Nonsurgical Pain Management Options for a Herniated Disc

Nonsurgical Pain Management Options for a Herniated Disc

Pain management centers in Brooklyn, NYC provide effective nonsurgical treatment options to relieve sciatica and herniated disc pain.

Herniated disc can cause extreme pain in the lower back. A herniated (slipped or ruptured) disc occurs when a disc moves out of place or bulges and puts pressure on the adjacent nerve or nerve roots and herniated disc can lead to sciatica. If you have pain or numbness in the neck, arm, lower back, or leg, you could be suffering from a herniated disc. Pain management centers in Brooklyn, NYC provide effective nonsurgical treatment options to relieve herniated disc pain.

Herniated Disc -- Symptoms and Diagnosis Between each vertebra that makes up the spinal column is a shock-absorbing disc that prevents the bones from rubbing against each other. The discs have high water content when you are young, but as you age, this water content gets depleted which makes the discs less pliable and more susceptible to wear and tear. Along with this, heavy or incorrect lifting, excess body weight, traumatic injury, repetitive twisting movements, etc., can cause a herniated disc. A herniated disc can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, which consists of several nerve branches that extend from the spine down the length of the leg. The symptoms of herniated disc are: ▪

Pain in both legs

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Weakness in one or both legs

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Burning or tingling or numbness in the buttock, leg, or foot

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Pain with specific movement, usually bending forward or twisting

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Intensified pain with prolonged sitting, bending forward or twisting

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Loss of bladder or bowel control

If one or more of these symptoms persist, consult an experienced pain management doctor. In leading healthcare centers, pain management doctors work with neurologists and other healthcare

professionals to diagnose and treat herniated disc and sciatica. They will conduct a detailed clinical evaluation which will include: ▪

An in-depth discussion of the patient’s symptoms

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A complete neuromuscular examination.

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A report of the findings, including a customized treatment plan

They will also assess the patient’s medical history. Imaging tests such as x ray, MRI or CT scan may be ordered to determine the root cause of the pain.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options for a Herniated Disc In a multispecialty healthcare center, the treatment options available for a herniated disc include nonsurgical modalities such as medications, TENS, nerve block injections, cold compression therapy, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. ✓ Physical therapy exercise – These include gentle stretching and strengthening exercises that improve joint flexibility, reduce muscle spasm, and allow the damaged tendons to heal more quickly. ✓ Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) – TENS uses low voltage electric current to reduce muscle spasm and pain and stimulate endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. ✓ Game Ready Cold Compression Therapy – This computer-controlled modality combines cold therapy and intermittent active compression to reduce pain. ✓ Nerve block injections – These are injected directly into the troubled nerve areas to reduce inflammation and pain. ✓ Medications – Pain medications prescribed include analgesics, narcotic medications, NSAIDs, and muscle relaxants. ✓ Chiropractic care– Chiropractic treatment to reduce disc-related pain and inflammation include exercises to help improve range of motion; spinal traction, and spinal manipulation.

Nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy is another effective option for a herniated disc. The procedure creates decreased pressure within the disc, pulling the disc material into its normal position and bringing in more nutrients to promote healing.

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www.hqbk.com