“What should I do with my herniated disc?”
I'm 45 years old, female. My MRI results showed that I have a herniated disc, but my doctor says that it's not serious enough for any intervention. It's causing some irritation though. What can I do for treatment?
6 Answers
There are exercises to strengthen your core muscles. Once your core is stronger it can support your spine and you will have less pain. Please visit my social media posts on FB, YT or IG @chronicpainrescue for a lot of things that will help reduce your pain. If after eating healthy and other things you will find there you still need help getting better I'm available for online appointments. Best to you
Herniated disc in the low back or in the neck may cause pressure on the spinal nerve. Pressure on the nerve would give you some syptoms, pain in the distribution of the nerve. Pain radiating to the hip or leg is typically called "Sciatica." From the neck pain can be referred to the shoulder and down the arm. One may also get numbness, tingling, and weakness. These can be serious and so you need to be seen by a specialist. Treatment may be physical therapy, Epidural steroid injections, or surgery depending on the symptoms and findings. Weight management and regular exercises are important.
There is no way for me to tell if, in fact, your herniated disc is the cause of your pain. In very general terms, 30-80% of people with herniated or bulging discs have no symptoms. It is impossible to know which group you are in, but you should see a specialist to find out. Your plan could be something unrelated to that disc, or, you may need to do some stretching or exercise or even injections. See a physician specializing in spine problems, Physiatrists specialize in non-surgical care of the spine
Often, an image does not correlate with the presence or absence of pain. Having an evaluation by a physical therapist (PT) can help address any associated impairments that may be contributing to the irritation you are experiencing. Just like having your teeth checked regularly by a dentist, it is a wise idea to have your physical body assessed by a PT on a regular basis! Talk to your primary care doctor about receiving a script for therapy to address your pain, or seek out a physical therapist geographically close to you that accepts direct access patients (meaning an initial script from a doctor is not required).
By the age of 40, 40% of people, WITHOUT back pain, have herniated discs. The treatment should focus on why your disc is painful. Usually, it is due to an underlying muscle imbalance. Sometimes inflammation plays a role. A good exam by a physical medicine physician can determine if/where your muscle imbalances are. Also, knotted muscles, especially in the gluteal region pull on the pelvis, making the back more sore. Massage/trigger point release in this area can often be helpful. A good physical therapist can often give you the tools to relieve pain and prevent flare ups.
Lauren Elson, MD
Lauren Elson, MD
It's important to make sure the source of the pain is not from somewhere else
