Symptoms
Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your herniated disk-related health concerns Start Here Conservative treatment — mainly modifying activities to avoid movement that causes pain and taking pain medication — relieves symptoms in most people within a few days or weeks. Over-the-counter pain medications.
Causes
Your doctor might suggest physical therapy to help with your pain. Physical therapists can show you positions and exercises designed to minimize the pain of a herniated disk. Diskectomy is the surgical removal of the damaged portion of a herniated disk in your spine.
Prevention
For those with a slipped disk in the lower spine, strengthening the hamstring muscles can help better support their core and back. Try the following hamstring stretches: 2.
Complications
A person can get a herniated disk through heavy lifting, a sudden pressure on the back, or repetitive strenuous activities. People with a herniated disk should avoid doing strenuous activities during recovery. People should avoid all exercises that cause pain or feel as though they are making the pain worse.
How do you treat a herniated disc at Mayo Clinic?
How can physical therapy help with a herniated disk?
How can I treat a slipped disk in the lower spine?
What should you not do with a herniated disk?
What is the best treatment for a herniated disc?
Herniated Disc Treatment OptionsOral medications and/or steroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation.Physical therapy to reduce stiffness and pressure on the nerves in the spine.Hot or cold packs for pain relief.Manual manipulation, such as massage or chiropractic care.
What are three treatments for a slipped disc?
Most people with a slipped disc in the lumbar region of their spine (lower back) are offered “conservative” treatment, meaning that the treatment does not involve surgery. This mainly involves exercise, relaxation and positioning, painkillers or local anesthetics, and manual and physical therapy.
How does herniated disc heal?
Spinal injections: Called an epidural or nerve block, a spinal injection is a shot of steroid medication directly into your spine. The medication reduces swelling and inflammation of the nerve from the disk herniation. This will allow your body to heal and return to activity faster.
What kind of surgery is done for herniated disc?
A Laminotomy and discectomy is the standard surgical procedure for treatment of a lumbar herniated disc. The surgeon removes a small portion of the bone to gain access to the spinal canal (laminotomy) and then removes the portion of herniated disc (discectomy). In certain cases, spinal fusion may be required.
What test can be used to confirm the location of the herniated disk and to see which nerves are affected
This test can be used to confirm the location of the herniated disk and to see which nerves are affected. Myelogram . A dye is injected into the spinal fluid before X-rays are taken. This test can show pressure on your spinal cord or nerves due to multiple herniated disks or other conditions.
What tests are needed for a herniated disk?
In most cases of herniated disk, a physical exam and a medical history are all that's needed for a diagnosis. If your doctor suspects another condition or needs to see which nerves are affected, he or she may order one or more of the following tests.
What is the procedure to remove a herniated disk?
Surgery. Diskectomy is the surgical removal of the damaged portion of a herniated disk in your spine. A herniated disk occurs when some of the softer material inside the disk pushes out through a crack in the tougher exterior. This can irritate or compress nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness or weakness.
How to treat low back pain?
Spinal manipulation has been found to be moderately effective for low back pain that has lasted for at least a month. Rarely, chiropractic treatment of the neck can cause certain types of strokes. Acupuncture. Although results are usually modest, acupuncture appears to ease chronic back and neck pain. Massage.
How to help a swollen thigh?
Besides taking the pain medications your doctor recommends, try: Applying heat or cold. Initially, cold packs can be used to relieve pain and inflammation. After a few days, you might switch to gentle heat to give relief and comfort.
What does a doctor check for in a physical exam?
During the physical exam, your doctor will check your back for tenderness. You might be asked to lie flat and move your legs into various positions to help determine the cause of your pain. Your doctor may also perform a neurological exam to check your: Reflexes. Muscle strength.
Can a surgeon remove a disk?
Loss of bladder or bowel control. In nearly all cases, surgeons can remove just the protruding portion of the disk. Rarely, the entire disk must be removed. In these cases, the vertebrae may need to be fused with a bone graft.
How to treat a herniated disc?
Some exercises can help improve the symptoms of a herniated disc. A physical therapist can teach you which ones strengthen the muscles that support your back. Physical therapy programs also include: 1 Stretching exercises to keep your muscles flexible 2 Aerobic exercises -- such as walking or riding a stationary bicycle 3 Massage 4 Ice and heat 5 Ultrasound therapy 6 Electrical muscle stimulation
How to protect your spine from a herniated disk?
To protect your spine and prevent another herniated disk, you should always sit and stand up straight. If you have to stand for a long period of time , rest one foot on a stool or box to take pressure off your back. Be careful when you lift anything heavy. Squat from your knees to pick it up.
How long does it take for a herniated disk to heal?
Most people with a herniated disk don't need surgery. Rest and other treatments should start to improve your symptoms within 4 to 6 weeks. But if your pain doesn’t improve, surgery might be an option. Talk to your doctor about surgery if: You’re not getting relief from pain relievers, injections, and physical therapy.
What is the bone that is removed from a herniated disc?
Sometimes your surgeon will also need to remove a small piece of bone called the lamina from the vertebra. The lamina forms a protective cover over your spinal cord. Removing part or all of it helps the surgeon access your herniated disk. It also can relieve pressure on your nerves and eliminate leg pain and sciatica.
