Back Pain When Bending Forward

01.07.2023 Chukwudi Eze 0 Comments

There are many different causes of back pain when bending over. Stiffness and minor pain may be a sign of muscle strain, while severe shooting pains could indicate sciatica. A herniated disk, meanwhile, can lead to weakness and numbness in one leg. Almost 40% of adult Americans experience some degree of back pain.

Contents

1 Is forward bending harmful for back pain?
2 How do you rule out a slipped disc?
- 2.1 How long does it take for a pulled back muscle to heal?
3 Can you feel a herniated disc with your fingers?

Is forward bending harmful for back pain?

Exercise mistakes that make your back worse Most back exercises are great for the back and it doesn’t seem to matter much what exercises you do as long as you stay active. But some exercises can be harmful and actually damage your back. So whether you like the gym, Pilates, yoga or a sport it is important to know the good and the bad.

Matthew was recently interviewed about just this topic by Stu Girling from Love Yoga Anatomy.
Stu trains yoga teachers and practitioners on safe ways to do yoga.
One of the exercises that does more harm than good is forward bending despite the fact that lots of people do it to stretch their back.
As we bend forward huge pressure builds on the lower discs.

As you bend from the waist, if the lumbar spine is held in neutral, with its natural forward curve, the pressure on the disc is reduced. If you round your lower back as you bend forwards then the discs are vulnerable. The jelly inside the disc gets forced backwards and can cause cracking in the outer disc wall. If you bend, as in a yoga forward fold, over and over again then it can cause injury. It is like repeatedly bending a credit card, a white line appears and ultimately it breaks. Many people with back pain feel that their back is too stiff and want to stretch it.

A better goal for exercises is the right mix of flexibility and stability. If your back is too stiff and this causing pain then the solution is to unlock the spinal joints with chiropractic manipulation or mobilisation. If, however, your problem is too much flexibility then we work to stabilise your spine.

: Exercise mistakes that make your back worse

Will a slipped disc heal itself?

Most people with a slipped disc in the lumbar region of their spine (lower back) are offered “conservative” treatment, meaning that the treatment does not involve surgery. This mainly involves exercise, relaxation and positioning, painkillers or local anesthetics, and manual and physical therapy.

Some slipped discs don’t cause any symptoms, whereas others lead to severe back pain.
A slipped disc in the lumbar region of the spine (the lower back) can press on the sciatic nerve and cause pain that often radiates down one leg and into the foot.
Most people recover from a slipped disc within six weeks without treatment.

Until then there are a number of treatment options that aim to help relieve the pain and improve mobility.

What is the best position to avoid back pain?

The ideal sleep position: On your back – The best position to avoid back pain is lying flat on your back. Even so, many people find it the hardest way to enjoy deep sleep. For optimal spine alignment, place one pillow underneath your head or neck and another underneath your knees.

Can you bend forward with a herniated disc?

How does my doctor know I have stenosis? – Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms. People with stenosis usually have back pain most of the time. They also may have leg pain, numbness, or weakness. The leg pain and numbness usually start when you stand up and begin to walk or exercise.

The leg pain has been described as a burning or prickly feeling that may start in the buttocks and spread down to the feet when you start walking. Your legs also might feel cramped, tired, or weak. These are symptoms of a condition called neural claudication (say this: claw-dih-kay-shun) of the legs. If you have lumbar canal stenosis, the neural leg claudication starts when you stand up, gets worse when you walk, and gets better when you stop walking.

Often, the leg pain gets better if you crouch or lie in a fetal position (on your sides with your knees tucked up to your chest). It is thought that these positions “open” the lumbar canal and take the pressure off the nerves that go to the legs. Leg claudication starts slowly but gets worse after a while.

Why does my lower back hurt when I fix my posture?

Identifying a posture in need of correcting – If you’ve identified that you’re suffering with poor posture, or you notice your posture slipping throughout the day – it may seem like an easy step to have someone assess your posture from a passive standpoint.

This means you might have someone take a look at you while standing neutrally to identify if you’re leaning forward, if your shoulders are hunched or slouching forward, or if your pelvis is leaning too far back or in front. These may seem like helpful recommendations, but identifying how you stand versus actually getting a spinal assessment from a professional looking at the position of your spine – are two very different things.

