Treatment for lumbar disc rupture

1. TREATMENT FORLUMBAR DISC RUPTURE

2. It is a medical condition affecting the spine which may even result in release of chemical mediators causing extreme pain and irritation. The condition can be treated by orthopedic spine doctor and is also called slipped disc or disc prolapsed. This condition can be caused by many things such as constant strain on the back and lifting heavy objects. Traumatic injury to the lumbar area and constant wear and tear during work can also cause lumbar disc rupture. The condition may also be congenital, i.e., by birth due to size of the lumbar canal. The lumbar region from L4-L5, L5-S1 is most prone to damage.

3. A person suffering from lumbar disc rupture will feel some pain around the disc area. It is common to feel pain in one side of the body, including thigh, knee or foot in an undefined manner. The pain may also turn severe due to chemicals and nerve impingement. Radiation of pain till the tip of toes may also occur. This is called radiculopathy or sciatica. There may even be sensory changes like numbness, muscle weakness or tingling. The symptoms mentioned above may even worsen while laughing, coughing or sneezing.

4. There are various treatments available for treating a ruptured lumbar disc. Some of the treatments are as follows:

5. Physical Therapy It is the first line of treatment given by any orthopedic spine doctor. Osteopathic or chiropractic techniques, gentle massages, spinal mobilization and manipulation are all part of the physical therapy given to the patient. Anesthesia assisted traction treatment, various modalities to relieve pain, simple exercises for muscle strengthening, and back care are also taught to the patient. The patient is also addressed to follow proper body mechanics and ergonomics. Exercises like stretching and strengthening, aerobics. Some specific treatment as suggested by physical therapist. Once pain is gone you are required to maintain proper posture and regular exercise to keep yourself healthy.

6. Medications Various medications such as oral steroids which include Prednisolone and methylprednisolone are administered to the patient. Muscle relaxants and pain killers are given only when the pain is severe. Pain relived in one or two months with conservative treatment.

7. Injections To control pain and swelling, epidural injections are given. They may be given for several months depending on the patient’s condition, medical history and previous imaging studies to plan for the best approach for injection.

8. Surgery A ruptured disc surgery is the last option considered by surgeons, depending on the degree of disc rupture and the success of non surgical method. Surgery is considered if the conservative treatment has failed, if there is bladder and bowel incontinence or significant muscle weakness. The orthopedic doctor will advice for surgery if there is significant neurological deficit, negligible sensory signs and reflexes in leg and foot.

9. Some of the surgeries considered for lumbar disc rupture are Chemonucleolysis, Discectomy, Laminectomy, Lumbar fusion and Transformational endoscopy. Most people who opt for ruptured disc surgery show significant signs of improvement soon after surgery. There may still be some back pain, but it lessens with time. After treatment, it may take some time for the patient to get back into their daily routine.