Lower Back Pain In Athletes: Treatment Options For A Herniated Disc

Defining Herniated Disc

An injury to the spine where the disc has been damaged is known as a herniated disc. Other names for a herniated disc include a ruptured, slipped, or bulging disc. The spine is made up of vertebrae, and the disc is situated in between the vertebrae. A herniated disc can occur anywhere on the spine but is usually located in the lower back.

Pain and associated symptoms

Some people may present with no symptoms during the initial stages. Herniated disc symptoms vary depending on the location of the injury. Lower back symptoms include back pain, numbness or tingling sensation, and muscle weakness. Sciatic nerve pain can also occur when a lower back disc is damaged, presenting as pain radiating down the buttocks and leg.

Managing herniated disc

In most cases, treating herniated discs conservatively helps to ease the pain. Nonsurgical treatment options include rest, heat or ice, and over-the-counter pain medications. Try avoiding activities that require lifting or bending. Working with a physical therapist to perform certain types of exercises is beneficial. Physical therapy programs can also offer treatments such as massage, electric muscle stimulation, and ultrasound therapy.

Unresponsive to conservative treatment

In cases where the symptoms are not relieved with conservative treatment, the doctor will discuss alternate options. One alternate treatment is steroid injections into the spine to reduce swelling and ease the pain. The last resort for treatment when all other options fail is surgery.

Surgical management

A herniated disc treated with conservative therapies should start showing improvement within 4-6 weeks. If there is no improvement or the symptoms worsen, the doctor would typically recommend surgery. The types of surgery available include diskectomy, laminotomy, spinal fusion, and artificial disc surgery. Emergency surgery is required if bladder and bowel nerves are injured and causing symptoms.

Surgical options

Diskectomy is a procedure where the injured herniated disc is removed. Laminotomy is the removal of a bone piece that surrounds the disc. Spinal fusion is the process of uniting 2 or more vertebrae together to achieve spine stability. Artificial disc surgery involves using an artificial disc to replace the damaged herniated disc. Depending on the situation, the surgeon will provide the best treatment for each patient.

Ways to prevent disc injuries

Certain daily habits can decrease the risk of getting a herniated disk. Maintaining a good weight and exercising support the health of the spine. Try to focus on good posture when doing any activity and stretch after sitting for long periods. When lifting heavy objects, bend the knees and keep the back straight. Avoid smoking and wearing high-heeled shoes, as these have a negative impact on the spine.

Life after treatment

Most people with a herniated disc have a good prognosis with or without treatment. Nonsurgical treatments are a great option, and most people feel better within a month. Those who undergo surgery may take longer to recover but typically have good outcomes.