Passive examinations really aren’t specific enough to enable you to make effective and accurate changes that can affect the position of your spine, unless your problem is in the very early stages. Most of the time it’s very common to not act on a problem unless we’re starting to experience pain in an area, until it becomes an inconvenience.

In this case, the problem could have existed for a number of months or even years, and in this situation you may have altered the actual position or alignment of your spine that could have detrimental effects on the health of your spine. The role of imaging in posture correction A professional and in-depth examination of the spine usually involves x-ray imaging, done standing up so that we can analyse the true position of your spine.

X-ray imaging allows for an accurate observation to be made on what needs to be done structurally to change the spine, and can actually allow us to visually quantify the angles of your spine and compare them to that of a healthy spine. In our experience from using x-ray analysis in resolving back complaints and postural issues, this approach allows for much more accurate judgements to be made and can help you to achieve a healthier spine.

From time to time, we come across patients who have seen professionals before about their posture, but haven’t been able to see noticeable changes.
In certain cases, a patient may have been told they’re suffering from a certain complaint when in fact after x-ray imaging has been used to analyse the spine, this diagnosis could be incorrect because it has been based on an inaccurate observation.

Although an incorrect diagnosis may not seem like a big deal if you’re seeking a second opinion, you probably wouldn’t have sought a second opinion if a previous professional opinion had worked for your condition, acting on an incorrect diagnosis can have ramifications on the health of your spine in the long-term. If you are suffering from bad posture, the importance of seeking the help of a professional who is going to use factual observations to find a solution, should not be understated. If you’re serious about solving a postural issue, especially if it’s starting to cause you pain in the lower back, upper back or cause side-effects such as muscle tightness or headaches, it’s much better in the long-term to find a professional who has extensive experience in dealing with postural issues.

Not only could this save you a lot of money in the long-run by seeking the help of a professional and someone you have faith in from day one, they will be able to recommend a step-by-step programme of treatment that targets any pain you’re currently experiencing, and can offer you an effective rehabilitation programme to solve the problem and strengthen your spine.

At The Mayfair Clinic, we offer an extensive examination process involving a range of orthopaedic testing, followed by x-ray imaging if we deem it clinically necessary. By performing measurements before, and after undergoing an extensive rehabilitation programme you’re more likely to achieve positive changes and see the difference before and after.

Why does my lower back hurt when I slouch?

Preventing Neck and Back Pain When Sitting – Here are some important guidelines to help make sure your work area is as comfortable as possible and causes the least amount of stress to your spine to avoid neck and lower back pain from sitting :

Elbow measure Begin by sitting comfortably as close as possible to your desk so that your upper arms are parallel to your spine, Rest your hands on your work surface (e.g. desktop, computer keyboard). If your elbows are not at a 90-degree angle, move your chair either up or down. Thigh measure Check that you can easily slide your fingers under your thigh at the leading edge of the chair. If it is too tight, you need to prop your feet up with an adjustable footrest. If there is more than a finger width between your thigh and the chair, you need to raise the desk/work surface so that you can raise your chair. Calf measure With your buttocks against the chair back, try to pass your clenched fist between the back of your calf and the front of your chair, If you can’t do that easily, the chair is too deep. You will need to adjust the backrest forward, insert a lumbar support or get a new chair. Lower-back support Your buttocks should be pressed against the back of your chair, and there should be a cushion that causes your lower back to arch slightly so that you don’t slump forward as you tire. This support is essential to minimize the load (strain) on your back. Never slump or slouch in your chair, as this places extra stress on your spine and lumbar discs. Eye level Close your eyes while sitting comfortably with your head facing forward. Slowly open your eyes. Your gaze should be aimed at the center of your computer screen, If your computer screen is higher or lower than your gaze, you need to either raise or lower it. If you wear bifocal glasses, you should adjust the computer screen so that you do not have to tilt your neck back to read the screen, or else wear full lens glasses adjusted for near vision. Armrest Adjust the armrest of your chair so that it just slightly lifts your arms at the shoulders, Use of an armrest allows you to take some of the strain off your neck and shoulders, and it should make you less likely to slouch forward in your chair. While this article is about traditional chairs, some people prefer more active chairs, such as a Swedish kneeling chair or a Swiss exercise ball. Traditional chairs are designed to provide complete support, but a kneeling chair promotes good posture without a back support, and an exercise ball helps develop your abdominal and back muscles while you sit. It is advisable to first talk with your doctor prior to using one of these types of chairs if you have an injured back or other health problems. Finally, no matter how comfortable you are at your desk, prolonged, static posture is not good for your back, Try to remember to stand, stretch and walk at least a minute or two every half hour, Moving about and stretching on a regular basis throughout the day will help keep your joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons loose, which in turn will help you feel more comfortable, more relaxed, and more productive.

