Herniated Disc Pain: Finding A Cure

By Adam Webster Webster

Herniated disc refers to the protrusion of the disc. It is basically the same when one says of a bulging disc. This condition is painful. Its occurrence is manifested by a herniated disc pain that is usually felt on the back area. This condition is generally common on the lumbar area than on other areas of the spine.

As a person grows older, his or her disc tends to be brittle, dry and less cushiony. Once the disc is weak, the outer part is prone to tearing or any damage. The internal substance of the disc pushes through the tear. As this happens, the person can experience herniated disc pain. Herniated disc occurs for most people aging from 30 years old and up.

Herniated disc pain can be felt at the lower back part down to the legs and feet. But generally, the pain is felt in one side only. The pain will be manifested depending on which side the weak or damaged disc is located. The herniated disc pain also varies on the pressure put upon the nerve by the bulging disc. Most patients under this condition complain of spreading pain over their buttocks that goes down one thigh down to their calf. Others experienced the herniated disc pain on their two legs, while some legs felt numb, weak or tingly.

To reduce your herniated disc pain, or to minimize its intensity, try shifting positions. You may discover that supporting yourself up with both your hands while sitting down alleviates the pain. Shifting weight from one side is also helpful.

Physicians make sure if their patients are really suffering from a herniated disc by asking relevant questions, doing some thorough physical examinations, and diagnostic testing like x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging and computer tomography scan. Medications may be prescribed to ease the pain. Somehow, it helps depending on the patient’s reaction to it. Other than medications, some form of treatments are then applied like physical exercises as ordered by a professional physical therapist, special massages for suitable for such medical conditions, chiropractic care, postural changes and the last resort, surgery. Surgeries are only done when all the other non-invasive treatments do not work and if severe pain is still present after six weeks or more. But note that not all herniated disc patients can get surgery for their treatment. It will still greatly depend on their entire health condition, their decision and other essential factors.

Herniated disc pain varies from mild, moderate to extremely agonizing. Apropos medications and treatments may be readily available, but do not neglect the fact that not all work the same for everybody. You may need a different approach than what most are taking. But be assured that with technologies and medical science that they are these days, there seem to be enough solutions to medical crisis already.

Adam Webster is the author of numerous health related articles and books. His latest back related articles can be found here: http://www.squidoo.com/InversionTables

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Something Good About Spine Surgery

By Francisco Mejias

Spine Surgery was found a more effective treatment for degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis than were non-surgical methods according to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Surgery is commonly used as a treatment for degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis. There has been controversy regarding it’s effectiveness in comparison with non-surgical methods.

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is a condition in which breakdown of the cartilage between the vertebrae of the spine causes one vertebra to slip over the one below. This can result in narrowing of the spinal column — spinal stenosis, which places pressure on the nerves, resulting in pain in the buttocks or legs while walking or standing.

This study tracked 370 patients who received a type of surgery known as decompressive laminectomy and 235 who received non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, steroid injections and analgesic medications. These patients were tracked over the course of two years. This trial showed a significant advantage to surgery at 3 months, which decreased only slightly over the course of the two years in terms of mobility and the return of pain.

To find more relatd articles please visit www.empowereddoctor.com/specialty_748.html and www.empowereddoctor.com/story_1208.html

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This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Seek the guidance of a licensed physician if you need medical advice.

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Back Pain Solutions Without Surgery

By Hemant Yagnick, M.D.

The most common back pain is low back pain (LBP). It is is often described as sudden, sharp, persistent, or dull pain felt below the waist. LBP is very common and affects the majority of people at some point during their life. Up to 70%–85% of all people have back pain at some time in their lives. LBP is the most common cause of a limitation of activity in people younger than 45 years of age. It is the second most frequent reason for visits to a physician, and the third most common indication for surgery. It is the fifth-ranking cause of hospital admissions and is one of the leading causes of disability.

Low back pain is most commonly caused by muscle strain associated with heavy physical work, lifting or forceful movement, bending or twisting, awkward positions, or standing in one position too long. Any of these movements can exacerbate a prior or existing back disorder. Other conditions that can cause low back pain include spinal stenosis, arthritis (osteoarthritis), spinal infection (osteomyelitis), spinal tumors (benign and malignant), spondylolisthesis, and vertebral fractures (e.g. burst fracture).

