Herniated Disc

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Definition
Causes
Risk Factors
Symptoms
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Treatment
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Discs are small circular cushions between the bones in the spine (vertebrae). A herniated disc happens when discs in the spine bulge from their proper place. This is most common in the lower spine.

Herniated discs can occur when discs lose water content, become flatter, and provide less cushioning. It can also occur when the disc is damaged by trauma.

These factors increase your chance of developing a herniated disc:

Age: 30s and 40s
Trauma from a fall, accident, or sudden twisting
Strain on the back—either repeated or sudden, as from lifting a heavy weight
Certain jobs that require heavy lifting
Smoking
Obesity
Diabetes

Symptoms may include:

Pain
- May be sharp, dull, piercing, aching, burning, or throbbing, depending on the disc and size of herniation
- May spread over the back, buttocks, down the back of one thigh, and into the calf
- May be in one leg or both legs
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, feet, or in one or both arms
In severe cases, inability to find comfort even lying down
Sudden aching or painful neck that cannot be straightened without severe pain
Cauda equina syndrome—involves bowel or bladder changes and/or numbness in the groin
- Note: This is an emergency, call for medical help right away.

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your spine will be examined. The movement, strength, and reflexes of your arms and legs will be tested. Images may be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with:

MRI
CT scan
Bone scan

Your therapist will educate you on pain-relieving techniques, such as ice and decreasing or modifying painful activities. Herniated discs often occur from muscular tightness or weakness which causes your posture to get out of alignment. Years of activity with poor posture can lead to damage of the structures of the spine. Your therapist will educate and assist you on proper stretching and strengthening exercises for the back. They may need to perform hands on, manual therapy techniques to further increase joint flexibility. The final phase of rehab will involve strengthening during functional activities and education to prevent this injury from occurring again. If surgery is needed, your therapist will work with you to regain your strength and range of motion through education, exercise, and manual therapy. They will teach and train you to perform functional activities with proper strength, endurance, and education that will help avoid future injury.

To help reduce your chances of getting a herniated disc, take the following steps:

Practice good posture. Stand and sit straight, and keep your back straight when lifting.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise regularly. Ask your doctor about exercises to strengthen your back and stomach.
Don't wear high-heeled shoes.
If you sit for long periods of time, use a stool to bring your knees above your hips.

This content was created using EBSCO's Health Library

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org

American Chiropractic Association

http://www.acatoday.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Orthopaedic Association

http://www.coa-aco.org

Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation

http://www.canorth.org

REFERENCES:

Awad JN. Moskovich R. Lumbar disc herniations: surgical versus nonsurgical treatment. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2006;443:183-197.
When you have a herniated disc. Am Fam Physician. 2003 May 15;67(10):2195-2196. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0515/p2195.html . Accessed November 22, 2013.

This content was created using EBSCO’s Health Library

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Herniated Disc

This content was created using EBSCO's Health Library

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES

REFERENCES:

A Look at Treatment