![]() If nonsurgical methods do not provide relief, lumbar microdiscectomy surgery (microdecompression) typically provides excellent relief. If symptoms continue, epidural steroid injections may be recommended. For painful herniations that persist, treatment begins with the least invasive options, such as anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. Most lumbar disc herniations go away on their own without any treatment. What is the best treatment for a herniated disc? The diagnosis can be confirmed by special tests such as MRI and/or CT myelography (myelogram). A thorough medical history and physical examination can point to the possibility of a disc herniation. Only a medical professional can diagnose a disc herniation. Most patients with disc herniation also experience low back pain. ![]() Rarely, bowel or bladder function may be affected. In addition to leg pain, the leg may also be weak or numb. The most typical symptom of a disc herniation is pain that radiates from the low back down into the leg (sciatica). A herniated disc in the neck can cause a condition known as cervical radiculopathy.Īnimation: herniated cervical disc What are the symptoms of a herniated disc? Symptoms may include low back or neck pain, along with pain radiating into the leg ( sciatica) or arm, along with weakness and/or numbness. Which spinal discs herniate most frequently?Īlthough herniation can occur in any section of the spine, herniated discs in the lumbar (low back) and cervical (neck) spine are the most common. If herniated disc fragments compress a spinal nerve, it may result in leg pain, weakness, and/or numbness.ĭiscs often herniate without any unusual traumatic event, but in some cases there may be contributing factors such as excessive weight, poor posture, heavy lifting, or trauma. As the disc degenerates, low back pain may result. Pieces of the deteriorating disc can then protrude out (herniate) through the leaking annulus. Many patients in their twenties will have disc degeneration on X-rays or MRI and virtually 100% of elderly people have multiple degenerated discs.Īs discs degenerate they lose their water content and elasticity, and the retaining wall around the disc (annulus) begins to fissure or tear. Unlike most other parts of the body, lumbar discs begin to deteriorate (degenerate) at a young age. Illustrations of the axial (overhead) view of a healthy disc and a herniated disc putting pressure on a spinal nerve. This may cause leg pain, leg weakness, leg numbness, cauda equina syndrome, and/or low back pain. What are the treatment options for herniated discs?Ī disc herniation (sometimes called a "slipped disc") occurs when a piece of a spinal disc bulges or ruptures and slips out of place, squeezing a spinal nerve.What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?.Which spinal discs herniate most frequently?.
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