Spinal Disc Herniation Treatment

Spinal Disc Herniation, Sciatica Pain, Slipped Disc, Pinched Nerve in the Back and in the Neck : Treatment

Several things cause severe back and neck pain, and it is often hard to know the underlying cause as it’s different for everyone. In this article, we aim to help ease some of these worries by exploring common conditions that can cause severe back and neck pain, including Slipped Disc, Pinched Nerve, Sciatica Pain and Disc Herniation!

What are the Treatments for Sciatica or Back/Neck Pain?

There are quite a few options for treating sciatica or back/neck pain in general. For the most part, the best thing you can do is focus on managing the pain and improving your ability to function. It might include physical therapy, traction, pain medication and last options epidural injections, and surgery.

Several treatment options are available for radicular symptoms, depending on the underlying cause. For example, if a herniated disc is causing symptoms, your doctor may recommend conservative treatment options such as rest, ice/heat therapy, traction, manipulation.

Physiotherapy and over-the-counter medication. Your doctor may suggest epidural steroid injections or surgery if conservative treatments don’t provide relief. These are classified as non conservative as they are more radical, intrusive procedures and therefore are the last options. Treatment options for degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis might include physical therapy, exercise, traction and pain medication. In some cases, surgery may be recommended.

Traction benefits for Neck and Back

Traction is a very effective treatment for both neck and back trapped nerves. Traction works by gently stretching the spine, which takes pressure off of the nerve. This can provide relief from pain, numbness, and tingling. Traction can be done manually or with a machine. Both traction types should be performed by a skilled clinician. Machine-assisted traction requires additional skills as it involves many variables such as spinal angles and rhythmic timing patterns and weight graduations specific to the precise spinal location being treated. Again it can be highly effective to decompress the spine. A great maintenance treatment for worn out degenerative disc conditions as well as acute trapped nerves

A slipped disc can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you are experiencing any symptoms associated with a slipped disc, it is essential to seek a spinal specialist, such as Physiotherapy attention as soon as possible. Once a diagnosis has been made, there are a variety of treatment options available that can help to improve your symptoms and quality of life. A skilled Physiotherapist can diagnose the cause through examination. Occasionally they may refer you on for further diagnostic investigation such as xrays and scans if relevant but on the main this is not needed. Alongside physical therapy, your GP may suggest trying pain medication. It can be over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or Tylenol, or it may be a prescription medication. If you take prescription medication, follow your GP’s instructions carefully.

A slipped disc also called a herniated disc is a condition in which one of the discs between the vertebrae of your spine becomes damaged and presses on the spinal nerves. It can cause pain and numbness in your back, neck, legs, arm and hand. Sometimes, a slipped disc can also lead to weakness in your legs or arms. While most people with a slipped disc recover with rest, ice and pain medication, traction some may need surgery to remove the damaged disc.

What is the Cause of Back Pain or Lower Leg Pain?

There are many possible causes of back pain or lower leg pain. One common cause is a herniated disc, a slipped disc or a pinched nerve. A herniated disc occurs when the soft centre of a spinal disc bulges out through a crack in the more rigid outer layer. It can pressure the nerves that travel through the spinal column, causing pain. This nerve runs from the lower back down through the legs. Pressure on this nerve can cause pain to radiate down the legs. Other potential causes of back pain include muscle strain, arthritis, and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal). Treatment for back pain will vary depending on the underlying cause. This scenario can also occur in the neck and give referred pain,numbness and weakness to the arms/fingers. Often, rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers are enough to ease the pain. More severe cases may require physical therapy ,traction, epidural injections, or surgery These injections can help reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area. Surgery is to release the compression but should be the last option

What is a Spinal Tumour and Spina Bifida Occulta?

A spinal disc herniation occurs when the inner, jelly-like part of a disc bulges out through a tear in the disc’s outer layer. It can pressure the spinal cord or nerves, causing pain, numbness or weakness. A slipped disc issue arises due to wear and tear on the discs (degenerative changes), which can occur with aging. However, other factors such as injury, obesity, pregnancy and certain medical conditions can also contribute to developing a slipped disc. Spinal tumours are growths that develop within the bones or tissues of the spine. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Spina bifida occulta is a congenital disability that affects the spinal column. It is a condition with incomplete closure of the spinal column, resulting in an opening (defect) in one or more vertebrae. Spina bifida occulta often goes undetected because it typically does not cause any symptoms.

Causes of Sciatica or Back Pain

There are many possible causes of sciatica or back pain. Sciatica is usually caused by a herniated disc, a tear in the disc’s outer layer that allows the inner layer to bulge out and compress the nerve. Other causes of Sciatica can include a pinched nerve, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), or a tumour. Sciatica can also be caused by pregnancy, as the baby’s weight can pressure the sciatic nerve. Additionally, people who sit for long periods or have jobs that require them to twist or lift heavy objects are at risk of developing Sciatica. Symptoms of Sciatica can include pain that radiates from the low back down the leg, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg. The pain is often aggravated by sitting, coughing, or sneezing. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to see a doctor so they can diagnose the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan.

Treatment for Radicular Symptoms

Radicular symptoms, also known as Sciatica, can be caused by several spinal conditions. The most common cause is a herniated disc, which occurs when the gel-like centre of a disc ruptures and puts pressure on the nearby nerve root. This pressure can cause pain, numbness, and tingling down the leg. Other causes of radicular symptoms include degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. For most people, physical therapy is enough to help them manage their pain and improve their function. Your clinician will likely focus on helping you improve your flexibility and strength. They may also give you exercises to do at home to help keep the pain at bay. They will educate you on the cause of the problem and the rationale behind the treatment and likely prognosis.