Disc protrusions are the result of injury, overexertion, or the natural aging process. The discs present in the spine are "pads" that act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae; over time, however, they tend to flatten naturally and lose their flexibility. Although disc protrusions can be extremely painful, they often cause no symptoms. In most cases, they spontaneously heal within a short time. However, if you are in pain, it can be very difficult to wait for the situation to resolve itself.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Medical Care
Step 1. Stay in close contact with your doctor
If you know you have a disc protrusion, it is probably because you have undergone diagnostic tests, such as an MRI. Your doctor is a vital resource for you in this difficult time.
It will help coordinate care with other treatments, such as physiotherapy or chiropractic, prescribe the medications you need, and monitor your condition to make sure no medical procedures are needed
Step 2. Undergo physical therapy
Your orthopedist will most likely recommend that you undergo physiotherapy sessions to relieve the pressure caused by the disc protrusion, facilitate the healing of the nerves in the affected area and reduce pain.
Physiotherapy can be very effective in reducing symptoms, strengthening chest muscles, increasing flexibility, and avoiding future injury and subsequent pain. Your physical therapist will teach you some important exercises that you can continue to do at home
Step 3. Take prescription medications to manage pain, inflammation and to relax muscles
In some cases, the physical pain that accompanies disc protrusion is very serious. In this case, your doctor may recommend painkillers, to be used for a short time, which will give you some relief.
These include opiate pain relievers such as hydrocodone or oxycodone, anesthetic patches with lidocaine or fentanyl, potent anti-inflammatory agents, such as a high dose of ibuprofen, and muscle relaxants, such as cyclobenzaprine or metaxalone
Step 4. Consider getting injections
If the symptoms subside very slowly and the pain is excruciating, you may want to consider injections on the painful site. The most used technique, in this case, is that of spinal injections, also known as epidural block or simply epidural. During the procedure, a cortisone-like drug is injected directly into the affected area to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Step 5. Do not rule out the possibility of undergoing a minimally invasive surgical procedure
In some cases this may be the only possible solution to treat the problem and provide pain relief. This is a minor surgery that allows you to manage problems related to disc protrusion, reducing the risks associated with more invasive surgery.
These procedures are usually called laminectomy, laminotomy, and microdiscectomy. Surgical techniques to correct disc problems vary slightly based on the severity and site of the damage
Step 6. Ask your doctor about intervertebral disc replacement surgery
In some cases, this procedure is effective in eliminating damage to the disc, thanks to a technique called discectomy. During the surgery the damaged disc is replaced with an artificial element; in this way the intervertebral space is recovered and the patient returns to move normally.
Part 2 of 4: Home Remedies
Step 1. Take over-the-counter medications
Consult your doctor before adding any new medicine to your current drug therapy. Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin are generally recommended. Paracetamol also helps reduce the discomfort caused by pain. Follow strictly the instructions of the doctor or the leaflet and contact the doctor if you notice any side effects.
Do not take over-the-counter medications in combination with the stronger ones your doctor has prescribed, unless your doctor recommends it. If you combine the two types of medicines together, the combination of anti-inflammatory agents and muscle relaxants can be dangerous
Step 2. Rest
Give your body time to heal by getting enough rest while taking proper care. To properly care for your own health, you need to take short rest sessions, for example 30 minutes each time, and then walk or do some light movements, as directed by your doctor and physiotherapist.
Avoid engaging in activities that may aggravate your condition, especially activities that involve bending over or lifting weights. Move slowly and stop whatever activity is causing you pain. Undergo physical therapies that include specific exercises aimed at improving your condition
Step 3. Apply ice
The painful area will likely be swollen and inflamed at first. By applying ice instead of heat, you can reduce swelling, inflammation and at the same time also relieve pain.
Put an ice pack on the affected area for 5 minutes every hour. After about 3 to 4 hours you should start to feel some relief. Keep applying ice to the area of the protruded disc at first, and later you can also place it on other painful areas, such as painful nerves in the legs. Follow the advice of your doctor or therapist to know the duration and frequency of applications
Step 4. Apply heat
The heat soothes and reduces muscle pain by improving blood circulation in the affected area. Abundant blood flow brings more oxygen to the muscles and more nutrients to the damaged disc. Consult with your doctor or physical therapist to determine the correct sequence of hot and cold packs best suited to your specific situation.
Part 3 of 4: Preventing Future Problems
Step 1. Maintain a normal weight
If you are overweight, each spinal disc has to withstand greater load and stress. While it is not easy to lose weight, especially when you are in a lot of pain, remember that by losing weight you can better manage pain and prevent future complications.
Step 2. Take calcium and vitamin D supplements
The spine needs these elements on a daily basis to stay strong and avoid the development of osteoporosis. Most adults do not get enough with their diet. Contact your doctor for the correct daily dosage, in addition to your normal diet.
Natural sources of calcium and vitamin D include dairy products, green leafy vegetables and fortified orange juice. In addition, the body absorbs vitamin D naturally when exposed to direct sunlight
Step 3. Sleep on a firm mattress
Do not sleep on your stomach, as this could increase the pressure on the discs in your back. Get a firm mattress and sleep on your side with pillows for extra support if that helps.
Step 4. When lifting weights make sure you use the proper technique
If you can, you should avoid lifting heavy loads as much as possible; if necessary, however, bend your knees and squat, using your leg muscles to lift the weight.
