Different herniated disc treatment options

In the human body, the spine constitutes of various vertebrae, which are separated by discs and have ligaments around them. There are 7 vertebrae in the neck called cervical vertebrae, 12 vertebrae in the mid back portion called thoracic vertebrae and 5 vertebrae in the low back called lumbar vertebrae. Beneath the fifth lumbar vertebra is the sacrum, which is followed by the tailbone or coccyx.

The start of disc herniation

Each disc in the spine looks like a jelly donut which over age after an injury, starts degenerating. Sometimes, the central portion of the disc may also rupture or herniated through the surrounding outer ring called the annulus fibrosus.

It is this abnormal rupturing of the central portion of the disc that is called a disc herniation. This commonly occurs in the disc between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae of the low back as this area is always under strain as it bears the weight of the body.

Herniated disc treatment can be started only after the condition is diagnosed, which is usually when tests like MRI is performed for other reasons. Basically, if there are no symptoms, then there is no need of undergoing any herniated disc treatment.

Treatment options

There are however various herniated disc treatment options your doctor may advise, based on the severity of the symptoms. This includes physical therapy, pain medications, muscle relaxant medications, anti-inflammatory medications, use of local epidural injections and even surgical operations.

Basically, people suffering from disc herniation should rest to avoid giving anymore injury to the existing problem. In fact, some people who suffer from relatively strong pain can get treated with the help of conservative measures, without any surgical intervention.

There are today various surgical herniated disc treatment options used to treat herniated discs. Each operation is customized to the situation and decided upon based on the condition of the spine surrounding the affected disc. Options are microdiscectomy which is surgery using small surgical instruments and open surgical repair.

The Herniated disccan c ause severe pain in the back and all the way down through your legs The Spine Center offers identify the source of your crippling back pain and to discover how we can help. For more details visit their website Houston Spine Treatment</a

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