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Is walking OK for slipped disc?

Low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, and cycling, may be safe and beneficial for people with a herniated disc, as they can help to improve overall fitness and strengthen the muscles that support the spine. – However, high-impact exercises, such as running or jumping, may aggravate the injury and should be avoided.

What happens if a slipped disc in your back is left untreated?

What is a herniated disc? A herniated disc occurs when an intervertebral spinal disc becomes damaged from increased pressure, causing the disc’s inner, gel-like center (nucleus pulposus) to seep out and irritate surrounding nerves. Herniated discs are common in the lower part of the spine, but they can develop in the cervical (neck) and thoracic (mid-back) spine as well.

Pain that radiates down the buttocks, legs, and feet (also known as sciatica) Pain that radiates down the shoulders, arms, and hands Tingling or numbness in the legs or feet Muscle weakness or spasms

As we alluded to previously, the severity and location of your herniated disc may be a major deciding factor for whether or not you should prolong or avoid treatment. If your herniated disc is relatively minor and does not produce any notable or bothersome symptoms, you can generally forgo treatment.

Just keep in mind, however, that most herniated discs do not heal on their own, and over time, they will worsen and cause moderate to severe health problems.
So while you may decide to put off treatment now, there’s no telling how your condition will progress – if it’ll worsen or stay virtually the same as time passes on.

Can I put off treatment for my herniated disc? Dr. Mark Giovanini of NeuroMicroSpine understands that prolonging or avoiding treatment for a herniated disc is a personal decision. Regardless, he likes to ask patients this one question: are you satisfied with living in constant pain? It’s more than likely you’re answer will be: “probably not,” which is why he often recommends patients seek treatment for their herniated disc(s) as soon as they start experiencing pain.

If the pain is excruciating or interferes with your ability to perform normal tasks, you should seek the advice of a spine specialist like Dr.
Giovanini.
While interventional pain care can be effective in reducing pain associated with a herniated disc, these treatment options won’t fix the underlying problem.

As we mentioned previously, your herniated disc will eventually worsen; it’s just the nature of the disease. Therefore, you may want to consider minimally invasive spine surgery to completely repair the spinal disc for long lasting pain relief. Again, the choice is yours.

If you leave a herniated disc untreated, you may experience intense, sharp pains, partial paralysis, or the inability to control bowel movements in relatively dire situations. Your herniated disc may never get to that point, but why risk it? Call NeuroMicroSpine today to schedule an appointment with Dr.

Mark Giovanini. He will evaluate the extent of the damaged and recommend the best course of action for treatment. Don’t live in pain any longer, call today! For more information on whether spinal surgery is necessary for your condition, or to make an appointment with the doctors at NeuroMicroSpine, please call (850) 934-7545 or click here to request an appointment,

What happens if a slipped disc is left untreated?

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process, Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

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We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. If one of your spinal discs protrudes, it’s called a slipped or herniated disc. This can cause pain and numbness and, if severe enough, may require surgery. Your spinal column is made up of a series of bones (vertebrae) stacked onto each other.

From top to bottom, the column includes seven bones in the cervical spine, 12 in the thoracic spine, and five in the lumbar spine, followed by the sacrum and the coccyx at the base. These bones are cushioned by discs. The discs protect the bones by absorbing the shocks from daily activities like walking, lifting, and twisting.

Need help covering the cost of your autoimmune treatment? Crowdfund money here » Each disc has two parts: a soft, gelatinous inner portion and a tough outer ring. Injury or weakness can cause the inner portion of the disc to protrude through the outer ring.

