A bulging disk can push against the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to severe pain and problems with mobility. Treatment may include a combination of medication, physical therapy, and self-care. In severe cases, a person may need surgery.
How do doctors treat bulging disks in the back?
Doctors may recommend treatment for bulging disks in the back from a range of short-term and long-term options to decompress the spinal canal and ease the pain. This article examines the causes and symptoms of a bulging disk.
How do you treat nerve compression from a herniated disc?
How do you treat nerve compression from a herniated disc? A short period of rest followed by a regimen of anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy is usually the conventional treatment of choice.
What are the treatment options for a pinched nerve in the back?
Below are both non-surgical and surgical treatment options for a pinched nerve in the back. For acute pinched nerve pain, inflammation and discomfort, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medications may be adequate while your nerve recovers from its impingement.
What is the best treatment for a compressed nerve?
Releasing the compressed nerve usually gets rid of pain and normal sensation returns. This procedure removes the part of your intervertebral disc that is pressing on a nerve.
What can be done for a disc pressing on a nerve?
Physical therapy, exercise and gentle stretching to help relieve pressure on the nerve root. Ice and heat therapy for pain relief. Manipulation (such as chiropractic manipulation) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or COX-2 inhibitors for pain relief.
What is the best treatment for disc problems?
Treatment for disc problemsheat treatment (for example heat wraps or hot packs)gradually increasing activity levels within pain limits.an exercise program designed to improve strength, flexibility and fitness.a short-term (less than 12 week) trial of massage, spinal mobilisation or manual therapy.More items...
What is the best treatment for a bulging disc in the back?
Treatments for a bulging disk will depend on its severity and location. Doctors may recommend anti-inflammatory medications to help with pain and reduce inflammation. For people with severe pain, steroid injections may be a suitable short-term solution. If the disk ruptures, bed rest may be necessary.
Can bulging discs be treated without surgery?
When the centre or nucleus of a disc pushes out and even passes through the wall of the disc, this is what we refer to as a herniated disc. The good news is that the vast majority of herniated discs can be treated without surgery using manual therapy and exercise or with IDD Therapy disc treatment.
When should you have disc surgery?
Your doctor might recommend surgery as an option for your herniated disc if: Your symptoms have lasted at least 6 weeks and make it hard to do your normal activities, and other treatments haven't helped. You need to get better quickly because of your job or to get back to your other activities as soon as possible.
Is walking good for herniated disc?
Absolutely. Walking is an excellent choice for patients with herniated discs, as it stimulates blood flow and oxygen to the cells. It also helps keep your discs hydrated, which is important for healing. Other low-impact aerobic activities to try are swimming and cycling.
Will a cortisone shot help a bulging disc?
Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and can be effective when delivered directly into the painful area. Unfortunately, the injection does not make a herniated disc smaller; it only works on the spinal nerves by flushing away the proteins that cause swelling.
What is the surgery for bulging disc?
Microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure for the relief of pain and other symptoms that occur when a herniated disc in the spine presses on an adjacent nerve root. During the operation, the surgeon frees the nerve by removing small fragments of disc, bone and ligament.
What happens if a bulging disc goes untreated?
A severe case of a bulging disc can cut off nerve impulses, even causing permanent nerve damage. Additionally, you may experience sharp paints, incontinence, bowel movement irregularity, or even partial paralysis as the issue worsens.
Is bed rest good for bulging disc?
He explains that it's best to be up about as much as possible; complete bed rest for a herniated disc is not recommended. Many patients with a slipped disc find that sleeping in a recliner chair is most comfortable.
Can a chiropractor fix a herniated disc?
Nine out of ten individuals with a herniated disc can heal their condition through non-invasive procedures. If you want to explore conservative options for recovery, chiropractic care is an excellent place to start. A chiropractor can help you heal naturally and relieve your pain.
Can you push a bulging disc back in?
Non-surgical treatments can include physical therapy or bracing to try and gradually ease the bulging disc back into its rightful place. When these conservative options fail, and there is still a lot of pain, a minimally invasive surgical procedure can be used to correct the bulging disc.
What is the best treatment for pinched nerves?
Treatment for Pinched Nerves. Rule of thumb conservative treatment such as rest, physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and exercise are first choice for physicians. Rest and modification of activities can greatly benefit most patients.
What is the best way to decompress a pinched nerve?
Epidural Steroid injections – These injections may reduce swelling and allow inflamed nerves to recover. Surgery – The most common spine surgery used to decompress a pinched nerve is a microdiscectomy, laminectomy and the least invasive procedure called endoscopic discectomy.