What is the best medicine for back spasms?
And nerve pain medicines, such as amitriptyline ( Elavil, Vanatrip ), duloxetine ( Cymbalta ), ...
What is the procedure called when you have two disks in your back?
This is called spinal fusion . Fusing the two disks will stop the bones from moving and prevent you from having any more pain. Artificial disk surgery. Only a few people are good candidates for artificial disk surgery because it only works on certain disks in your lower back.
How to stop back pain from a sprain?
You need to keep moving so your joints and muscles don't stiffen up. You can also use ice and heat to help relieve your pain. Just place an ice pack or warm wet towel on the area of your back that is sore. You can alternate hot and cold, or use whichever feels best.
How to treat sciatica and herniated disc?
Lumbar laminotomy is a procedure often utilized to relieve leg pain and sciatica caused by a herniated disc. It is performed through a small incision down the center of the back over the area of the herniated disc. During this procedure, a portion of the lamina may be removed. Once the incision is made through the skin, the muscles are moved to the side so that the surgeon can see the back of the vertebrae. A small opening is made between the two vertebrae to gain access to the herniated disc. After the disc is removed through a discectomy, the spine may need to be stabilized. Spinal fusion often is performed in conjunction with a laminotomy. In more involved cases, a laminectomy may be performed.
How long should I be on bedrest for a herniated disc?
This helps the spinal nerve inflammation to decrease. Bedrest is not recommended.
What causes a burning sensation in the lower back?
Lumbar spine (lower back): Sciatica /Radiculopathy frequently results from a herniated disc in the lower back. Pressure on one or several nerves that contribute to the sciatic nerve can cause pain, burning, tingling and numbness that radiates from the buttock into the leg and sometimes into the foot.
What happens if you have a herniated disc?
If it is pressing on a nerve, there may be pain, numbness or weakness in the area of the body to which the nerve travels. Typically, a herniated disc is preceded by an episode of low back pain or a long history of intermittent episodes of low back pain.
What is the name of the disc that is pushed out of the spinal column?
These discs are round, like small pillows, with a tough, outer layer (annulus) that surrounds the nucleus. Located between each of the vertebra in the spinal column, discs act as shock absorbers for the spinal bones. A herniated disc (also called bulged, slipped or ruptured) is a fragment of the disc nucleus that is pushed out of the annulus, ...
What is cervical radiculopathy?
Cervical spine (neck): Cervical radiculopathy is the symptoms of nerve compression in the neck , which may include dull or sharp pain in the neck or between the shoulder blades, pain that radiates down the arm to the hand or fingers or numbness or tingling in the shoulder or arm. The pain may increase with certain positions or movements of the neck.
How do you know if you have a herniated disc?
If the herniated disc is not pressing on a nerve, the patient may experience a low backache or no pain at all. If it is pressing on a nerve, there may be pain, numbness or weakness in the area of the body to which the nerve travels. Typically, a herniated disc is preceded by an episode of low back pain or a long history of intermittent episodes of low back pain.
Assessing a Herniated Disc
Finding a disc herniation on a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan does not automatically mean that you will be in pain. However, this issue can lead to a variety of symptoms.
Pinched Nerves
In many cases, a disc herniation will pinch or compress against an adjacent spinal nerve. When this occurs, the resulting pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness will typically spread into the extremities (the arms for a cervical herniation or the legs for a lumbar or thoracic herniation).
Physical Therapy for a Herniated Disc
After you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc by your doctor and therapy has been deemed appropriate, it is important to find a PT experienced in treating this type of condition.
First 24-48 Hours
The first 24 to 48 hours after a disc herniation are often the most painful, and you may be afraid of making your condition even worse. While it is normal to be fearful, your physical therapist will typically educate you on the importance of staying active and avoiding bed rest.
Ongoing Treatment
Once you are through the acute phase of a disc herniation, your therapist will typically focus on progressing your initial home program.
Herniated Disc Exercises
A disc herniation can occur in several different directions and in any of the 23 individual spinal discs. Because of this, the program that a therapist provides is unique to your specific condition.
Physical Therapy Following Surgery
The physical therapy that you receive following spinal surgery is similar to the treatments described above, although there are a few unique differences.
1. Wait It Out
Mildly herniated discs often resolve themselves by taking it easy (avoiding any exercise except walking). Natural movement of the disc between vertebrae, and flow of fluids in and out of the disc material, will allow the disc to assume its normal shape and heal.
2. Spinal Steroid Shots
Corticosteroids injected into the disc area can also help contract the disc material and also the tissues surrounding it, reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve and easing up on the pain.
3. Spinal Decompression
Another method you'll find a lot of offers for on the Internet is spinal decompression, using a table like the DRX9000. This table, similar to a traction table, puts you in two harnesses: one around your torso, and another around your pelvis.
4. Surgery (Discectomy)
This was the final step in my personal dealings with my herniated disc, and the only one that offered any relief. It's been about 6 weeks since my procedure, and I have had no sciatic pain whatsoever.
