PRESENTED BY

BONNIE SHETLER

TRACY STAI

HERNIATED DISC

Presented for Dr. Ryan Lambert-Bellacov, chiropractor in West Linn, OR

Presented for Dr. Ryan Lambert-Bellacov, chiropractor in West Linn, OR

Cause

Disks are soft rubbery pads that are found between the vertebrae. The spinal cord and other nerve roots are located in the spinal canal. The disks are between the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers and allow flexibility.When a herniated or ruptured disk occurs, a portion of the nucleus center pushes through the outer edge of the disk and back toward the spinal canal where the nerves are located. The nerves are very sensitive even to the slightest pressure. When we are young, disks have high water content and the content lessens as we age. The disks become less flexible, decrease in size and the space between the vertebrae narrows.

Illustration copyright 2000 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

Often a herniated disc by itself does not cause pain. Pain occurs when the membrane on the outside of the spinal cord or spinal nerves is irritated. Loss of function, such as weakness or altered sensation, can be caused by pressure from the herniated disc on the nerve roots or spinal cord. Pain or numbness may occur in the area of the body to which the nerve travels

Presented for Dr. Ryan Lambert-Bellacov, chiropractor in West Linn, OR

Illustration copyright 2000 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

The sciatic nerve is formed by the nerve roots coming out of the spinal cord into the lower back (lumbar region). Branches of the sciatic nerve extend through the buttocks and down the back of each leg to the ankle and foot.A herniated disc may compress one or more of the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve. Pressure on one of these nerve roots will often produce distinctive symptoms of sciatica, such as pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling in the affected leg.Although a herniated disc is the most common cause of sciatica, sciatica can also be a symptom of other problems, such as narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), nerve root compression resulting from injury, and certain rare tumors.

Risk Factors

Age – Middle age is the most common age group 35 – 45, due to degenerative disks.

Weight – Cause more stress on the disksSmoking – Decreases oxygen levels in your

blood, which deprives them of vital nutrientsHeight – Men taller than 5’ 11” and women

taller than 5’ 7” have increased chances of a herniated disk

Physically demanding jobs that require repetitive movements or sitting or standing too long.

Presented for Dr. Ryan Lambert-Bellacov, chiropractor in West Linn, OR

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms include pain, numbness or weakness in neck chest, arms and hand. Sometimes there will be pain in the legs. Also, muscle spasm or cramping, sciatica. Sciatica is a symptom frequently associated with a lumbar herniated disk. Pressure on one or several nerves that contribute to the sciatic nerve causing pain, burning, tingling and numbness that extends from the buttock into the leg and sometimes foot. Diagnosis is made by a medical exam from a doctor, X-Rays, MRI or CT Scan.

Treatment

Herniated disks are usually first treated with non-surgical treatments including rest activities, physical therapy, medicines to relieve pain and inflammation. A doctor will recommend surgery if there are nerves being pinched or spinal pain.

Alternative treatmentsAcupunctureAcupressureMassage

Non-Invasive TreatmentChiropractic CareDrugs – OTC

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin,

ibuprofen, naproxen)

Presented for Dr. Ryan Lambert-Bellacov, chiropractor in West Linn, OR

Treatment Continued

Prescription MedicationsPrescription NSAIDsMuscle relaxants (i.e.. Valium) alleviates spasmsOral steroids – used to reduce swellingUploads Codeine, morphine – alleviates intense painAnti-depressants – block pain messages from being received by your brain and increase the effects of endorphins, which are your bodies natural pain relievers. They also help you sleep better.

Spinal Injections – Epidural steroidInjections contain corticosteroids which are potent anti-inflammatory agents. May take a few days to work and no more than three injections can be given in a year.

Presented for Dr. Ryan Lambert-Bellacov, chiropractor in West Linn, OR

Exercise

Exercise is an effective way to strengthen and stabilize low back muscles, helps prevent further injury and pain. Being at your ideal weight is important. Extra weight constantly strains your back. Simple stretching and aerobic exercises can effectively control pain. Stretching programs such as yoga and pilates, moderate aerobic activities like waling, bicycling, swimming. Start any new aerobic activity slow and gradually increase.

Active TreatmentsImprove flexibility, posture, strength, core stability and joint movement.

Surgerymost common is discectomy which removes all or part of the damaged disc.

Exercises for Herniated Disk

Peer Reviews

Mayo Clinicwww.mayoclinic.com

Spine Universewww.spineuniverse.com

Presented for Dr. Ryan Lambert-Bellacov, chiropractor in West Linn, OR