Having a ruptured disk, also called a herniated disk, can be very painful and disabling. Your disks are located between the vertebrae in the spine to provide a cushion between the bones and to allow your spine to move. However these disks are prone to injury. They can bulge out of position and in more serious cases they can rupture. If the disk ruptures, it means the outer layer has broken and the jellylike fluid inside the disk has leaked out. This can irritate the nerves and muscles in the spine and cause symptoms of pain, numbness and muscle weakness. There are several types of treatment options available depending on the location and severity of the injury.
No Treatment
In some cases, a herniated or ruptured disk can be present yet not cause any symptoms or just mild symptoms. Sometimes they can heal by themself. In this case, your doctor may recommend that you rest for a few days or participate only in gentle activity. If this is successful, you can usually return to your normal level of activity. However, you must use good posture and body mechanics to help protect your back from further injury. Visit the link below for the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skins Diseases for more information on studies about when treatment is not needed.
Medications
Various types of medications may be needed to help manage your symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medications can help to reduce swelling and pain. Medications to manage nerve pain and relax the muscles may also be needed. In some cases, having a steroid injection in the back can deliver medication directly to the disk and can help to supplement oral medication. Many times a combination of drugs are needed to fully manage your situation and help you return to normal activity. The websites below have more information on medication choices.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Your doctor may suggest that you try a period of physical therapy. A therapist can work with you to develop an exercise program to gently stretch and strengthen muscles, manage symptoms and prevent future complications. Physical therapists can also use modalities such as muscle stimulation, traction, massage and ultrasound to help control pain so you can exercise. He she can teach you the proper use of ice, heat and braces, so that you can get back to your normal activities without risking further injury.
Alternative Therapies
You and your doctor may decide to try some alternative therapies to help manage your symptoms. While more research is still needed, the Mayo clinic reports that some patients experience pain and symptom relief using treatments such as massage, chiropractic and acupuncture.
Surgery
If conservative methods fail or if your ruptured disk is severe you may need surgery. Some procedures remove just the part of the disk that is damaged. Other surgeries remove the entire disk and fuse the vertebra back together. Surgeons now also have the option of inserting an artificial disk to help maintain movement in the spine. See the link below for the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Mayo Foundation for a more detailed description of the types of surgeries available.