This is known as a slipped, herniated, or prolapsed disc.
This causes pain and discomfort.
If the slipped disc compresses one of your spinal nerves, you may also experience numbness and pain along the affected nerve.
In severe instances, you may require surgery to remove or repair the slipped disc.
Find a doctor near you: Neurologist » Orthopedic Surgeon » You can have a slipped disc in any part of your spine, from your neck to your lower back.

The lower back is one of the more common areas for slipped discs. Your spinal column is an intricate network of nerves and blood vessels. A slipped disc can place extra pressure on the nerves and muscles around it. Symptoms of a slipped disc include:

pain and numbness, most commonly on one side of the bodypain that extends to your arms or legs pain that worsens at night or with certain movementspain that worsens after standing or sittingpain when walking short distancesunexplained muscle weakness tingling, aching, or burning sensations in the affected area

The types of pain can vary from person to person. See your doctor if your pain results in numbness or tingling that affects your ability to control your muscles. A slipped disc occurs when the outer ring becomes weak or torn and allows the inner portion to slip out.

This can happen with age.
Certain motions may also cause a slipped disc.
A disc can slip out of place while you are twisting or turning to lift an object.
Lifting a very large, heavy object can place great strain on the lower back, resulting in a slipped disc.
If you have a very physically demanding job that requires a lot of lifting, you may be at increased risk for slipped discs.

Overweight individuals are also at increased risk for a slipped disc because their discs must support the additional weight. Weak muscles and a sedentary lifestyle may also contribute to the development of a slipped disc. As you get older, you are more likely to experience a slipped disc.

This is because your discs begin to lose some of their protective water content as you age.
As a result, they can slip more easily out of place.
They are more common in men than women.
Your doctor will first perform a physical exam,
They will be looking for the source of your pain and discomfort.
This will involve checking your nerve function and muscle strength, and whether you feel pain when moving or touching the affected area.

Your doctor also will ask you about your medical history and your symptoms. They will be interested in when you first felt symptoms and what activities cause your pain to worsen. Imaging tests can help your doctor view the bones and muscles of your spine and identify any damaged areas.

X-rays CT scans MRI scansdiscograms

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Your doctor can combine all these pieces of information to determine what is causing your pain, weakness, or discomfort. An untreated, severe slipped disc can lead to permanent nerve damage. In very rare cases, a slipped disc can cut off nerve impulses to the cauda equina nerves in your lower back and legs.

If this occurs, you may lose bowel or bladder control. Another long-term complication is known as saddle anesthesia. In this case, the slipped disc compresses nerves and causes you to lose sensation in your inner thighs, the back of your legs, and around your rectum. While the symptoms of a slipped disc may improve, they also can worsen.

If you cannot perform the activities you once could, it’s time to see your doctor. Treatments for a slipped disc range from conservative to surgical. The treatment typically depends on the level of discomfort you’re experiencing and how far the disc has slipped out of place.

Most people can relieve slipped disc pain using an exercise program that stretches and strengthens the back and surrounding muscles.
A physical therapist may recommend exercises that can strengthen your back while reducing your pain.
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and avoiding heavy lifting and painful positions can also help.

Shop for OTC pain relievers now. While it may be tempting to refrain from all physical activity while you’re experiencing the pain or discomfort of a slipped disc, this can lead to muscle weakness and joint stiffness, Instead, try to remain as active as possible through stretching or low-impact activities such as walking.

muscle relaxers to relieve muscle spasmsnarcotics to relieve painnerve pain medications like gabapentin or duloxetine

Your doctor may recommend surgery if your symptoms do not subside in six weeks or if your slipped disc is affecting your muscle function. Your surgeon may remove the damaged or protruding portion of the disc without removing the entire disc. This is called a microdiskectomy,

In more severe cases, your doctor may replace the disc with an artificial one or remove the disc and fuse your vertebrae together.
This procedure, along with a laminectomy and spinal fusion, adds stability to your spinal column.
Most people with a slipped disc respond well to conservative treatment.
Within six weeks their pain and discomfort will gradually lessen.

It may not be possible to prevent a slipped disc, but you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing a slipped disc. These steps include:

Use safe lifting techniques: Bend and lift from your knees, not your waist.Maintain a healthy weight.Do not remain seated for long periods; get up and stretch periodically.Do exercises to strengthen the muscles in your back, legs, and abdomen.

