1. Diagnose Your Aching Back
We all have a backache once in awhile, but a herniated disc is a constant backache. A herniated disc is also known as a slipped disc or ruptured disc. The disc is the cushion between the vertebrae, the bones of the spine. When the wall of the disc weakens, it can cause the disc to bulge or rupture. When the disc presses on sensitive nerves in the back, it can cause severe pain, weakness, numbness or tingling in the lower back and legs.
2. Understand How a Herniated Disc Happens
People who work in jobs that require heavy lifting are more prone to herniated discs than others. Sports or jobs that include heavy pushing, pulling, twisting or vibrating are also at risk of a herniated disc. If you sit at a computer all day, you are at a higher risk for a herniated disc, especially if you have poor posture. Other risk factors for herniated discs include a family history, smoking, poor diet and obesity. Lack of exercise can contribute to weak back muscles, which in turn can make any back pain worse.
3. Don't Jump Into Surgery
Diagnosing a herniated disc includes a complete history and physical where the doctor will ask you questions about the back pain. He will order x-rays of the spine and based on those x-rays, may order an MRI or CT scan as well. Treatment is usually very conservative to start, including rest if the injury is a new one. Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers are usually prescribed. Hot or cold packs, and sometimes a combination of both are usually ordered. Your doctor may order physical therapy with specific exercises so you don't further damage the disc. Epidural injections can also help temporarily relieve the pain in some patients with a herniated disc. Alternative treatments such as acupuncture and nerve block injections should be tried before considering surgery.
4. Find Less Invasive Means
Surgery may be suggested by the doctor, if your pain is persistent and not relieved by conservative treatments. An open discectomy is sometimes performed on patients if the herniation of the disc is extensive or if pieces of the disc or surrounding bones have broken off. The open discectomy is major surgery but allows the surgeon the best view of your back. Endoscopic disc surgery uses miniaturized instruments and is less invasive than an open discectomy and works well for most. Laser surgery is also being used to "zap" the bulge in the bulging disc and seems to help relieve pain.
5. Preventing the Problem
Maintain the muscle strength of your back with exercise. Exercises that stress balance, such as yoga will help maintain good posture and balance. Learn how to lift without using your back muscles, use the strong muscles in your legs for lifting heavy items. Eat a diet that includes foods high in calcium and Vitamin D for strong bones. Milk--it does a body good.