What happens if a nerve is pinched?
When one of these nerves becomes pinched either by herniated or bulging disc or bone spurs your body will send your warning signals such as pain or numbness. Never ignore these signals. The damage from a compressed or pinched nerve can be minor or major. If not treated may cause temporary or long-term problems.
What happens if your spinal cord is pinched?
Your spinal cord is a very important communication carrier that relays messages from your brain to your body and vice versa. As your spinal cord travels down your vertebrae, exiting nerves branch out to your muscles throughout the body. When one of these nerves becomes pinched either by herniated or bulging disc or bone spurs your body will send your warning signals such as pain or numbness. Never ignore these signals. The damage from a compressed or pinched nerve can be minor or major. If not treated may cause temporary or long-term problems. The sooner you see a spine specialist and get a proper diagnosis and treatment of the pinched nerve the quicker you can get pain relief. Pinched nerve that is not treated in some cases can cause irreversible damage such as loss of sensation and weakness in your muscles.
Why do nerves get pinched?
A pinched nerve is a direct compression or pressure on a nerve either from one of your disc, tendon or the surrounding bony structure in the foramen. Nerves become pinched because the spine becomes degenerated over time or because of trauma. Poor posture, heavy lifting and repetitive motion are just a few things that can cause spinal or disc degeneration.
What causes neck pain and low back pain?
Poor posture, heavy lifting and repetitive motion are just a few things that can cause spinal or disc degeneration. Once a nerve becomes pinched an inflammatory process begins that may cause neck or low back pain.
What is the most common symptom of a pinched nerve?
Symptoms of Pinched Nerves. The most common symptom of a pinched nerve is a tingling sensation , which can be accompanied by some numbness. This may initially come and go, but over time becomes persistent. Pain may accompany the tingling sensation and is often described as being “sharp” or “electrical”.
What is the best treatment for slipped disc?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and narcotic painkillers are usually used in cases of sudden injury, such as a car accident or lifting a very heavy object leading to severe nerve damage from a slipped disc. NSAIDS are no joke, and you should always seek more natural ways to reduce inflammation.
Why do my discs get herniated?
Herniated discs are caused by uneven pressure and wear and tear that is exerted on your spine due to postural dysfunctions created by muscle imbalances. These postural dysfunctions need to be corrected in order to find lasting relief. Muscle balance therapy identifies the muscles that are imbalanced and treats this underlying cause, ...
What causes numbness and weakness in the spine?
This is known as a herniated disc and can lead to spinal nerve compression, giving rise to sharp pain or a general feeling of numbness and/or weakness. Usually only one side is affected. The pain, numbness, or weakness often improves over weeks to months. Pain and other symptoms caused by nerve compression from a herniated disc can vary widely ...
What is the role of spinal column compression?
Nerve Compression from a Herniated Disc. Your spinal column protects your spinal cord, while large nerves branch out and leave your spinal column between each vertebra. Your spinal vertebrae are separated by spinal discs which are filled with a soft, gelatinous substance, cushioning the spinal column and allow it to move freely and flexibly.
What does it feel like to have a herniated disc?
Pain and other symptoms caused by nerve compression from a herniated disc can vary widely between patients – they may experience either local pain or radiating pain. Sharp, shooting pain starting in the buttocks that travels down the back of one leg.
Why does my disc slip out of place?
Strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting may cause these discs to slip or move out of place. However, in most cases there were underlying issues already, and the act of heavy lifting was just “the straw that broke the camels back”. This is known as a herniated disc and can lead to spinal nerve compression, giving rise to sharp pain ...
What is muscle balance therapy?
Muscle balance therapy identifies the muscles that are imbalanced and treats this underlying cause, leading to long-term relief from nerve compression from a herniated disc. Muscle Balance Therapy for Herniated Discs and Nerve Pain. Tweet. Share.
What is the procedure to remove the intervertebral disc?
Discectomy. This procedure removes the part of your intervertebral disc that is pressing on a nerve. There are three general types: classic discectomy , microdiscectomy, and percutaneous discectomy. The main variable among them is the size of the incision. The choice depends on your unique situation.
What conditions can compress nerves?
Conditions that can compress nerves include: Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal. Degenerative disc disease: Loss of fluid in the intervertebral discs. Herniated disc: The bulging or rupturing of an intervertebral disc. Bone spurs: Extra growth on vertebra often due to osteo arthritis.
What is the procedure called when you remove a section of the spinal canal?