Can you feel a slipped disc with your hand?

If you have a bulging spinal disc, you may be wondering if you can physically feel it. You are not likely to be able to feel the disc itself, since it is located between the bones of your spine. However, you may be able to determine the affected area by touching various points along your back that you can reach.

This article explains more about bulging or protruding spinal discs.
Finding Sore Spots The one thing you can feel with a bulging disc is whether it is sore when you touch the affected area.
If you gently touch the area, you should be able to clearly tell when you have discovered the affected spinal disc.

Depending on how the nerve is affected, the reaction to your touch may include: • Immediate and sharp lower back pain • Pain felt in nearby areas—a sign of nerve-related damage • General muscle weakness • Numbness and tingling sensations What to Do when You Discover a Sore Spot Once you find the affected area, the next step is to talk to your doctor or a spine specialist.

This step is important, since there are many possible sources of spine-related pain.
At the very least, you will have a good idea of the precise location of the affected area, which improves the accuracy of your diagnosis.
Danger of Ignoring a Bulging Disc By the time you start to notice a protruding spinal disc, the disc is usually very close to becoming herniated.

Herniation is when the inner material within the spinal disc gets outside through a crack or fracture in the outer shell. The potential risk with herniation is the nerve irritation is often more severe. By acting early and talking to your doctor, a bulging disc can be treated in a way that reduces the risk of having a full herniation.

Paying Attention to Early Signs If you notice early signs and symptoms, it is a good idea to start gently touching various areas where you may have a bulging disc. The list of symptoms includes: • Leg pain • Lower back discomfort that keeps returning • Pain that comes and goes based on your movements and activities • Nerve-based discomfort that makes it difficult to walk Acting early when you first notice spinal disc pain also boosts your odds of benefiting from nonsurgical treatments.

The good news is surgery is rarely required for a bulging or herniated disc. However, if you postpone herniated disc treatment, the damage may become more severe, which can increase your risk of needing surgery at some point. If surgery becomes a possibility for you, there are minimally invasive options that are reliable and effective for many patients.

If you have a herniated disc that is not responding to conservative treatment, a discectomy may be discussed and potentially recommended.
Although this is generally a very successful procedure, having a large hole in the outer ring of the disc more than doubles the risk of needing another operation.
A new treatment, Barricaid, is a bone-anchored device that closes this hole, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe.

This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital. If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment, ask your doctor or contact us at 844-288-7474.

How do you rule out a slipped disc?

The bones (vertebrae) that form the spine in the back are cushioned by discs, These discs are round, like small pillows, with a tough, outer layer (annulus) that surrounds the nucleus. Located between each of the vertebra in the spinal column, discs act as shock absorbers for the spinal bones.

A herniated disc (also called bulged, slipped or ruptured) is a fragment of the disc nucleus that is pushed out of the annulus, into the spinal canal through a tear or rupture in the annulus. Discs that become herniated usually are in an early stage of degeneration. The spinal canal has limited space, which is inadequate for the spinal nerve and the displaced herniated disc fragment.

Due to this displacement, the disc presses on spinal nerves, often producing pain, which may be severe. Herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine. Herniated discs are more common in the lower back (lumbar spine), but also occur in the neck (cervical spine).

The area in which pain is experienced depends on what part of the spine is affected.
A single excessive strain or injury may cause a herniated disc.
However, disc material degenerates naturally as one ages, and the ligaments that hold it in place begin to weaken.
As this degeneration progresses, a relatively minor strain or twisting movement can cause a disc to rupture.

Certain individuals may be more vulnerable to disc problems and, as a result, may suffer herniated discs in several places along the spine. Research has shown that a predisposition for herniated discs may exist in families with several members affected.

Symptoms vary greatly, depending on the position of the herniated disc and the size of the herniation. If the herniated disc is not pressing on a nerve, the patient may experience a low backache or no pain at all. If it is pressing on a nerve, there may be pain, numbness or weakness in the area of the body to which the nerve travels.

Typically, a herniated disc is preceded by an episode of low back pain or a long history of intermittent episodes of low back pain. Lumbar spine (lower back): Sciatica /Radiculopathy frequently results from a herniated disc in the lower back. Pressure on one or several nerves that contribute to the sciatic nerve can cause pain, burning, tingling and numbness that radiates from the buttock into the leg and sometimes into the foot.

