressure or stress to these nerves or shift in position of the sensitively located disc develops the need to consider herniated disc surgery. The condition could be the outcome of a nasty fall or an accident. It is also observed in the case of repetitive and neglected straining on the spine. A previous condition of stenosis of spine also results in a herniated disc.

Preliminary Tests

The herniated disc surgery involves a number of preliminary tests to determine the extent to which the spinal disc is dislodged. Clinical research helps to find out more about the rigidity of the region that sets in with age. The MRI scan is conducted to display evidence of disc deterioration. Though it is a condition that is normally seen in aged people, patients as young as 30 have also been diagnosed with herniated disc.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a herniated spinal disc manifest mainly due to the compression of the spinal nerves. This results in occasional passing through of abnormal signals or no signals at all. The symptoms commonly associated with a herniated disc include:

• Electric shock pains: These are especially experienced when the stress on the nerves occurs in the cervical region and the lumbar. The excruciating pain can be felt in the arms and down the legs.
• Abnormal sensations and muscle weakness: Patients report tingling and sometimes numbness in the limbs. On account of the nerve irritation and subsequent interruption of brain signals, muscle weakness is observed.

If left neglected, the condition could worsen into the Cauda Equina Syndrome. This medical emergency results in problems with urination and bowel movements.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a herniated disc involves physical examination. Tests are conducted for measuring sensations, muscle strength and reflexes. An MRI is conducted to highlight the abnormality. The diagnosis and treatment plan largely depend on the results of the physical examination and MRI.

Herniated Disc Surgery

The surgical treatment involves the careful removal of the dislodged fragment of spinal disc. The pressure on the nerve is released via discectomy. In Open Discectomy, the surgeon makes a small incision of about 3 centimeters, to re-lodge the herniated disc and relieve the pressure on the nerve. The operation lasts an hour, depending on the extent of damage.

The surgery demands the use of special instruments to remove bone and ligament via Laminotomy. Thereafter, the spinal nerves are focused on for life and de-stress, with the removal of the herniated disc fragment. The surgeon is at this point in time in a position to take a call on the condition of the remaining disc. On cleaning out the region, the incision is bandaged.

Endoscopic Discectomy involves the use of special instruments and a camera to remove the herniated disc. In this case the incisions are very small. The procedure accomplishes the same goal, but here the surgeon uses a camera to locate the fragment and the procedure may not require general anesthesia.

Recovery

The previous symptoms like leg pain dissipate after a number of weeks, post surgery. Pain around the incision made is natural and controlled with oral medication. Patients are not encouraged to stay in hospital beyond a day.

Doctors do recommend the use of a lumbar corset brace sometimes. Recovery from Herniated Disc Surgery is best when the patient exercises caution in movements after the surgery.

By Gaynor Borade Published: 1/17/2009

Herniated Disc Surgery

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Human spine or backbone is made from 33 bones, known as vertebrae. There are 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae and 5 lumber vertebrae. There is the sacrum (5 vertebrae fused together) beneath the fifth lumber vertebra, followed by the coccyx or tail bone (3 vertebrae fused together). These vertebrae are cushioned by small, soft pads of cartilage. Spinal discs comprise a jelly-like inner layer, called nucleus and a tough outer layer, called annulus fibrosus. These discs act as a shock-absorber and protect the spine from any kind of injury or stress. Spinal discs also allow bending movements of the spine.

If the spinal disc degenerates due to aging or any injury, the soft inner layer may rupture and get herniated through the annulus fibrosus. This can cause irritation of the spinal nerve, leading to pain, weakness and numbness in the lower back, arm and leg. This condition is known as a herniated disc. It is also referred to as compressed disc, bulging disc, prolapsed disc, slipped disc, ruptured disc or herniated intervertebral disc. Herniated disc most commonly occurs in between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae in the lower back (lumbar spine); however, it can also occur in the cervical spine.

Causes of Herniated Disc

Herniated disc when associated with wear and tear due to aging is known as degenerative disc disease. As the water content and elasticity of the nucleus of the disc are reduced with aging, people between the age of 30 and 50 are at higher risk of herniated disc. Lifting heavy objects can also lead to spinal disc herniation.

