Herniated disc (slipped disc, ruptured disc)

Description The spine consists ...

Description

The spine consists of bones (the vertebra) separated by gelatinous cushions (the discs). The discs are held in place with ligaments. When these ligaments tear, the discs may protrude between the vertebra. These protruded discs can push on spinal nerves, causing severe pain in the back, arm or leg served by these nerves. At times the protrusion can cause permanent damage to the nerves and requires emergent surgical repair.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the location of the herniated disc and may include: neck pain, back pain, pain radiating into the arms or legs, numbness, tingling, extremity weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. MRI or CT scanning may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis although many people have bulging discs in the spine with no symptoms.

Tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Other Specific Tests: CT myelogram

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurosurgery, Family Practice, Pain Medicine, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Spine Surgery, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (physiatry)

Treatment

Therapy depends on the extent of the herniation and the symptoms experienced. Some people with herniated discs improve with the passage of time. Treatment may include: physical therapy, rest balanced with exercise and stretching, pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), acetaminophen (Tylenol), steroids, muscle relaxants, epidural steroid injections, and/or surgery. Acupuncture, massage or other alternative therapies also seem helpful in some cases.