Herniated disc- Symptoms and Non-Surgical Treatments

Herniated discSymptoms and Non-Surgical Treatments Professional pain management centers in Brooklyn offer treatment for herniated discs using various non surgical treatment modalities.

HealthQuest 3500 Nostrand Ave Brooklyn, NY

Herniated disc, also known as bulged, slipped or ruptured disc, is a painful condition that occurs when a disc between the individual bones (vertebrae) starts slipping out of place. Aging can cause the spinal discs to break down or degenerate. Injury from a car accident, repetitive movements, smoking, improper lifting and being overweight are other risk factors for a disc problem. The condition can occur in any part of the spine, but is more common in the lower back (lumbar spine). It can also occur in the neck (cervical spine). Pain management doctors in Brooklyn offer treatment for the conditions using a wide variety of nonsurgical treatment modalities.

Symptoms of Herniated Disc

According to National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, the prevalence of herniated disc is about 5 to 20 cases per 1000 adults annually and is most common in people in their third to the fifth decade of life. The common symptoms of slipped disc are: 

Low back and neck pain

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Numbness, weakness, tingling and pain in the arms and legs

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Pain with movements such as bending or twisting

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Intense pain with prolonged sitting

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Muscle tightness and spasms in various areas

Nonsurgical Treatment

Pain management in Brooklyn involves the use of a wide range of nonsurgical modalities to alleviate herniated disc pain. 

Medication - Over-the-counter pain medicines such as Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) will be prescribed to relieve the pain and swelling. The pain management doctor may recommend muscle relaxants to ease muscle spasms and medications such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip), duloxetine (Cymbalta), gabapentin (Neurontin), pregabalin (Lyrica) to relieve nerve pain.

www.hqbk.com

(718) 769-2521

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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) - TENS uses low voltage electrical current to reduce muscle stiffness and pain.

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Epidural nerve block injections- This involves injection of corticosteroid medication into the epidural space of the spinal column to decrease pain and inflammation.

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Physical therapy exercises– This includes stretching and strengthening exercises to keep your muscles flexible and aerobic exercises such as walking or riding a stationary bicycle.

The physical therapist may recommend deep tissue massage and ice or heat pack application to eliminate muscle spasm and inflammation, and ultrasound therapy to treat soft tissue injuries.

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Chiropractic care- Chiropractors use hands-on manipulation (adjustment) to ease back pain. These gentle adjustments can address the misalignment of the vertebrae of the spine.

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Nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy - Spinal decompression is a type motorized traction that may work to ease back pain. It involves gently stretching the spine with the goal of taking the pressure off the discs, thereby easing pain.

Taking rest helps relieve swelling and give your back time to heal. It may be advisable to avoid exercise and other activities where you have to bend or lift. You may be advised rest, but it is not advisable to stay off your feet for longer than 1 or 2 days. It is important to keep moving to avoid joint and muscle stiffness.

If you are seeking treatment for herniated disc, approach a professional multispecialty health care and rehabilitation center in Brooklyn. Experienced pain management doctors at reliable health care centers use the latest techniques to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. After diagnosing the root cause of your back pain, they will provide you with a customized treatment plan to address the pain and maintain/restore mobility and functional ability.

www.hqbk.com

(718) 769-2521