Sometimes, traumatic events such as a fall or any injury to the spine can cause herniated disc. Smoking reduces the oxygen levels in the body, causing deficiency of vital nutrients in the body tissues, thus increases the risk of herniated disc. Some other risk factors include excess body weight, being tall (men taller than 5 feet 11 inches and women taller than 5 feet 7 inches) and occupations that cause excess stress to the spine.

Symptoms of Herniated Disc

Severity of the symptoms of herniated disc may vary depending upon the position and the size of disc herniation. If the herniated disc is pressing on the nerve roots, then it can cause pain and numbness in the back and legs. If herniated disc is in the lower back, then it causes back pain known as sciatica that spreads to the buttocks and legs. Lower back pain and leg pain may worsen after sitting, sneezing or coughing. If herniated disc occurs at upper back, then it can lead to neck pain that may spread to the shoulders and upper arms.

Some other symptoms of herniated disc are numbness, tingling, weakness and muscle spasms. In some rare cases, herniated disc can lead to cauda equina syndrome, which is caused due to compression of the spinal nerve roots. Emergency surgery is required to relieve the pressure and cure cauda equina syndrome; otherwise it can cause permanent weakness or paralysis. If left untreated, herniated disc can lead to some complications such as increasing pain and numbness in one or both legs, bowel or bladder dysfunction and progressive loss of sensation.

Diagnosis of Herniated Disc

If you experience back pain or leg pain that interferes with normal activities for more than a week, then you should consult an orthopedist. Certain tests are suggested by the doctor for the diagnosis of herniated disc such as straight-leg-raising test, cross straight-leg-raising test and screening neurological examination. Certain imaging tests like X-ray, CT scan, MRI scan and myelogram are performed to confirm the location of the herniated disc and to detect which nerve is affected.

Treatment for Herniated Disc

Treatment for herniated disc is decided depending upon the severity of the symptoms. There are surgical as well as nonsurgical options for the treatment of herniated disc. Nonsurgical methods for herniated disc include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, hydrotherapy, electrical stimulation, cold therapy, heat therapy, bracing, traction and stretching. You can also benefit from certain exercises like dynamic lumbar stabilizing exercises and aerobic exercises with pain-free activities. In some severe cases, surgical options such as minimally invasive and decompression procedures are recommended.

Nonsurgical Treatment: Many a times, herniated disc improves with nonsurgical treatment options. Nonsurgical treatment aims at reducing irritation of the nerve, relieving pain and improving physical activities. Primary treatment is administered for back pain relief. You need to limit or modify the activities like prolonged sitting, lifting heavy objects or bending, which can aggravate the symptoms. Physical therapy and exercises can help increase the strength and flexibility. Pain relievers like acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin can help to reduce pain and relieve inflammation of the nerve roots.

Neuropathic pain medications like pregabalin, gabapentin and duloxetine are effective for painful nerve conditions. Lower doses of tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline can also help to relieve pain. If you have persistent back spasms, then your doctor prescribes muscle relaxants like methocarbamol, cyclobenzaprine or carisoprodol. If pain is not improved with these medications, then corticosteroids are administered orally or through epidural injection. Some other treatment options including cold or heat therapy, bracing, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), hydrotherapy and traction are also helpful in relieving pain.

Once pain is relieved, the treatment is given to strengthen and stabilize the spine and restore spinal function. Rehabilitation involves physiotherapy and various exercises such as stretching, aerobics, and dynamic lumbar stabilization exercise. These back strengthening exercises help control pain, correct the posture, strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility.

Surgical Treatment Options: If you don’t experience any improvement with nonsurgical treatment options after a period of time, then surgical options are recommended. Surgical treatment is aimed at relieving pain and preventing irritation of the spinal nerve due to herniated disc. Minimally invasive procedures include chemonucleolysis and endoscopic discectomy. Open decompression involves discectomy, microdiscectomy and spinal fusion.

Herniated disc can also be treated with some alternative treatment options such as acupuncture, massage, spinal manipulation and yoga. You can prevent herniated disc by doing regular exercise, maintaining good posture and healthy weight, and quitting smoking.

By Reshma Jirage Published: 1/28/2009

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