This procedure widens the space of the spinal canal by removing a section of bone called the lamina. A laminotomy creates an opening in the lamina; laminectomy is the removal of the lamina and or a portion of it. Depending on how much of the spinal canal has been compromised, one vertebra or several may need to be trimmed.
Why does the spinal canal narrow?
The spinal canal may narrow due to spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or bone spurs. This procedure widens the space of the spinal canal by removing a section of bone called the lamina.
How many nerve roots are compressed in spinal surgery?
Spine Surgery Treatments That Decompress Nerves. As you might recall from Chapter 3, 31 pairs of nerve roots exit from the spinal cord through spaces between the vertebrae. When those spaces are compromised, nerves can be compressed, which equals pain. Conditions that can compress nerves include:
What nerves are involved in walking?
The nerves of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) extend down the spinal canal and branch out in 31 pairs at openings in the vertebrae called foraminae. They are messengers to and from your brain (or central nervous system), sending pain signals and initiating movement—like, 'Hey, take your hand off the stove, it's hot!' These nerves reflexively cause your spine to twist and turn when you walk to keep you in balance. And they keep you glued to your car seat as you turn a corner at high speeds!
Why do I have to twist my spine when I walk?
These nerves reflexively cause your spine to twist and turn when you walk to keep you in balance. And they keep you glued to your car seat as you turn a corner at high speeds! The Back and Beyond. As spinal root nerves branch out, they become like a fine web of nerves distributed throughout the body.
What is a pinched nerve?
Your spine is made up of 33 individual bones called vertebrae that stack together to create your spine. Up the center of these bones is a channel or “tunnel” known as the spinal canal. This is where your spinal cord resides. Your spinal cord runs from your lower back all the way up to your brain, carrying signals from nerves throughout your body.
Diagnosing a pinched nerve
The best place to start when seeking a diagnosis for a potentially pinched nerve is your doctor or neurosurgeon. They will give you an exam and assess your neurological function.
Treatments for a pinched nerve
Depending on what is causing your impingement, you may be treated non-surgically or surgically. Your surgeon can help guide you in choosing the best options for your particular needs. Below are both non-surgical and surgical treatment options for a pinched nerve in the back.
Laminectomy
Each of your vertebrae has a portion known as a lamina. The lamina lies at the back of the bone. When a nerve is pinched or impinged, it may be necessary to remove this piece of bone in a procedure called a laminectomy.
What to do if you have a pinched nerve in your spine?
Your physical therapist will provide you with instructions for stretches and exercises that will stabilize your spine.
What is the best way to diagnose a pinched nerve in your lower back?
CT scan: shows a very detailed picture of your lower back and measures the function of your nerves. A physical exam and imaging procedures will help your doctor determine the proper treatment for a pinched nerve in your lower back.
What is a pinched nerve in your lower back?
This condition occurs when something puts pressure on the nerves near the last five vertebrae in your back.
How to treat pinched nerve in feet?
Sometimes your doctor will need to treat the pinched nerve with more invasive measures, such as spinal injection or surgery.
What to do if your nerves hurt when you sleep?
This may include adjusting your sleeping position or sleeping with a pillow between your legs.
Can a doctor diagnose a pinched nerve?
Your doctor may not be able to diagnose the pinched nerve from a physical examination alone. Additionally, they may want to know more about the cause of the pinched nerve. Your doctor may use the following tests to get more information: X-ray: shows the bones in your vertebrae.
How long does it take to heal a pinched nerve in the back?
Some people can treat a pinched nerve in the back at home, while others require professional treatment. Recovery may take days or weeks. Plenty of rest and gentle movements can help the body repair. Avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting is key to supporting recovery and preventing further damage.
What causes nerves to pinched in the back?
Other causes of a pinched nerve in the back can include: A herniated disk: The disks between the vertebrae in the spine can become compressed and bulge, putting pressure on nearby nerves. Spinal stenosis: This refers to a narrowing of the spinal column, which puts excess pressure on the nerves around the spinal cord.
What is the pain in the lower back?
Doctors refer to this as lumbar radiculopathy. This condition often manifests as sciatica. Symptoms of a pinched nerve in the lower back can include: pain that radiates from the lower back to the legs or feet. numbness and tingling in the legs or feet.
How to tell if your back is pinched?
Symptoms of a pinched nerve in the upper back can include: pain that starts in the neck and may travel down the arm. tingling sensations in the hand, or specifically the fingers. weakness in the arm, shoulder, or hand. numbness. Nerves in the lower back can also become compressed. Doctors refer to this as lumbar radiculopathy.
