Disc Herniations
October 14, 2008 – 5:46 pm NOHC
A herniated disc is one of the most common conditions I see in my office. Disc herniations can occur in the neck, the upper back, or lower portion of the spine.
Often my patients can recall a specific event that causes the relentless pain they are experiencing. This past week, I saw a woman in her 30’s who said, “When I bent down to pick up my 2 year old son, I immediately had burning and sharp pains in my back and legs. I stayed on the floor for hours because the pain was so intense.”
Well, she’s certainly not alone. In fact many patients can recall a specific situation that caused them the pain they are having. However, some patients cannot recall any specific event. I recently heard one of my patients say, “I was driving my car and all of a sudden, I couldn’t turn my head without pain shooting down my arm.”
Our discs function as shock absorbers within our spines. They are comprised of an outer firm portion called the annulus fibrosis, and an inner soft portion called the nucleus pulposis. The analogy I frequently use in describing a herniated disc is the following: when you squeeze a jelly doughnut, the soft jelly (the nucleus pulposis) is extruded through a hole in the firmer, outer portion of the doughnut (the annulus fibrosis). When this occurs in the context of an acute herniated disc, the contents of the herniation serve to not only push on the nerve, but also cause inflammation and swelling around the nerve – causing severe pain. Spine specialists diagnose this condition by performing a thorough history & neurological assessment and frequently will obtain x-rays and an MRI of the involved area.
The good news is that most disc herniations can be treated without surgery. A short course of bed rest, physical therapy, medications, and sometimes injections are part of our “armamentarium” in treating patients. However, if a patient has intractable pain that does not improve, worsening weakness, or the inability to control their normal bowel and bladder functions, these “red flags” indicate the patient will need surgical intervention in a timely fashion.
The goal of surgery is to take the pressure off the nerve and decompress the area involved. This is frequently done through a procedure call a micro-discectomy where the surgeon uses either a microscope or high-powered surgical loupes through a minimally invasive incision.
If you or someone you know have the symptoms described above, please consult with a physician trained in dealing with this condition. Between the various medical and surgical interventions I’ve outlined, you should be able to get “back” on your feet in short course.
View some video testimonials of NOHC patients treated for disc herniations:
4 Responses to “Disc Herniations”
Doc. Years ago, I worked for a retail company, and in my last year before I quit; every time I bend down to pick trash or do anything, I used to feel something like an “electric shock” in my tailbone, maybe in the L5-S1 level. When I started a new job, over the months, I still had to do a lot of bending, but that electric shock and pain, never came back. I am surprised about it. The pain was sooo bad and when I feel the impact in my back I had to keep down for few minutes before resuming my activities. Do you think I have a disc herniation that now is just no giving me any trouble?. Thank You.
By Elias on Oct 16, 2008
Dear Elias-
While your symptoms sound like a possible disc herniation, my recommendation is if the pain does return, please seek medical attention with a thorough neurological assessment and appropriate imaging.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gleiber
By Dr. Gleiber on Oct 22, 2008
I believe I might have the problem described above. I’m receiving nerve blocks at this time but it’s just not helping me at all. This back surgeon has not given me any hope whatsoever as to any help you could give me? I’ve been diagnose with degenerative discs disease. It’s the bottom disc and 3rd one above the bottom one that are both compressed. I’m in constant pain. For 16 years it was my left hip that hurt so much and now all of a sudden my right hip is hurting but in a very different way. The surgeon gave me a nerve block without checking to see what the problem was. When he did a pain went down to the bottom of my foot. Scared me so bad. There is obviously something going on. I desperately need someone to be willing to figure out what’s going on. If by chance there is a tumor there, would it cause pain?
Thank you.
Shirley Tyler
By Shirley Tyler on Dec 21, 2008
I have had chronic back pain for about 7-8 years. In 2002 I suffered a fall from the roof of my house and shattered my ankle and aggravated my back problem. I went through numerous epidural injection series with sparodic relief. This year I have had new MRI’S and EMG/NCV tests. I have herniations at L2-3 and L4-5 with l5 radiculopathy. On monday of this week I had an cervical MRI and was told today that I now also have C5-6 and C6-7 herniations with impingment. Before today neurosurgeons have said they would not operate because I’m 41. I live in INCREDIBLE PAIN, what is wrong with my back ?
By Timothy on Feb 13, 2009