Herniated Discs Can Be a Pain in the Back

Those who suffer from chronic back pain should not always assume their symptoms are as a result of poor posture. A herniated disc is known to cause back pain in many Americans, but it can be treated through conservative and surgical treatment options.

A herniated disc is the rupture of a spinal disc, or the soft cushion that sits between each vertebrae of the spine. When the disc ruptures, a small part of the spinal disc is pushed outside its normal boundary and the spinal nerves and spinal cord may become pinched. Spine specialists at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron typically suggest conservative (or nonsurgical) treatment initially, but if the symptoms persist, more aggressive treatments are recommended.

Conservative treatments for herniated discs usually consist of the following options:

Activity Modification
If you have a herniated disc, you should rest and avoid strenuous activities. Herniated discs may restore themselves if given time.

Ice and Heat Applications
Applying ice and heat can be very helpful in relieving pain because the hot and cold temperature relaxes the muscles of the back.

Physical Therapy
“A good physical therapy program will help strengthen the lumbar muscles in your back, giving you added support and a reduction in pain,” says Dr. E. Neil Pasia, spine specialist at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Spine specialists can prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help relieve the pain from a herniated disc. These medications can relieve some of the pressure on the compressed nerves, and should be used under supervision.

Epidural Steroid Injections
Injections of cortisone directly into the area of the nerve compression can also be administered, which will relieve the pressure on the nerve.

If you think you have a herniated disc and would like to see a specialist, call the spine specialists at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron at (810) 985-4900.