Low back pain is either acute or chronic. Acute LBP may begin suddenly with intense pain usually lasting fewer than three months. Chronic pain is persistent long-term pain, sometimes lasting throughout life. Even chronic pain may present episodes of acute pain. Other symptoms include localized pain in a specific area of the low back, general aching, and/or pain that radiates into the low back, general aching, and/or pain that radiates into the low back, buttocks and leg(s). Sometimes pain is accompanied by neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness. Neurological symptoms requiring immediate medical attention include bowel or bladder dysfunction, groin or leg weakness or numbness, severe symptoms that do not subside after a few days, or pain prohibiting everyday activities.

Pain felt in the low back is not always indicative of a spinal problem. A thorough physical and neurological assessment may reveal the cause of the low back pain. The physical examination begins with the patient’s current condition and medical history. Examination of a patient with low back pain involves examining the patient’s range of spinal motion while standing straight, bending forward, and to the side. Asymmetry, posture, and leg length is noted. Methodical palpation of the spine can reveal muscle spasm, possible bony displacement, and tender points. Abdominal palpation is performed to determine if the cause of low back pain is possibly organ related (e.g. pancreas). The neurological assessment evaluates weakness, absence of reflexes, tingling, burning, pain, diminished function, and other signs that may indicate nerve involvement.

If infection, malignancy, fracture, or other risk factors are suspected, routine lab tests may be ordered. These tests may include complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR), and urinalysis. In some cases electrodiagnostic studies such as electromyography (EMG) or nerve condition velocity (NCV) are performed to confirm a diagnosis or localize the site of nerve injury. Plain radiographs (x-rays), CT Scan, and/or MRI studies are performed when fracture or neurological dysfunction is suspected. A MRI represents the gold standard in imaging today. A MRI renders high-resolution images of spinal tissues such as the spinal cord and intervertebral discs. X-rays are still the imaging methods of choice to study the bony elements in the low back. The results of the physical and neurological examinations combines with test results are carefully evaluated to confirm a diagnosis.

Most patients with low back pain are treated without surgery. A conventional treatment plan may include bed rest for a day or two combines with medication to reduce inflammation and pain. Medications recommended by the physician are based on the patient’s medical condition, age, other drugs the patient currently takes, and safety. The first choice for pain relief is often nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs should be taken with food to prevent stomach upset and stomach bleeding. Muscle relaxants may provide relief from muscle spasm but are actually benign sedatives, which often cause drowsiness. Narcotic pain relievers are prescribed for use during the acute phase and often for chronic pain management in appropriate patients.

Other modalities to treat low back pain might include physical therapy (PT), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) trial, ultrasound therapy, acupuncture and massage therapy. A managed PT program can help build muscle strength and flexibility, improve mobility, coordination, stability and balance, and promote relaxation. Patients who participate in a structured physical therapy program often progress to wellness more rapidly than those who do not. This includes low back maintenance through a home exercise program developed for the patient by the physical therapist.

Although the number of spinal surgeries done every year is on the rise, it is rarely required to treat low back pain. Surgery may be considered if the patient is experiencing bowel or bladder dysfunction, increased nerve impairment, progressive weakness, incapacitating pain, or spinal instability. The surgical procedure depends on the diagnosis or the cause of low back pain. To prevent low back pain, first and foremost, follow the treatment plan outlined by the physician. To enhance recovery from an episode of low back pain, or to help prevent future exacerbation, try to maintain good posture, be consistent in a home exercise program, and eat sensibly to maintain proper body weight.

Hemant Yagnick, M.D., is an Interventional Pain Specialist and Medical Director of the Walton Pain Center in Augusta, GA. Dr. Yagnick believes that chronic pain is a complex medical condition influenced by biological, physical, behavioral, environmental and social forces. His new two-week comprehensive inpatient program helps patients receive relief from pain while becoming trained in coping techniques, speeds up their return to work and improves their quality of life. Dr. Yagnick earned his medical degree from JN Medical College and Hospital. He completed his residency in anesthesiology and an Interventional Pain Fellowship at Mississippi Medical Center. Visit http://www.wrh.org.

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This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Seek the guidance of a licensed physician if you need medical advice.

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