What Causes The Pain?

The human spine has 7 vertebrae in the neck, 12 in the mid-back and 5 in the low back. The vertebrae is cushioned by cartilage, known as discs. These discs consist of a soft inner layer and a tough outer layer.

A fragment of a spinal disc can erupt and dislodge, pressing against the spinal cord or the nerves surrounding the spinal cord.

Disc herniation can happen in any disc along the spine, the two most common being cervical disc herniation and lumbar disc herniation.

When a disc presses against against the nerves around the spinal column it often interferes with the signals sent from the brain to the extremities and back again to the brain, causing one or more of the following symptoms — the sensation of stabbing or electric shock pain down the arm(s) or leg(s), muscle weakness, and tingling or numbness of the extremities.

Sometimes cauda equina syndrome, a serious condition causing urination problems or problems having bowel movements can result; this medical emergency requires immediate attention.

When Surgery Becomes the Only Option

The decision for herniated disc surgery is not usually the first option agreed upon between patient and physician. Nonsurgical treatments such as including rest and physical therapy are normally prescribed first. The severity of pain and the impact of symptoms on one’s lifestyle is also taken into consideration.

If conservative treatment fails to improve one’s symptoms, and diagnostic testing determines the herniated disc can be treated surgically, then herniated disc surgery becomes necessary.

As with any surgery, there are risks. The surgeon will discuss with the patient any complications that can occur, including spinal fluid leaks, infection and bleeding.

What Happens During Surgery

Herniated disc surgery is performed under anesthesia. Under normal circumstances the procedure takes only about an hour. During surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision over the area of the herniated disc on the back of the spinal column.

Muscles and nerve roots are moved out of the way for a clear view of the problem disc. The disc, or fragment of the disc is removed, alleviating pressure on the spinal nerves. Small amounts of bone and ligaments may also need to be removed to gain access to the herniated disc.

After removing the herniated disc, the muscles around the spine are returned to their normal position. The incision is then closed with metal staples or sutures. Most often the stay in the hospital after surgery is just 24 hours.

Recovery Time

The symptoms may disappear immediately after surgery, but sometimes can take several weeks to slowly dissipate. Pain around the area of the incision is normal, but can be controlled with pain medication.

Strenuous activity should be avoided during recovery time, until cleared by the physician. Patients are encouraged to gradually ease into exercise, beginning with sitting and walking.

Recovery time after surgery varies from person to person. Full recovery can be expected within two to six weeks following surgery, at which time most people are able to return to work.

Sounds like you need to contact an attorney. They will take on a workers comp case with no up front fee. Go through your local Bar Association to get a referral that way you don’t get an ambulance chaser. They eill let you know your rights and usually ahve alternative doctors you can see. The one now works for your company and does not have you in mind!

Superior Cervical Adjustment Care for Herniated Disk

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Before you consider surgery for disc decompression, do have a look at this site.

http://patients.meditech-bioflex.com/

It might be an alternative to spine surgery…It is something to think about so do make some honest search for ‘bioflex low-level laser therapy’.

I also need decompression on my L4 & L5 but before I consider having surgery on my lower back, I am seriously considering going through low-level laser. It is absolutely painless, non-toxic and non-invasive.
I also have a slipped disc on my lower back…If they can releive the pressure around my L4 & L5 with low-level laser, I will be with a lot less pain, that I am convince.
Don’t just take my word for it, make a search.
Be healthy.

NYC Chiropractor: Herniated Disc and Sciatica Non Surgical Treatment

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Lumbar Spine Traction – The Vertetrac – Ambulatory Lumbar Spine Traction Decompression

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When to Have Surgery for Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc) Preferred Pain Center Phoenix (602) 507-6550

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Arthritis of the hip usually manifests as pain on the inside of the hip area near the groin and pain will travel down the inside of the leg. Many times it causes you to walk or stand abnormally which can cause pain in your lower back.

It is not unusual for a herniated disk in the lower back to cause hip pain. It is also not uncommon for this to lead to arthritis. When you feel pain in your hip many times it causes you to walk unnaturally. This causes improper pressure on the hip joint which can lead to arthritis and or bursitis.

Here is some information about hip arthritis.

http://arthritis-symptom.com/Osteoarthritis-Symptoms/osteoarthritis-hip.htm

Treatment of herniated disc with TESSYS method lateral – Bandscheiben-OP mit TESSYS-Methode

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Degenerative discs

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You can have the epidural on the day of birth. In fact epidural steroids are frequently used to treat herniated discs in hopes of avoiding surgery so you should have no problem.For treatment of labor pain the MD uses anesthetic agents instead.Good luck!

Common Auto Accident Injuries – Herniated Disc

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I have a similar problem and it does interfere with normal activities. Don’t rest as much as possible. It will make it worst. Do as much as you can with out hurting yourself. There are home exercises that can help strengthen your back muscles. You should also consider medication to help with the pain. Surgery was an option for me but there is no way I will ever do that. There is no guarantee it will work and it will put you down for 6-12 months. It could even make it worst. Depending on your job you should be able to work as long as lifting or any thing that stresses your back is not part of it. The disk will not heal itself. You are stuck with it. It could get worst. You will need to adapt yourself to your new normal. I have three that are involved. Two of the disks are basically gone and the third is close to it. I hope this helps somewhat. Take care.

Can a disc bulge heal itself? Citrus Park Chiropractic

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Yes, it could be herniated disks….5 years is a long time.
I have herniated and bulging disks when a large heavy medal door
was closing and my high heel got stuck in the silver wedges
on the bottom of the door…and it actually closed so hard on
me that if loosed my high heel and wham, I hit the floor.
The pain was unspeakable…like what you are going through.
I have been getting epidural shots ever since to control the pain.
You need to go to an Orthopedic Doctor….he will have a MRI done on your back and other tests, and give you some pain
medication,until he determines exactly what it is.
You can go on line…type http://Medical.JustAnswers.com
and put what you are going through…..they could give you some answers also.
I stress again, Orthopedic, or Orthopedic Surgeons to be seen..
If you do not have the money, go to a different hospital, that has Orthopedic services. The state and government give
the hospital money for people that do not have it.
They call it Charity Care……they will be paid. No one can
be turned away, if you cannot pay. Just tell them, you cannot pay and please put you on Charity Care.
Wish I could help you more….I know, my legs were shaking also.
When you go to bed, put a pillow between your knees, that will help a bit.
Good luck. Sorry your parents have not helped you.

KT Tape: Middle Back Pain

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