Herniated Roots

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Based on the results, you may be referred to a neurologist, orthopedist, or neurosurgeon for treatment. Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI scan is a noninvasive test that uses a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to give a detailed view of the soft tissues of your spine. Unlike an X-ray, nerves and discs are clearly visible Fig. It may or may not be performed with a dye contrast agent injected into your bloodstream. An MRI can detect which disc is damaged and if there is any nerve compression.

It can also detect bony overgrowth, spinal cord tumors, or abscesses. Myelogram is a specialized X-ray where dye is injected into the spinal canal through a spinal tap. An X-ray fluoroscope then records the images formed by the dye. The dye used in a myelogram shows up white on the X-ray, allowing the doctor to view the spinal cord and canal in detail. Myelograms can show a nerve being pinched by a herniated disc, bony overgrowth, spinal cord tumors, and abscesses. A CT scan may follow this test. Computed Tomography CT scan is a noninvasive test that uses an X-ray beam and a computer to make 2-dimensional images of your spine.

This test is especially useful for confirming which disc is damaged. EMG tests measure the electrical activity of your muscles. Small needles are placed in your muscles, and the results are recorded on a special machine. NCS is similar, but it measures how well your nerves pass an electrical signal from one end of the nerve to another. These tests can detect nerve damage and muscle weakness.

X-rays view the bony vertebrae in your spine and can tell your doctor if any of them are too close together or whether you have arthritic changes, bone spurs, or fractures. It's not possible to diagnose a herniated disc with this test alone. Conservative nonsurgical treatment is the first step to recovery and may include medication, rest, physical therapy, home exercises, hydrotherapy, epidural steroid injections ESI , chiropractic manipulation, and pain management.

In most cases, the pain from a herniated disc will get better within a couple days and completely resolve in 4 to 6 weeks. Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications NSAIDs , muscle relaxants, and steroids.

Disc Herniation Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options

The procedure is performed under x-ray fluoroscopy and involves an injection of corticosteroids and a numbing agent into the epidural space of the spine. The medicine is delivered next to the painful area to reduce the swelling and inflammation of the nerves Fig. Repeat injections may be given to achieve the full effect. Duration of pain relief varies, lasting for weeks or years.

The goal of physical therapy is to help you return to full activity as soon as possible and prevent re-injury. Exercise and strengthening exercises are key elements to your treatment and should become part of your life-long fitness. Surgery for a herniated lumbar disc, called a discectomy, may be an option if your symptoms do not significantly improve with conservative treatments.

Surgery may also be recommended if you have signs of nerve damage, such as weakness or loss of feeling in your legs. The surgeon makes a 1—2 inch incision in the middle of your back. To reach the damaged disc, the spinal muscles are dissected and moved aside to expose the vertebra. A portion of the bone is removed to expose the nerve root and disc. The portion of the ruptured disc that touches your spinal nerve is carefully removed using special instruments.

Minimally invasive microendoscopic discectomy: The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the back. Small tubes called dilators are used with increasing diameter to enlarge a tunnel to the vertebra. The surgeon uses either an endoscope or a microscope to remove the ruptured disc. This technique causes less muscle injury than a traditional discectomy. Clinical trials are research studies in which new treatments—drugs, diagnostics, procedures, and other therapies—are tested in people to see if they are safe and effective.

Research is always being conducted to improve the standard of medical care. Information about current clinical trials, including their eligibility, protocol, and locations are found on the web. Back pain affects 8 of 10 people at some time in their lives, and usually resolves within 6 weeks. A positive mental attitude, regular activity, and a prompt return to work are all very important elements of recovery. If your regular job cannot be done initially, it is in the patient's best interest to return to some kind of modified light or restricted duty.

SYMPTOMS Of a herniated disc

Your physician can give prescriptions for such activity for limited periods of time. Has two parts, a soft gel-like center called the nucleus and a tough fibrous outer wall called the annulus. Usually caused by compression of the fifth lumbar spinal nerve. Only the top 24 bones are moveable.

This information is not intended to replace the medical advice of your health care provider. Patients who come to Mayfield with neck and back problems are given a rapid review of their medical condition within a few days, not weeks.

Spinal disc herniation

It's a treatment process called Priority Consult. Nearly 80 percent of our spine patients are able to recover with nonsurgical treatment. This can cause pain, weakness, numbness, or changes in sensation. Most disk herniations happen in the lower lumbar spine, especially between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae and between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra the L and L5-S1 levels.

Lumbar disk disease is caused by a change in the structure of the normal disk. Most of the time, disk disease happens as a result of aging and the normal break down that occurs within the disk. Sometimes, severe injury can cause a normal disk to herniate.

Injury may also cause an already herniated disk to worsen. Although age is the most common risk, physical inactivity can cause weak back and abdominal muscles, which may not support the spine properly. Back injuries also increase when people who are normally not physically active participate in overly strenuous activities.

Jobs that require heavy lifting and twisting of the spine can also cause back injuries. The symptoms of lumbar disk disease vary depending on where the disk has herniated, and what nerve root it is pushing on. These are the most common symptoms of lumbar disk disease:. Intermittent or continuous back pain. This may be made worse by movement, coughing, sneezing, or standing for long periods of time.

Sciatica — pain that starts near the back or buttock and travels down the leg to the calf or into the foot. The symptoms of lumbar disc disease may look like other conditions or medical problems.

Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, you may have one or more of the following tests:. A test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.

Magnetic resonance imaging MRI. A procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. A procedure that uses dye injected into the spinal canal to make the structure clearly visible on X-rays. An imaging procedure that uses X-rays and computer technology to produce horizontal, or axial, images often called slices of the body.

A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays. Typically, conservative therapy is the first line of treatment to manage lumbar disk disease. This may include a mix of the following:. Education on proper body mechanics to help decrease the chance of worsening pain or damage to the disk. If these measures fail, you may need surgery to remove the herniated disc.

What causes lumbar disk disease?

Surgery is done under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will make an incision in your lower back over the area where the disc is herniated. Some bone from the back of the spine may be removed to gain access to the disc. Your surgeon will remove the herniated part of the disc and any extra loose pieces from the disc space. After surgery, you may be restricted from activity for several weeks while you heal to prevent another disc herniation.

Your surgeon will discuss any restrictions with you. Lumbar disk disease can cause back and leg pain that interferes with daily activities. It can lead to leg weakness or numbness and trouble with bowel and bladder control. Maintaining a healthy weight, participating in regular exercise, and using good posture can lessen your risk for lumbar disk disease.

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