ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RUPTURED LUMBAR DISCS

Lumbar disc rupture or herniation is a spinal condition where a tear occurs in the outer ring of the fibrous intervertebral disc that causes the soft central portion to bulge out. This condition is commonly known as “slipped disc” or disc prolapsed and usually occurs in the L4-L5, L5-S1 lumbar regions. Chemical mediators may get released in this condition causing extreme pain. Lumbar disc rupture is treated widely by orthopedic spine doctor Houston, TX. rnCauses of lumbar disc rupture:rnThe most common causes of lumbar disc rupture or herniation are- • General wear and tear caused by work which requires constant sitting. • Lifting heavy weights. • Traumatic injury at lumbar area. • Constant strain on the back. • Congenital, by birth due to size of the lumbar canal. Symptoms of lumbar disc rupture- • pain around the disc arearn• Progression to severe or unpleasant pain caused by chemicals and nerve impingement. • Pain typically in one side of the body including thigh, knee or foot in an undefined manner. • Sensory changes like tingling, numbness or muscle weakness. • Radiculopathy, radiation of pain till the tip of the toes, aggravating and subsiding on and off. Also known as ‘sciatica’. • There may be worsening of symptoms while, coughing, sneezing and laughing or in a particular position.rnMethods to treat ruptured lumbar discrnAny orthopedic surgeon Houston, TX would recommend going for conservative treatment before opting for a surgery. Physical therapy is the most common treatment given to people suffering from lumbar disc rupture. It involves modalities to relieve pain, anesthesia assisted traction treatment, spinal mobilization and manipulation, osteopathic or chiropractic techniques, gentle massages, lifestyle modifications i.e. addressing the patient to follow proper body mechanics and ergonomics and simple exercises for muscle strengthening as well as back care and prevention. Medications like non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs and oral steroids like Prednisolone and methylprednisolone are also prescribed. Narcotic pain killers and muscle relaxants are used if the pain is severe. Epidural injections may also help control pain and swelling for several months.rnSurgery is considered when all the above mentioned treatments do not work. There are various surgical options available. Some of them are: • Chemonucleolysis which helps in dissolving the protruding disc. • Dissectomy helps to relieve nerve compression. • Laminectomy also helps to relieve nerve compression. • Lumbar fusion. • Transforaminal endoscopyrnA ruptured disc surgery Houston, TX can be carried out in case of: • Significant neurological damage which includes negligible sensory signs and reflexes in leg and foot. • Bladder and bowel incontinence. • Considerable muscle weakness.