Lumbar Herniated Disc Treatment For Pain Relief
A lumbar herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, commonly occurs in the lower part of the spine. The annual incidence of a herniated disc is approximately 5 to 20 cases per 1,000 adults[1]. Symptoms often include pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. This can lead to sciatica and, in severe cases, problems with bowel or bladder control.
Factors like improper lifting, age-related degeneration, obesity, smoking, and genetics can all contribute to lumbar herniated discs. Early management typically involves a personalized approach aimed at improving quality of life.
We use a structured approach to lumbar herniated disc treatment, combining diagnostics, lifestyle changes, and therapies to support mobility and well-being.
Customized Treatment Plans
At Compass Pain and Wellness, we personalize lumbar herniated disc treatment to fit your individual needs, combining advanced therapies with lifestyle modifications. Our goal is long-term relief through treatments that integrate smoothly into your daily routine, ranging from targeted interventions to encouraging healthy habits like staying active and eating well to support mobility.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
We focus on non-invasive treatments for lumbar herniated discs, using advanced methods intended to reduce discomfort and support the body’s natural healing process. These approaches offer relief with minimal recovery time, helping you maintain function without surgery. Throughout your care, we keep you informed and supported to encourage the best possible outcomes.
Comprehensive Care
We focus on more than just symptom relief by addressing the contributing factors behind lumbar herniated discs. This balanced approach aims to ease pain and reduce the risk of progression. By combining advanced medical treatments with complementary therapies, such as physical therapy, mindfulness, and chiropractic care, we create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Lasting Relief
Our approach goes beyond temporary pain relief, aiming to reduce spinal compression and minimize the risk of chronic pain or long-term complications. By identifying contributing factors of lumbar herniated discs, we focus on supporting function and helping protect the spine from further strain.
Understanding Lumbar Herniated Discs
A lumbar herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tougher outer layer, which can irritate or compress nearby nerves. If not managed properly, it can lead to worsening chronic back pain, difficulty with daily activities, limited mobility, and potential nerve compression, making even simple tasks challenging. Also, a chronic lumbar herniated disc can impact bowel and bladder control[2]. However, early intervention and a proactive treatment plan can slow its progression, ease symptoms, and support overall well-being.
Common Symptoms Of Lumbar Herniated Disc
- Chronic Back Pain: Low back pain is a frequent symptom, typically characterized as a dull ache or sharp pain.
- Numbness Or Tingling: Numbness or tingling in the leg, foot, or toes can result from nerve compression.
- Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the leg or foot muscles can also occur as a symptom of a herniated disc.
- Pain That Worsens With Sitting: Prolonged sitting can put additional pressure on the nerves, resulting in increased pain.
What Causes Lumbar Herniated Discs?
Lumbar herniated discs occur when the soft center of a spinal disc protrudes through a tear in the outer layer. This condition can result from various factors, with certain jobs or activities increasing the risk. By understanding the different causes of this condition, Compass Pain and Wellness can help reduce the pain.
Gradual Wear And Tear
A herniated disc can also result from spine injuries, which may lead to wear and tear in the disc’s outer layer.
Trauma Or Injuries
A sudden injury or trauma to the spine can lead to a herniated disc, where the disc’s soft center protrudes through a tear in the outer layer.
Inactive Or Sedentary Lifestyle
Prolonged sitting puts added pressure on the intervertebral discs in the spine, especially in the lumbar region. Over time, this can contribute to disc herniation.
Poor Lifting Posture
Incorrect lifting posture can contribute to a lumbar herniated disc when lifting heavy objects or twisting while lifting, which can add strain on the spine.
Genetic Predisposition
A genetic predisposition can raise the risk, with studies indicating that hereditary factors can contribute to lumbar disc disease.[3]
Smoking
Smokers have a higher risk of developing lumbar disc herniations[4], and this can impact the healing process.
Our Approach To Managing Lumbar Herniated Discs
Although lumbar herniated discs are common, no two individuals will experience the condition in the same way. There are several factors, such as the location and size of the herniation, which can influence how the disease affects each person. As a lumbar herniated disc progresses, its impact on different aspects of your life may increase, including physical limitations and pain intensity, all of which can affect daily activities and overall quality of life.
