Achieve Lasting Relief
Back pain can be a common occurrence for a variety of issues. From failing to lift with the knees to exercising too aggressively, feeling discomfort along the back isn't a strange side effect. However, for some people, chronic back pain is due to a herniated disc. In some cases, rest and at-home interventions are all that's needed to get a person back to normal. For other individuals, that herniated disc can be the source of chronic pain which can limit mobility and ultimately ruin quality of life. If over-the-counter (OTC) medications and non-invasive interventions are no longer doing the trick, it might be time to talk to a doctor about minimally invasive surgeries that can yield significant relief.
What is a herniated disc?
The spine is typically composed of 33 vertebrae and between each bone is a cushiony disc. Each disc is composed of a soft material in the nucleus or center, and is surrounded by a harder rubber-like exterior called the annulus. When the spine is properly aligned and no damage is present, the disc is designed to soften the impact or force from everyday movements and protect the bones. However, a herniated disc can occur when the nucleus slips out of place and protrudes beyond the annulus. Sometimes, the condition can also be referred to as a slipped disc or a ruptured disc.
Before surgical interventions
For some people, a herniated disc can be corrected without the need for more intensive medical solutions. For example, in less severe cases, patients may be able to heal independently with simple OTC medications. Sometimes, prescription medications like muscle relaxers, opioids, or even neuropathic drugs may be required. Likewise, for more serious situations where pain doesn't improve with OTC or oral prescription medications, steroid injections may be recommended. If none of the above yield significant relief, and a person's mobility is significantly impacted, a doctor might recommend surgery.
Spinal fusion
A spinal fusion is a procedure in which a surgeon joins two or more vertebrae to improve spinal stability. The overall goal is to reduce pain caused by a slipped disc, and to improve mobility. In particular, a spinal fusion is typically recommended for individuals experiencing specific types of discomfort such as numbness or muscle weakness which are possible with a herniated disc. This surgery can be performed as a minimally invasive operation, ensuring that patients have smaller scars, faster healing, and can potentially be performed as an outpatient procedure.
Microdiscectomy
Another option to reduce severe herniated disc pain is a microdiscectomy. Unlike spinal fusion, this procedure isn't designed to bond bones together. Instead, the process works to remove the herniated disc material to alleviate pressure that was previously compressing the surrounding nerve. Microdiscectomies are usually performed as minimally invasive procedures, meaning the procedure is most often an outpatient treatment. In particular, individuals diagnosed with sciatica from herniated discs are considered ideal candidates.
Put a stop to back pain
A herniated disc can be incredibly painful to endure. For most people, at-home interventions or even non-surgical options are enough to yield measurable relief. However, for more severe cases, surgical options might be the only solution. To determine if surgery is the best option, consider speaking with an orthopedist who can properly diagnose the condition and provide guidance to achieve a pain-free existence.
