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Herniated Disc

(Disc, Herniated; Herniation of Nucleus Pulposus [HNP]; Prolapsed Disc; Ruptured Disc; Slipped Disc)

by Amy Scholten, MPH

Definition

Discs are small circular cushions between the bones in the spine. The bones are called vertebrae. The discs are compressible. They act as cushions for the vertebrae. A herniated disc happens when discs in the spine bulge from their proper place. This is most common in the lower spine.

Herniated Lumbar Disc

Nucleus factsheet image
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Herniated discs can occur when discs lose water content, become flatter, and provide less cushioning. If they become too weak, the outer part may tear. The inside part of the disc may then push through the tear. This can put pressure on the nerves next to the disc.

Risk Factors    TOP

These factors increase your chance of developing a herniated disc:

  • Age: 30s and 40s
  • Trauma from a fall, accident, or sudden twisting
  • Strain on the back—either repeated or sudden (as from lifting a heavy weight)
  • Certain jobs that require heavy lifting

Symptoms    TOP

Symptoms include:

  • Pain—how severe the pain is depends on which disc is herniated and how large the herniation is
    • Pain may spread over the buttocks, down the back of one thigh, and into the calf
    • Pain may be in one leg (more common) or both legs
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both arms
  • In severe cases, inability to find comfort even lying down
  • Sudden aching or twisted neck that cannot be straightened without severe pain
  • Cauda equina syndrome—involves bowel or bladder changes and/or numbness in the groin
    • Note: This is an emergency, Call 911

Diagnosis    TOP

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your spine will be examined. The doctor will test the movement, strength, and reflexes of the arms and legs.

Treatment    TOP

Treatments may include:

Physical Medicine

  • Bed rest
  • During acute phase, back or neck massage and physical therapy to:
    • Relax the neck or back muscles
    • Decrease pain
    • Increase strength and mobility
  • Back and abdominal exercises during recovery phase
  • Hot or cold packs—to reduce pain and muscle spasms
  • Stretches for the spine:
    • A doctor or chiropractor can sometimes help reduce pain by stretching your spine
    • Any spinal manipulation must be done carefully by an experienced, licensed practitioner
  • Traction (weights and pulleys)—to relieve pressure on the discs and keep you from moving around (more common for discs in the neck area)
  • Neck collar or brace for a herniated disc in the neck—to relieve muscle spasms

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—to reduce inflammation and pain (such as, ibuprofen, naproxen)
  • Muscle relaxants—to reduce muscle spasms
  • Pain medications

Interventional Spine Care

  • Steroid injections into the area around the nerve and disc. It is done to reduce pain and inflammation. The injections are used if other medications do not work.
  • Minimally invasive procedures may include:
    • Nucleoplasty
    • Intradiscal electrothermy (IDET)
    • Chemonucleolysis

Surgery

Surgery may be used for people who fail to respond to other treatments. Immediate surgery is necessary for cauda equina syndrome. Options include:

  • Laminectomy—removal of some of the bone over the spine and of the problem disc
  • Microdiskectomy—removal of fragments of herniated disc through a small incision (also known as intervertebral diskectomy)
  • Spinal fusion—fusing of vertebrae (back bones) together with bone grafts or metal rods (rarely done for first-time disc problems)

Prevention    TOP

To help reduce your chances of getting a herniated disc, take the following steps:

  • Practice good posture. Stand and sit straight, and keep your back straight when lifting.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Exercise regularly. Ask your doctor about exercises to strengthen your back and stomach.
  • Don't wear high-heeled shoes.
  • If you sit for long periods of time, use a stool to bring your knees above your hips.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org
American Chiropractic Association
http://www.acatoday.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/

References:

Awad JN. Moskovich R. Lumbar disc herniations: surgical versus nonsurgical treatment. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2006;443:183-197.
Ellenberg M, Honet JC. Frontera: Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Philadelphia, PA: Hanley and Belfus; 2002, chap 46.
Goldmann DR. American College of Physicians Complete Home Medical Guide. New York, NY: DK Publishing; 1999.
Slipman CW, Derby R, Simeone FA, Mayer TG. Interventional Spine: An Algorithmic Approach. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2008.
When you have a herniated disc. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0515/p2195.html. Published 2003. Accessed July 2, 2008.
Last reviewed September 2011 by John C. Keel, MD
Last Updated: 9/30/2011
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