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Relief for Your Herniated Disk
It takes 33 small bones, called vertebrae, stacked in a column to give your spine its upright form and flexible function. It takes damage to one of the soft disks between the vertebrae to remind you that form and function sometimes come with a price -— pain. Herniated disks aren’t the most common cause of back pain. But they are among the most troublesome in that they often produce severe and persistent symptoms that can interfere with your everyday activities. The disks in your spine are much like little jelly doughnuts. Each one contains a firm, fibrous shell that surrounds and holds a softer, gel-like substance. One disk rests between each pair of vertebrae, cushioning bone and enhancing flexibility. A herniated disk is like a jelly doughnut with a leak. Small tears, or herniations, can develop in the disk’s hard exterior, allowing the inner material to seep out. If the material presses on a nearby nerve, pain and numbness can arise. Herniations can occur in any disk in the spine but are most common in the lower back and neck — two regions that are usually subject to rigorous use. Herniated disks can accumulate from normal wear and tear, or they may result from an excessive strain on the back. We see this condition most often in 20- to 40-year-olds. A herniated disk in the lower back may also produce sciatica, or pain that travels down your leg. A damaged disk in the neck may cause pain and numbness in your arm. The symptoms can be persistent, lasting for weeks or months. Though herniated disks respond well to some self-help measures, like gentle exercise, you may find that the symptoms are so bothersome, you need to seek care from a physician. To diagnose a herniated disk, the physician will evaluate your symptoms. A CT scan or MRI may be needed to pinpoint the herniation and determine the severity of damage. Contrary to popular belief, most herniated disks don’t require surgery. Conservative treatments provide symptom relief in most patients. Bed rest for 24 to 48 hours followed by regular, gentle exercises to strengthen and loosen the back and abdominal muscles can promote healing. Anti-inflammatory medications or a cortisone injection can reduce swelling and relieve pressure on the affected nerve. With proper care, the symptoms usually subside within four to six weeks. Surgery to repair the damaged disk is considered only when pain and numbness persist despite conservative care or when symptoms are unusually severe or debilitating. Though the disk will never repair itself, most patients can return to their normal activities with little or no pain using non-surgical therapies.
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