What happens when a nerve is compressed?
Nerves are responsible for sending signals to the brain. When a nerve is compressed, the pressure disrupts the signals, result ing in symptoms.
What does it mean when a nerve is pinched?
A pinched nerve often causes pain, numbness, and tingling. The location of these symptoms depends on that of the compressed nerve. If a pinched nerve is at the top of the spine, symptoms may affect the neck or arms. Doctors call this issue cervical radiculopathy. Nerves in the lower back can also become compressed.
What causes pain in the spine?
Arthritis: This causes inflammation around joints and bones, which can increase pressure on nerves in the spine. Bone spurs: A bone spur is an extra growth of bone, which can form on the spine and compress surrounding nerves, causing reoccurring episodes of pain.
What tests can help diagnose spinal nerve damage?
Tests that help with your diagnosis may include: X-rays of your spine. These may show bone growths called spurs that push against spinal nerves. X-rays may also show an abnormal alignment of your spine. Special imaging tests of your spine.
How to keep your spine flexible?
Exercise strengthens the muscles that support your back and helps keep your spine flexible. Maintain good posture and learn how to safely lift heavy objects. Other good body mechanics include sleeping on a firm mattress and sitting in a chair that supports the natural curves of your back. Maintain a healthy weight.
What causes numbness in the back of the legs?
Spinal cord compression can cause cauda equina syndrome, which needs medical attention right away. Call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room if you have: Sudden loss of bowel or bladder control. Severe or increasing numbness between your legs, inner thighs, or back of your legs.
How to tell if your spinal cord is compressed?
Symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet can come on gradually or more suddenly, depending on the cause. Spinal cord compression can often be helped with medicines, physical therapy, or other treatments. Except in emergencies, surgery is usually the last resort.
What is the name of the condition where you feel numbness in your arms and legs?
Pressure on nerves in the lumbar region (lower back) can also cause more serious symptoms known as cauda equina syndrome. If you have any of these symptoms, you need to get medical attention right away, typically in the emergency room:
What causes spinal cord compression?
Spinal cord compression is caused by any condition that puts pressure on your spinal cord. Your spinal cord is the bundle of nerves that carries messages back and forth from your brain to your muscles and other soft tissues. As your spinal cord travels down your back, it is protected by a stack of backbones called vertebrae.
Where does spinal cord compression occur?
The nerves of your spinal cord run through the openings between the vertebrae and out to your muscles. Spinal cord compression can occur anywhere from your neck (cervical spine) down to your lower back (lumbar spine). Symptoms include numbness, pain, and weakness. Depending on the cause of the compression, symptoms may develop suddenly ...
What happens when a disk bulges out?
If the disk is severely worn or injured, the nucleus may squeeze all the way out. When a herniated disk bulges out towards the spinal cord, it puts pressure on the spinal cord, causing compression. Disk herniation can also occur with lifting, pulling, bending and twisting movements.
What tests can be done to determine if you have spinal cord compression?
Tests that may help to make a diagnosis of spinal cord compression include: Spine X-rays : X-rays may show bone spurs pushing against the spinal nerves.
What is the condition where the lumbar spine is compressed?
Severe pain and weakness that is spreading into one or both legs, making it harder to move around (even while sitting) or walking. In people with cauda equina syndrome, compression is confined to the lumbar spine (low back) below the conus medullaris (the lower part of the spinal cord). 1 .
How to tell if your spine is compressed?
Wear and tear of the spine takes years to develop. Common symptoms of spinal cord compression include: Balance issues. Pain and stiffness in the neck, upper back or lower back. Burning pain that spreads into arms, buttocks, or down the legs, called sciatica.
How do bone spurs affect the spinal cord?
When this happens, the vertebrae move closer together and the body responds to a collapsed disk by forming bone spurs in an attempt to strengthen the disk. Bone spurs cause stiffness and narrowing of the spinal canal and start to compress the spinal cord.
What is the procedure to remove the lamina?
Removing the lamina increases the size of the spinal canal to relieve pressure. Foraminotomy or foraminectomy: Both of these procedures are done to expand nerve root endings that exit the spinal cord by removing some bone and tissue. A foraminectomy involves removing large amounts of bone and tissue.
What is the spinal cord?
The spinal cord is the bundle of nerves running down the middle of the back. It sends send messages back and forth from the brain to muscles and soft tissues. As the spinal cord travels down the back, it is protected by the vertebral column, which is a stack of bones that hold the body upright.