Lumbar Disc Injuries
Dr. Youval Barak is a chiropractor practicing in Portland, OR. Dr. Barak specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the neuromusculoskeletal system while improving each patient's functionality and quality of life. Conditions treated include sciatica, neck pain, and arthritis pain, among... more
Disc injuries are a common cause of low back pain in the general population. These types of injuries can cause debilitating pain that may last for months or even years and without proper care may require surgery. However, it's important to know that in most cases, conservative care can provide relief and allow proper function as well as return to sports activities.
The discs sits in between our spinal vertebrae and function mostly as shock absorbers. To simplify this, think of the disc as a water balloon. Once we apply enough compression onto the water balloon, the fluid will push onto the sides. Often, this fluid will compress and irritate our spinal nerves. This may cause different symptoms like pain or tingling down the leg or buttocks. Other symptoms like numbness or weakness are considered more severe.
Generally, a conservative care trial is done before any surgical intervention is considered. Traditionally, the trial will include several physiotherapy modalities, rehabilitation exercises, and chiropractic adjustments. Other interventions that may provide some relief include anti-inflammatory and analgesics medications.
While disc injuries may cause intense symptoms, in most cases, return to activity is achieved with proper conservative care, and surgery is generally used as a last resort option.
