Suffering a herniated disc (also called a slipped disc or ruptured disc) may be one of the most serious injuries of your life so far. Although it is a very common injury for people 35-55 years old who are active, it does cause significant distress and disruption to life. Unfortunately, the recovery time may be longer than you expected—and the lingering pain might be the bane of your existence for a few months. What can you do to make sure that you are getting the most effective treatment to fix this temporary medical problem?

What is a herniated disc or slipped disc?

The 26 vertebrae that make up your spine are cushioned by soft, rubbery discs. They allow the spine to bend and flex while also acting as shock absorbers. Discs can experience wear and tear over time and they can be aggravated by certain activities or conditions like improper lifting, excessive body weight, smoking, sudden pressure, and repeated strenuous activities. When a cushion ruptures, you now have a condition known as a herniated disc or slipped disc.

The common symptoms of a herniated disc? It’s the lower back pain or neck pain you may be experiencing right now. The protruding disc can also inflame nerve roots and lead to sciatic nerve pain. Not treating a herniated disc can lead to permanent nerve damage that causes an array of potential complications in the future, such as losing sensation in the inner thighs and legs.

Therapies for a herniated disc or slipped disc

Our experts at Baldwin Bone and Joint recommend several types of therapies for a herniated disc, depending on the situation.

Medications and Injections – Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain medication like Tylenol or Advil for mild to moderate discomfort. If you’re suffering from more severe pain, he or she may prescribe a narcotic or anticonvulsant, to be used for a limited duration of time. Other recommended treatments might include a muscle relaxer if you are experiencing muscle spasms.

Injections – An epidural steroid injection is a quick and simple procedure that can quickly relieve pain. For the procedure, the irritated spinal nerve (caused by the protrusion of the herniated disc) is bathed in steroids, a powerful anti-inflammation medicine.

Core Strengthening – Strengthening your core is critical to keeping your spine healthy. It means relieving some of the burden your back muscles have in supporting your spine, which can result in less back pain. That could mean heading to your local Pilates or yoga studio and practicing your favorite poses. For more personal support from a trained specialist, you can participate in a lumbar stabilization program supervised by a physical therapist.

Physical Therapy – Going to physical therapy is an investment in the optimal functioning of your body. When your muscles work together effectively, they pave the way to a healthier spine that will reduce the chances of future injuries. Physical therapists can help improve your strength, flexibility, and motion by teaching you proven exercises and stretches, using proper techniques that will provide the safest possible training program. They can monitor and holistically evaluate your progress in order to determine the best combination of exercises that will help you reach optimal spine health.

To request an appointment with the team at Baldwin Bone and Joint, please click here.

A spinal procedure that gets you out of the hospital faster

Every fitness lover who lives for the exhilarating highs of training for the Boston Marathon or the weekends filled with rugged adventure in unexplored terrains dreads the day when their body needs a tune up.

Back and neck pain is an incredibly common problem for people, and even the most savvy weekend warriors may not be able to escape it. When it’s gotten so serious that you may be looking at spine surgery, you’ll find out that there is a way to make it as painless as possible.

Undergoing spine surgery may seem like a scary idea, but our surgeons at the Spine Institute at Baldwin Bone and Joint want you to know that new and innovative techniques in spine surgery may be effective for you.

What is minimally invasive spine surgery vs. traditional spine surgery?

Traditional spine surgery is an “open surgery” that requires the surgeon to make a 5” to 6” incision in your back to view and access the anatomy. Spinal procedures may include laminectomy, microdiscectomy, and traditional lumbar fusion. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)

In open surgery, the pulling of muscles around the area where the incision was made may cause damage to the muscles and soft tissues surrounding it. You may experience pain that’s different from the back pain you experienced before the surgery—and you may face a lengthy recovery time.

With minimally invasive spine surgery, the surgeon will use advanced technologies to make smaller incisions that cause less injury to the muscles. Because there’s less trauma to the muscles and soft tissues, it’s a technique that’s proven to be effective but also has several advantages over traditional spine surgery.

The potential benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery

• Less pain
• Less blood loss
• Less risk of infection
• Less reliance on pain medications during recovery
• Shorter recovery time

Visit The Spine Institute at Baldwin Bone and Joint to learn more about our fellowship-trained surgeons and specialized spine care team. Find out if minimally invasive spine surgery is right for you by setting up a consultation today.

The best part? You may need to have surgery, but you can get back to your awesome, active life faster than ever before.