Usually, one side (left or right) is affected.
This pain often is described as sharp and electric shock-like.
It may be more severe with standing, walking or sitting.
Straightening the leg on the affected side can often make the pain worse.
Along with leg pain, one may experience low back pain; however, for acute sciatica the pain in the leg is often worse than the pain in the low back.

Cervical spine (neck): Cervical radiculopathy is the symptoms of nerve compression in the neck, which may include dull or sharp pain in the neck or between the shoulder blades, pain that radiates down the arm to the hand or fingers or numbness or tingling in the shoulder or arm.

Limit activities for 2 to 3 days. Walking as tolerated is encouraged, along with an anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen, if not contraindicated for the patient. Bedrest is not recommended.
Primary care evaluation during this time may lead to considering other non-surgical treatments noted below, such as physical therapy.
Radiographic imaging, such as an MRI, is not recommended by the American College of Radiology, unless symptoms have been present for six weeks.
Referral to a spine specialist, such as a neurosurgeon, is also recommended if symptoms persist for greater than four weeks. A specialist will often want advanced imaging, such as the MRI, completed prior to the appointment.
Urgent evaluation and imaging is recommended if there are symptoms of significant leg/arm weakness, loss of feeling in the genital/rectal region, no control of urine or stool, a history of metastatic cancer, significant recent infection or fever AND radiculopathy or a fall/injury that caused the pain. Imaging should also be considered earlier for findings of progressive neurologic deficit (such as progressive weakness) on exam.

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Testing modalities are listed below. The most common imaging for this condition is MRI. Plain x-rays of the affected region are often added to complete the evaluation of the vertebra. Please note, a disc herniation cannot be seen on plain x-rays. CT scan and myelogram were more commonly used before MRI, but now are infrequently ordered as the initial diagnostic imaging, unless special circumstances exist that warrant their use.

X-ray: Application of radiation to produce a film or picture of a part of the body can show the structure of the vertebrae and the outline of the joints. X-rays of the spine are obtained to search for other potential causes of pain, i.e. tumors, infections, fractures, etc.
Computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan): A diagnostic image created after a computer reads X-rays; can show the shape and size of the spinal canal, its contents and the structures around it.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) : A diagnostic test that produces 3D images of body structures using powerful magnets and computer technology; can show the spinal cord, nerve roots and surrounding areas as well as enlargement, degeneration and tumors.
Myelogram: An X-ray of the spinal canal following injection of a contrast material into the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid spaces; can show pressure on the spinal cord or nerves due to herniated discs, bone spurs or tumors.
Electromyogram and Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG/NCS) : These tests measure the electrical impulse along nerve roots, peripheral nerves and muscle tissue. This will indicate whether there is ongoing nerve damage, if the nerves are in a state of healing from a past injury or whether there is another site of nerve compression. This test is infrequently ordered.

Non-Surgical Treatments The initial treatment for a herniated disc is usually conservative and nonsurgical. A doctor may advise the patient to maintain a low, painless activity level for a few days to several weeks. This helps the spinal nerve inflammation to decrease.

Bedrest is not recommended.
A herniated disc is frequently treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, if the pain is only mild to moderate.
An epidural steroid injection may be performed utilizing a spinal needle under X-ray guidance to direct the medication to the exact level of the disc herniation.

The doctor may recommend physical therapy. The therapist will perform an in-depth evaluation, which, combined with the doctor’s diagnosis, dictates a treatment specifically designed for patients with herniated discs. Therapy may include pelvic traction, gentle massage, ice and heat therapy, ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation and stretching exercises.

Pain medication and muscle relaxants may also be beneficial in conjunction with physical therapy. Surgery A doctor may recommend surgery if conservative treatment options, such as physical therapy and medications, do not reduce or end the pain altogether. Doctors discuss surgical options with patients to determine the proper procedure.

As with any surgery, a patient’s age, overall health and other issues are taken into consideration. The benefits of surgery should be weighed carefully against its risks. Although a large percentage of patients with herniated discs report significant pain relief after surgery, there is no guarantee that surgery will help.

