Ruptured Disc in Back — Definition and Treatment Options

The spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae and absorb trauma.

The big bones of the spinal column are called vertebrae. The discs may "pinch" neighboring spinal nerves if the spinal column splits open and they extend outward. A ruptured, herniated or slipped disc is what this is.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms outlined in this article, it's time to get a FREE Consultation and MRI Review with Deuk Spine Institute. We will help relieve your pain and get you back to living your life without limitations!

Sciatica, often known as sciatic back pain, is a severe kind of low back pain brought on by a ruptured disc. The signs of a disc rupture typically go away on their own within a few weeks to a month. You might decide to finally think about surgery if the issue continues for months and develops into a chronic condition.

On its own, severe low back pain might indicate a ruptured disc, but it can also be brought on by strained or sprained muscles, tendons, or ligaments. However, sciatica, which causes shooting pain down one or both legs and into the low back, is typically caused by a herniated or ruptured disc.

The following list of symptoms of sciatica:

• Sharp pain running from the buttocks down the leg (typically one leg)
• Tingling in the foot or portion of the leg
• Weakness in the leg

If you have a ruptured disc, sitting or bending over with your legs straight may make your sciatica worse. This is due to the sciatic nerve being pulled by those movements.

In addition, you can have a sharp discomfort when you cough, sneeze or use the restroom.

The spine can often bend and absorb forces applied to it when you twist, bend, or raise thanks to the flexible discs. The discs start to deteriorate with age. Like an underinflated tire, they could become somewhat flatter or protrude outward. The layers of the fibrous wall of the disc start to separate and rip as the fluid substance inside starts to dry out and stiffen.

Spinal nerves in the area can become inflamed if a damaged disc puts pressure on them. Typically, sciatic nerve roots that leave the spine on either side of the ruptured discs in the low back are affected. The sciatic nerves travel from the buttock through the leg and foot. That explains why you experience discomfort, tingling, and numbness there.

Weaker discs may be more vulnerable to rupturing as a result of routine tasks and employment, as well as from sports, auto accidents, or falls. Since disc ruptures can happen naturally as the disc ages, it might be challenging to link them to specific incidents.

A ruptured disc can frequently be identified by a doctor based on symptoms, especially sciatica.

This is because various parts of the buttocks, legs, and feet are affected by pinched nerves close to the discs. You would suppose that in order to locate the injured disc, your doctor should request a CT scan or MRI. A comprehensive examination and responding in-depth questions regarding the problem's symptoms and history, however, are often sufficient for a precise diagnosis. When discs reach middle age, they frequently appear aberrant on MRIs but don't produce any pain or other issues.

Sciatica and back pain caused by discs frequently go away on their own in a few weeks, however, occasionally they can remain longer. Current treatment guidelines include using self-care measures to first ease the symptoms of new disc pain or a flare-up of an existing condition while you wait for your back to heal. The typical "conservative" treatment consists of:

Cold and heat

When you initially begin to experience pain, applying cold packs to the troublesome area can assist to numb the nerves and lessen your agony. Later, you can increase your mobility by reducing lower back muscular tightness and spasms with heating pads and hot baths. Find out more about using heat and cold to relieve pain.

Drugs that reduce pain

OTC painkillers can aid in reducing discomfort and inflammation. These may consist of:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs)
• Aspirin
• Naproxen
• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

Use the dosage that is advised. Use that is excessive or protracted, particularly while using NSAIDs, might harm the stomach and result in bleeding. If over-the-counter painkillers and other DIY solutions don't work, your doctor can suggest taking prescription muscle relaxants.

For back discomfort, prolonged bed rest is not advised, but taking it easy for a few hours at a time is OK. Otherwise, try to keep up with your regular daily activities as much as you can, even if they hurt a little. Try to get some exercise during the day.

Gentle stretching and exercise can help you get back to your regular activities, including work, once your discomfort starts to lessen. To learn safe stretching and exercise routines for back pain, consult your doctor or a physical therapist first.

While your back is mending, acupuncture, massage, and spinal manipulation (chiropractic) may help relieve pain and suffering. Make sure the person offering these services is a qualified expert. Inform them of your disc rupture so they can handle your condition appropriately. When pain and sciatica last for three months or more, they are deemed chronic and may require extra care. At this point, a lot of people begin to consider surgery.

Anti-inflammatory steroid injections into the region close to the irritated nerve and ruptured disc may assist to postpone surgery, but they are not a permanent fix. The effects of injections can last for a few months, but they eventually wear off. You can only receive a certain number of shots safely each year.

The choice to proceed with the surgery is a personal one. In order for you to make an informed decision that matches your lifestyle, your doctor should outline all the benefits and drawbacks. The discectomy procedure is the most popular one. Diskectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the damaged disc to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve roots.

It can frequently be completed as an outpatient operation. Surgery for the disc may not be effective, and the discomfort may worsen. Later, the disc might burst once more, or another disc might fail.

Most disc pain significantly subsides after a month. After the initial, acute stage that follows the flare-up, anticipate gradual improvement. Moving forward, exercising can aid in preventing further disc pain flare-ups. The core muscles that support your spine can be toned and strengthened through conventional exercises, yoga, and tai chi. When exercising, be careful not to overdo it since this could result in further back pain.

You should be ready for sporadic flare-ups because disc wear and tear tends to get worse over time. Maintaining the health of your back is your greatest option. This is possible by:

• Exercising consistently
• Keeping a healthy weight
• Avoiding motions that aggravate back discomfort

Aging and the degeneration of the spinal discs both increase the frequency of disc ruptures. Although preventing a ruptured disc may not be possible, regularly exercising to strengthen your back can reduce your risk.

The Deuk Spine Institute encourages and welcomes you to contact us today regarding any questions or concerns you may have regarding your current situation. 

​​If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the preceding symptoms outlined, it is imperative to get a FREE Consultation and MRI Review with the Deuk Spine Institute. We can help relieve your pain and get you back to living your life without limitations!