Step 5. Pay attention to your posture
Correct posture means staying straight upright with your shoulders back. Use your abdominal muscles to provide back support and keep your lower back flat or slightly arched.
- To improve your balance, stand near a door, lift one leg high and bend your knee so that your thigh is parallel to the floor. Hold this position for 20 seconds and then repeat with the other leg. If you need to support yourself, lean against the wall, but in the end you will see that you will be able to hold the position without the need for additional support.
- To improve alignment in general, stand about 30cm away from a wall and drop back until your back and buttocks rest against the wall. Keep your head upright and push it back until it makes contact with the wall. Most people have to lift their chins to be able to touch the wall with their head, which means they have bad posture. Push your head back as far as possible, but keep it parallel to the ground. Hold the position for 20 seconds. Eventually, the head should reach the wall, without turning the chin up.
Step 6. Choose a chair that provides the right support
Ordinary chairs cause the pelvic area to tilt which adds extra pressure to the vertebral discs. Also, if you sit for long periods, you can aggravate back problems, such as disc protrusion.
- Many experts nowadays recommend using the so-called "ergonomic" chairs, which have been specifically designed and designed to help keep the spine erect, strengthen the back muscles and improve posture in general; all this while sitting.
- On the market there are different types and models of ergonomic chairs. Do an online search or go to some furniture store (including office) to find the solution that best suits your specific needs.
Step 7. Bounce on a Swiss ball
Talk to your doctor or physical therapist to make sure this exercise is safe for your specific problem. A therapy balloon is similar to the large balls you can see in a gym or physiotherapy center.
It bounces for about 5 minutes every day to improve blood circulation in the disc area and to provide additional nutrients and oxygen to the affected area. This way you can reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and prevent future relapses
Step 8. Exercise safely and regularly
Specific exercises designed for back problems include push-ups, extensions, stretching and aerobic exercises. Consult your doctor or physical therapist to plan an exercise routine that is safe and helps you in your specific condition.
Keep in mind that everyone is different. Some people may respond better to flexion exercises, others to extension exercises. If you find that your back pain increases during any of these exercises, stop immediately and consult your doctor or physical therapist
Step 9. Focus mainly on low impact exercises
These include swimming, walking, pedaling on a recumbent bike, meditation and personalized yoga. Based on the position of the protruded disc, age, weight, physical motility and other conditions that you may suffer from, your doctor and physiotherapist will be able to suggest an exercise program that is suitable for you.
Step 10. Try decompression or traction therapy
Manual or electric drive can be a great way to keep discs in good health; it can help reduce pressure on a disc, which is beneficial because it allows more nutrients to enter the disc.
You can receive traction therapy at a chiropractor or physical therapist's office, or at home using an inverted traction unit. An economical choice for home therapy is a simple dedicated tool with three levels of adjustment
Step 11. Look for a support group
Chronic pain can cause anxiety and increases stress and depression, all of which interfere with the body's ability to heal. Try to find support if you find yourself having a hard time. Look for a support group in your area that specifically addresses chronic pain. Know that it could really help you, but at the same time you need to work hard to help others in turn.
Step 12. Have a stress relieving routine
Look for relaxing activities, such as massage, acupuncture, thermal baths, walking, and meditation, to help you manage the physical and mental aspects of acute and chronic pain manifestations.
Part 4 of 4: When to Seek Medical Care
Step 1. You need to see your doctor when the pain is debilitating
Many people experience very severe pain when they have disc protrusion. If physical pain prevents you from performing normal daily activities, consult your doctor as soon as possible to find suitable treatments.
Step 2. Call the doctor if the pain is severe and persistent
If it continues to be strong and lasts more than 7 days without diminishing, it gets worse or improves a little, but persists for more than 3 weeks, you need medical attention.
Step 3. Get examined immediately if symptoms change
The problem could progress and worsen; you can understand this because the symptoms change, for example you may experience pain or numbness in new areas of the body; this means that other nerve roots along the spine and near the damaged disc have been involved.
Step 4. Look for new symptoms in the legs
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you start to notice symptoms in the extremities of the body, especially in the legs. If you experience a sudden feeling of weakness, numbness, tingling, or excruciating pain in your legs when you cough, sneeze, or exert yourself, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Step 5. Check bladder and bowel functions
In some cases, the nerves involved in the disc protrusion can cause alterations in normal bodily functions. In this case, go to the hospital immediately.
Back pain when urinating, severe pain and deep muscle spasms in the back, or loss of bowel or bladder control require immediate medical attention
Advice
- Healing from disc protrusion takes time. Ask your doctor for more details about your condition and how long it will take before you can resume normal activities.
- Disc protrusion is similar, if slightly different, to a herniated disc. The outer protective layer of the disc remains intact in the case of the protruded disc, while with a hernia, cracks or ruptures form that allow some of the protective material inside to escape. A herniated or ruptured disc is typically a more serious condition than a protruded disc.
- If you can, consult a physiotherapist who is also experienced in occupational therapy (occupational therapy). This technician specializes in helping you make changes in the way you work, move and manage the environment of your daily activities.
- Rest is the key to starting the healing process, but too much rest can be harmful. Start moving and try to get back to your normal activities as soon as you are able. This way you can speed up your recovery.
