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A disc herniates when one or more vertebral discs are ruptured, bulging, or protruding. It can affect any vertebrae along the spine but is most commonly seen in the lower back region. A herniated disc may cause lower back and leg pain and can be treated non-surgically.
Lower back pain is the first symptom that presents itself in the case of a herniated disc. It is a painful condition that may last for a few days, after which it improves. Other associated symptoms are as follows:
The common causes of herniation of a disc are:
The neuro specialist evaluates symptoms and medical history, after which a physical neurological examination may be performed. This is done to assess muscle weakness or loss of sensation—to check muscle strength of lower legs by checking gait, detect loss of sensation and test reflexes at the ankle and knee, which may be absent due to nerve compression.
Testing modalities for a herniated disc can be explained as follows:
Herniated disc heals within a few days to a few weeks for most patients. By the third or fourth month, patients are free of symptoms. Some patients suffer episodes of pain during recovery. Most of the treatment is non-surgical; however, some patients might require surgery.
Non-surgical treatment only provides symptomatic relief. It does not heal the herniated disc.
Surgery is required in patients who do not find relief with a non-surgical form of treatment. Surgery may be recommended when patients do not find relief in muscle weakness, walking easily, and controlling their bladder.
Microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure. It is used to treat a single herniated disc in which a small incision is made at the level of herniation, and the herniated disc is removed with any leftover fragments obstructing the spinal nerve.
It is advisable not to bend to lower the chances of a relapse, lift heavy objects, or twist for the first 2-3 weeks post-surgery.
Neurology doctors also recommend walking and practising simple exercises to restore strength and flexibility to the back and legs.
Factors that contribute to herniated disc are:
The prognosis of patients with a herniated disc is good. People recover within a span of a few weeks.
Reviewed by Dr. Arun Saroha, Senior Director, Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery.
Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
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