Herniated Disk (Ruptured Disk)

Herniated Disk (Ruptured Disk)










General treatment considerations


Injury to the back results in pain and inflammation. The pain and inflammation result in muscle spasms of the back muscles, which in turn result in more pain. Thus the initial treatment usually consists of rest, medication, and ice to relieve pain, inflammation, and muscle spasm. As pain and spasm subside, exercises to improve strength and flexibility and proper back mechanics are started. Referral to a physical therapist or athletic trainer may be recommended for these exercises, education regarding back mechanics, and possibly other therapies such as transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS) or ultrasound. Traction (neck), a cervical collar (neck), or a corset or back brace (low back) may be recommended. Biofeedback and psychotherapy may also be recommended. Prolonged bed rest is felt to do more harm than good, but proper body mechanics should be encouraged. Bending your knees to pick things up off the ground, as opposed to bending at the waist; sleeping flat on your back on a firm mattress with a pillow under your knees; and using good posture when sitting are helpful.


Often a trial of oral steroids or epidural steroid injections, placed into the space around the lining of the spinal cord, may be attempted to reduce the inflammation around the herniated disk and inflamed nerve. For patients with loss of bowel or bladder function or persistent pain, numbness, weakness, or paralysis, surgery is often recommended to remove those portions of the disk that are pushing on the nerves or spinal cord.





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Jul 19, 2016 | Posted by in SPORT MEDICINE | Comments Off on Herniated Disk (Ruptured Disk)

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