Take the next step and schedule your evaluation today.
The experienced physicians at Compass Pain and Wellness work closely with you to develop a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan. By combining conventional treatments with supportive therapies, we aim to address multiple aspects of lumbar herniated discs and help manage your symptoms effectively.
Initial Assessment And Diagnosis
Creating a treatment plan begins with understanding your symptoms and medical history. Our team conducts a thorough medical review to assess lumbar herniated discs, using diagnostic tools such as MRIs and lab tests. These evaluations can guide us in diagnosing your condition and developing an effective treatment approach.
Imaging Tests
X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound help visualize joint damage, inflammation, cartilage loss, and fluid buildup.
Lab Tests
Bloodwork checks for inflammation (CRP, ESR) and autoimmune markers like rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies.
Conservative Therapies
After an initial assessment, a personalized treatment plan is developed using a combination of conservative and targeted therapies. Physical therapy can help manage pain and support function through tailored exercises, while medications such as NSAIDs or muscle relaxants may ease discomfort and muscle spasms associated with lumbar herniated discs. Complementary approaches like mindfulness techniques can assist in managing pain and stress, and massage therapy may help reduce muscle tension. By integrating these strategies, we aim to address multiple aspects of lumbar herniated discs and support healing, comfort, and overall quality of life.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation help manage chronic pain by reducing stress and promoting emotional resilience.
Massage
Massage therapy eases muscle tension and improves circulation to support pain relief and overall well-being.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy improves strength, flexibility, and mobility while addressing pain from injury or chronic conditions.
Medication Therapy
Medication therapy uses tailored prescriptions to reduce chronic pain and improve daily function and comfort.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture stimulates targeted points on the body to reduce pain, support healing, and restore energy balance.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care improves spinal alignment and joint function to reduce pain and enhance physical mobility.
Advanced Treatment Options
When conservative treatments aren’t sufficient, advanced therapies may provide more targeted support for managing lumbar herniated disc symptoms. These minimally invasive interventions are designed to help reduce persistent back pain, support recovery, and address more severe cases with minimal downtime. Through ongoing monitoring and personalized adjustments, we strive to offer comprehensive care that promotes long-term spine health.
Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections treat muscle knots by relaxing tense tissue and relieving localized pain or stiffness.
Epidural Steroid Injection
Epidural steroid injections reduce spinal inflammation to ease pain radiating from nerve compression or irritation.
Nerve Block
Nerve blocks interrupt pain signals from specific nerves to reduce chronic or procedure-related discomfort.
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Peripheral nerve stimulation sends mild electrical signals to disrupt chronic pain from damaged peripheral nerves.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation delivers electrical pulses to block nerve pain and reduce discomfort in the back or limbs.
Intracept
Intracept targets nerves inside the vertebrae to relieve chronic low back pain linked to vertebral endplate changes.
Our Providers
Meet our experienced and compassionate team of doctors who specialize in helping you manage your condition. With a patient-centered approach, our doctors work to understand your unique needs and provide compassionate, personalized care. Trust our providers to guide you on your journey to better health and improved well-being.
References
- Massa, R. N., & Mesfin, F. B. (2023, January 16). Disc Herniation. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441822/
- Nakamura, K., Arizono, T., Inokuchi, A., Hamada, T., & Imamura, R. (n.d.). Massive Lumbar Disc Herniation Causing Cauda Equina Syndrome That Presents As Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction in the Absence of Lower Extremity Weakness. Cureus, 13(9), e17952. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.17952
- Patel, A. A., Spiker, W. R., Daubs, M., Brodke, D., & Cannon-Albright, L. A. (2011). Evidence for an Inherited Predisposition to Lumbar Disc Disease. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume., 93(3), 225–229. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.J.00276
- Huang, W., Qian, Y., Zheng, K., Yu, L., & Yu, X. (2015). Is smoking a risk factor for lumbar disc herniation? European Spine Journal, 25(1), 168–176. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-015-4103-y