Herniated Disc

Herniated Disc is caused due to damage to the intervertebral disc. The rupturing of the space in soft inner material of the nucleus pulposus results in Herniated Disc. The most common area for herniated disc is the lower back. A tear down in the outer lining of the disc causes inner jelly-like material to leak out. This in turn causes pain on the adjacent spiral nerve root.

Common Causes of Herniated Disc

Some of the most common causes of herniated disc including the following.

  • Back pain radiating to the buttocks and legs.
  • A feeling of numbness in the leg or feet.
  • The weakness of the leg or feet.
  • The loss of bowel or bladder control.


Diagnosis

These are the common diagnosis used for Herniated Disc.

  • X-ray of the middle back to measure the actual wear and tear.
  • X-ray helps check any other abnormalities found.
  • A CT or MRI Scan to confirm presence of herniated disc.

Treatments

Surgical Treatment

The use of surgical treatment is deployed in extreme spine related problems. The surgery removes herniated part of the disc. Several microsurgical and microscopic procedures are adopted to treat problems lumbar spine. The use of microscope helps narrow down the problem area. This approach ensures surgery is only performed to a minor herniated area. This approach removes the disc area directly responsible for punching the nerve roots.

ESI (Epidural Steroid Treatment)

The ESI (Epidural Steroid Treatment) is done when the pain becomes unbearable and use of medication or rest or both does not have any impact.

Conservative Treatment

Conservative treatment is deployed in mild conditions. There is no surgery involved in conservative treatment and it involves medication, rest, and sometimes physical therapy.