What You Need to Know About Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
Why Disc-Related Back Pain Needs Immediate Treatment
There are different types of back pain. Some is caused by pain in muscles and tendons, and some in the joints. Sometimes internal organs are malfunctioning, leading to mysterious pain in the back. Even a skin allergy can make your back sore. But perhaps one of the most serious of back injuries are spinal disc problems that need herniated disk treatment. A bulging disk is a serious condition that can’t be ignored.
What’s a Herniated or Slipped Disk?
Your back consists of several vertebrae all connected together. Each one has a tissue, a disk and a joint. When the soft tissue between the joints comes out or is inflamed, it can cause pain in your back. This is because stress is placed on the sensitive nerves in your spinal column. Often this injury is caused by repetition or wear and tear.
What is a Bulging Disc?
A bulging disk is slightly different. The disks still protrude or bulge-like herniated disks but not as much. You won’t have as many symptoms, but you may feel a bulging disk when you walk or move around. But if the disk is pressing against a nerve root you may feel it more.
What Are Some Herniated Disk Treatments?
A good doctor may offer one or more treatment options for your back. Surgery shouldn’t be immediately recommended if it’s possible that your spinal disc problems can be healed on their own.
Outpatient physical therapy may be a good option for bulging discs, along with a gentle but regular exercise plan. Ice and therapy can help with pain relief. Gentle stretching exercises and yoga can help your back to resume normal daily movements so you can get back to a normal life.
You may also need to visit a chiropractor who can manipulate your spine from the exterior, which will help your discs to fit back into normal alignment.
If you’re in extreme pain, you can ask for safe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs. Some of these are ibuprofen, naproxen or COX-2 inhibitors. Steroid medications may also help to reduce inflammation but most people don’t want to be on them for more than two weeks due to their side effects. You may also have epidural injections to decrease inflammation.
Other treatment options may also include ice therapy. Ice naturally decreases swelling and is an effective herniated disc treatment. Usually, heat therapy won’t be recommended unless you have injured muscles. But your doctor will advise you on what type of back injury therapy to do.
Even if your spinal disc problems make a 100% full recovery, you may still have to visit your chiropractor for regular adjustments. You should always find time to work in stretching and walking at least three or four times a week.
If you suspect you have a herniated disk or bulging disk, please call our clinic today to book an appointment. We’ll advise you on the best herniated disc treatment so you can feel better.
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