Suggestions
Of course, my main suggestion is finding a highly competent spine doctor and neurosurgeon, and following their recommendations.
Update: Almost 9 Years Later
It's been almost nine years since I had my discectomy, and, fingers crossed, I'm still feeling fine. Every once in a while I'll feel the faintest glimmer of the same, shooting pain, but it passes fairly quickly. My scar is also fading a little bit, but it is still visible and probably always will be.
How to reduce the risk of a herniated disk from recurring?
They will also promote flexibility in the spine and may help reduce the risk of a herniated disk from recurring. A doctor may suggest starting small and building up the level of activity slowly. They will discuss specific exercises that a person should and should not perform during the recovery period.
How to recover from a herniated disk?
Exercises and physiotherapy are often important parts of recovery from a herniated disk. A doctor will usually recommend a few days of rest after experiencing a herniated disk. Doing gentle activities and exercises will strengthen the muscles that support the spine and reduce pressure on the spinal column.
How to treat a herniated disk in the neck and back?
walking. cycling. Perform all exercises in a slow and controlled manner, especially when bending or lifting. Exercises should not hurt. If a person feels pain, they should stop doing the exercises and speak with their doctor. Below, we discuss exercises that can help treat a herniated disk pain in the neck and back.
What causes a herniated disk to hurt?
A herniated disk, or a slipped or ruptured disk, occurs when some of the soft jelly in the center of the disk slips out past the tough exterior. It can be very painful and may cause: back pain. neck pain. shooting arm pain. tingling, numbness, or weakness in the leg or foot.
What causes neck pain after a slipped disc?
Neck pain is common after a slipped disk. Pressure on the nerves in the neck can cause pain in the neck and shoulder muscles. It may also cause shooting pain. down the arm. The following exercise can help ease neck pain caused by a slipped disk in the upper spine or neck: 1.
How to do a back flexion stretch?
Speak to a doctor before performing these exercises after a back injury. To perform a back flexion stretch: Lie on the back and hold both knees toward the chest.
How to reduce spine pain?
These can jar the spine. Starting small and building up to more intense exercise is the safest way to reduce symptoms. That said, starting exercises and stretches early can also help improve a person’s outcome. A person should speak to a doctor about the best exercise regimen for their specific needs.
How to get a herniated disc back to neutral?
– Begin this exercise by standing up with good posture.
What is a herniated disc?
A herniated disc is when that gel-like material ruptures through the outer layer of disc, and can press on the spinal cord or spinal nerves, resulting in symptoms, including disabling back pain and other associated symptoms that can make everyday activities difficult to perform. [2]
What exercise program is used for herniated lumbar disc?
According to this Clinical Evaluation and Treatment Options for Herniated Lumbar Disc “The McKenzie exercise program is believed to be one of the most beneficial. This program is individualized to the patient’s symptoms and emphasizes exercises that minimize or centralize radiating pain.” [5]
What is the name of the material that ruptures between the vertebrae?
Between each vertebrae is an intervertebral disc that provides a cushion so the vertebrae don’t rub together. Furthermore, these discs (intervertebral discs) between the vertebrae, have a gel-like material inside (called a nucleus pulposus). A herniated disc is when that gel-like material ruptures through the outer layer of disc, ...
What is the condition of lumbar disc herniation?
IMPORTANT: An extremely rare symptom of lumbar disc herniation is the loss of bowel or bladder control, which may signal that a more serious problem is lurking – cauda equina syndrome. This syndrome results from compression of the spinal nerve roots and is considered a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
How to reduce pain in lower back?
Physical therapy – performing specific exercises to increase range of motion and strengthen muscles in your lower back and core may help to relieve pain and reduce your chance of re-injuring yourself. Spinal manipulation – manipulation of the joints of the lower back may help to improve range of motion and decrease pain.
What are the exercises to help stabilize your spine?
Exercises 6 and 7 are meant to help stabilize and align your spine so that you don’t get herniated discs in the future. …. 6. Bird Dog. How it helps – This exercise will help strengthen and stabilize your lower back and deep spine muscles.
What are the treatments for a herniated disc?
Herniated disc surgeries and nerve decompression. Nonsurgical treatments for a herniated disc. Alternative treatments for a herniated disc — popular options. Relieving your herniated disc symptoms with physical therapy. Alternative treatments for a herniated disc — acupuncture. One of the most frequently diagnosed causes ...
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc in the neck?
Common specific symptoms described are shooting pain, numbness and muscle weakness in the different parts of the body. Since the spinal nerve roots exit at different vertebrae and travel out to the upper body a herniated disc in the neck can cause symptoms in the following locations: Neck. Shoulders. Arms.
What is the best treatment for a swollen thigh?
Doctors typically first suggest a conservative approach to relief. Common methods include hot and cold compresses, anti-inflammatory or pain medication, physical therapy or lifestyle changes like posture improvement or weight loss.
Can a herniated disc hurt in the neck?
Symptoms of a herniated disc in the neck. While a herniated disc in the neck, or a cervical herniated disc, is less common than a herniated disc in the lower back, or a herniated lumbar disc, cervical discs are still prone to injury and age-related deterioration. The pain experienced from a herniated disc in the neck is usually due ...
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