A herniated lumbar disc is a rupture in one of the rubbery cushions between the individual vertebrae in your spine. There are different methods to repair a herniated disc. Often rest and physical therapy help to treat the herniated disc. Rarely, surgery is required to correct the bulging disc. Consult your physician for specific treatment recommendations.
Identification
A herniated disc in your back can cause different symptoms depending on the exact location. Pain is a common symptom. If your herniated disc is in your lower back, you also may notice pain in your buttocks, legs and thighs. When the herniated disc is located in your neck, you may experience pain in your arms. Other symptoms include numbness, tingling and weakness. A herniated disc often is caused by normal aging and disc deterioration. In some cases, a traumatic event can cause the bulging disc.
Repair
In many cases, rest can help repair your herniated lumbar disc. Treatment also includes icing your back and taking over-the counter medications to reduce inflammation. Your doctor may have you wear a back brace for added protection. You may need physical therapy to learn stretching exercises. Other possible treatments are massage, traction, ultrasound therapy and electronic nerve stimulation. Surgery is used only in severe cases where the patient has significant nerve damage, partial paralysis and bowel or bladder dysfunction.
Football
What activities you can do following a herniated lumbar disc depends on the type of injury and repair. However, in many cases, you can play football after your herniated lumbar disc has healed completely. Even after surgery, players in the National Football League are normally able to resume their playing career, according to research by Dr. Wellington K. Hsu published in the May 2011 issue of the journal “Spine.” Hsu found that players who had surgery had a higher rate of returning to play football and had longer careers than players who used nonoperative treatment options.
Precautions
Consult with your physician or physical therapist. You should follow your treatment recommendations to ensure that your herniated disc repairs properly. You may need physical therapy to relearn how to play football or other exercise. Before you play football, make sure you receive clearance from your doctor. There are risk factors that can increase your chances of getting a herniated disc. Herniated lumbar discs are more common in middle-aged people and those with excess weight. Other risk factors include repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, bending sideways and twisting.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Herniated Disk
- MayoClinic.com: Herniated Disk Treatments and Drugs
- MayoClinic.com: Herniated Disk Symptoms
- MayoClinic.com: Herniated Disk Risk Factors
- eSpine: Lumbar Herniated Disc
- Spine: Outcomes Following Nonoperative and Operative Treatment for Cervical Disc Herniations in National Football League Athletes
