Herniated Disc and Sciatica 101

A herniated disc can be a debilitating condition. In addition to pain at the f point of hernia ion that occurs in the lower back there can be pain in the upper back as well. This pain can radiate down to the legs, feet and toes when a damaged a disc puts pressure on the nerves of the spine. A herniated disc does not mean you have to give up an active lifestyle.

A herniated disc is a protrusion and the pressure that the protrusion puts on different areas of your spine causes a variety symptoms. Sciatica is pinched nerves, caused by a herniated disc. Sciatica causes a shooting pain. This paint begins in the buttocks travels back of one leg. This is a result of pressure on the sciatic nerve that leaves the spinal cord.

A herniated disc is the most common cause of back pain this condition known as a slipped, ripped or torn disc it is one of the better known spinal conditions. The doctor will use a number of examinations findings, MRI readings and X-ray top decide how to treat the herniated disc

Physical Therapy is a treatment that will involve different types of procedures to improve back strength and relieve pain. Other treatments might include neck traction, hot packs, cold packs, massage therapy, electrode therapy and weight training. A discectomy is a last resort sought by some done by an orthopedic surgeon with the patient under general anesthesia.

Epidural injections can be a safe alternative to invasive sugary. It can provide, powerful pain relief without, hospitalization or long recovery. People getting epidural injections return to work or other activities the same day that they have the procedure. Epidural steroid injection is a less drastic than sugarberry treats back pain

Exercise is essential to recovery and to maintaining a healthy spine even after surgery. It is part of long-term back health management. Exercise also serves as risk reduction to further nerve damage in the patient's back.

Exercises that stress balance, good posture, and relaxation are the ones most physical therapist prescribe. Patients many times need to learn how to lift without using back muscles. Proper lifting means, using the strong muscles in your legs for lifting heavy items. Exercises done under the supervision of experienced physical therapist; can be used for treating the sciatica. These exercises are targeted increasing the core strength of the spine so they can reduce pain and recurrence of sciatica.

Oral pain relievers and some health care equipment such as a weighted waist belt can be used to help build strength and treat pain. Sometimes weight loss and even orthopedic foot wear can help relieve pain in the lower pain. Treatments that involve strong narcotic pain relievers is usually very short term because of the risk of tolerance to the drug being developed by the patient. There is also the some type of addiction when narcotic drug treatment goes on to long.

When you see your health care provider they can decide based on their finding the best way to treat your herniated disc. Surgery is usually a last resort. Back pain can be relieved; even when the cause is a herniated disc. A healthy life style can help prevent a reoccurrence of the symptoms altogether in some patients.

http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/sciatica/sciatica-treatment-information-center

http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/herniated-disc

http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/herniated-disc/treatment-options-a-lumbar-herniated-disk