Radicular pain limits normal activity or impairs quality of life
Progressive neurological deficits develop, such as leg weakness and/or numbness
Loss of normal bowel and bladder functions
Difficulty standing or walking
Medication and physical therapy are ineffective
The patient is in reasonably good health

Lumbar Spine Surgery Lumbar laminotomy is a procedure often utilized to relieve leg pain and sciatica caused by a herniated disc. It is performed through a small incision down the center of the back over the area of the herniated disc. During this procedure, a portion of the lamina may be removed.

Once the incision is made through the skin, the muscles are moved to the side so that the surgeon can see the back of the vertebrae. A small opening is made between the two vertebrae to gain access to the herniated disc. After the disc is removed through a discectomy, the spine may need to be stabilized.

Spinal fusion often is performed in conjunction with a laminotomy. In more involved cases, a laminectomy may be performed. In artificial disc surgery, an incision is made through the abdomen, and the affected disc is removed and replaced. Only a small percentage of patients are candidates for artificial disc surgery.

The patient must have disc degeneration in only one disc, between L4 and L5, or L5 and S1 (the first sacral vertebra).
The patient must have undergone at least six months of treatment, such as physical therapy, pain medication or wearing a back brace, without showing improvement.
The patient must be in overall good health with no signs of infection, osteoporosis or arthritis.

If there is degeneration affecting more than one disc or significant leg pain, the patient is not a candidate for this surgery. Cervical Spine Surgery The medical decision to perform the operation from the front of the neck (anterior) or the back of the neck (posterior) is influenced by the exact location of the herniated disc, as well as the experience and preference of the surgeon.

A portion of the lamina may be removed through a laminotomy, followed by removal of the disc herniation for the posterior approach.
Patients, who are a candidate for posterior surgery, frequently do not need surgical fusion.
For anterior surgery, after the disc is removed, the spine needs to be stabilized.

This is accomplished using a cervical plate, interbody device and screws (instrumentation). In a select group of candidates, artificial cervical disc is an option vs. fusion. The doctor will give specific instructions after surgery and usually prescribe pain medication.

1. KnowYourBack.org. (2019). Herniated Lumbar Disc. https://www.spine.org/KnowYourBack/Conditions/DegenerativeConditions/HerniatedLumbarDisc

The AANS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products or physicians referenced in these patient fact sheets. This information provided is an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific neurosurgical advice or assistance should consult his or her neurosurgeon, or locate one in your area through the AANS’ Find a Board-certified Neurosurgeon online tool.

How long does it take for a pulled back muscle to heal?

How long can it take for a pulled back muscle to heal? – Most people with a pulled back muscle will recover fully with rest and self-care within two weeks, whether it’s a sprain or a strain. It may take a few months for symptoms to go away entirely in some cases. For the first 24 to 48 hours after you get a pulled back muscle, recommended treatments include:

RestApplying heat or ice packsCompressionOver-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)Over-the-counter analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen, aspirin)

If symptoms continue for more than two weeks, an examination by a doctor and additional treatment may be necessary.

Can you feel a herniated disc with your fingers?

This article explains more about bulging or protruding spinal discs. Finding Sore Spots The one thing you can feel with a bulging disc is whether it is sore when you touch the affected area. If you gently touch the area, you should be able to clearly tell when you have discovered the affected spinal disc.

This step is important, since there are many possible sources of spine-related pain.
At the very least, you will have a good idea of the precise location of the affected area, which improves the accuracy of your diagnosis.
Danger of Ignoring a Bulging Disc By the time you start to notice a protruding spinal disc, the disc is usually very close to becoming herniated.

Paying Attention to Early Signs If you notice early signs and symptoms, it is a good idea to start gently touching various areas where you may have a bulging disc.
The list of symptoms includes: • Leg pain • Lower back discomfort that keeps returning • Pain that comes and goes based on your movements and activities • Nerve-based discomfort that makes it difficult to walk Acting early when you first notice spinal disc pain also boosts your odds of benefiting from nonsurgical treatments.

If you have a herniated disc that is not responding to conservative treatment, a discectomy may be discussed and potentially recommended.
Although this is generally a very successful procedure, having a large hole in the outer ring of the disc more than doubles the risk of needing another operation.
A new treatment, Barricaid, is a bone-anchored device that closes this hole, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe.

Chukwudi Eze