The spinal column is made up of vertebrae separated by soft spongy discs. These discs aid in movement and absorb shock. The two parts of a spinal disc include a tough outer layer, called the annulus, which contains the soft jelly-like inner structure called the nucleus. When the annulus cracks or is damaged, it allows a portion of the nucleus to push out of its normal confines and put pressure on nearby structures, causing a variety of painful symptoms. The L4-L5 disc is a very common location to suffer a herniation.
Self-Care
Herniated discs can range in severity from mild to debilitating, but according to Cedars-Sinai, most herniated discs heal on their own over time. There are several measures that can be taken at home in an effort to relieve pressure and reduce symptoms. In many cases, reducing the symptoms can allow the body to relax enough to begin the healing process. Herniated discs can sometimes heal on their own through a process called resorption, where the offending disc material is absorbed by the body. The use of a heat pack or icepack, a very short period of bed rest and gentle stretching can help reduce the symptoms. It is not likely for a herniated disc to heal if some self-care measures are not taken.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is very commonly recommended by doctors for those who suffer with a herniated disc. A physical therapist can help reduce symptoms through the use of electrical muscle stimulation and ultrasound which will then allow more aggressive work to be done, according to MayoClinic.com. A physical therapist can assist in stretching tight and overstressed muscles, and can design exercises to help strengthen weak muscles. In many cases, an imbalance in the muscles, where one group is short and tight and the other opposing group is weak, can lead to tremendous additional stress and loading on intervertebral discs, especially in the low back. This stress can eventually lead to disc herniation. Physical therapy can not only reduce symptoms, but can lead to healing of the disc. It is important for a patient to not begin exercises on his own without the guidance of a physical therapist or doctor, as it is possible to do additional damage.
Surgery
According to Cedars-Sinai, more than 90 percent of patients with a herniated disc will improve within 6 months after nonsurgical treatment. In some cases where symptoms continue to progress or do not resolve, surgery may be considered. There are several surgical procedures that can be used in an attempt to relieve pressure on nerves or to remove a portion of the herniated disc. According to SpineUniverse, a discectomy is the surgical removal of part or the entire offending intervertebral disc. This procedure can now be done laparoscopically with lasers to reduce recovery time.
