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Lumbar Ruptured Disc
A lumbar ruptured disc is a condition in which one of the lower spine's vertebrae, L1-L5, tears or herniates, allowing the soft interior layer of the disc to leak out into the surrounding area. This tear can be caused by a single traumatic event to lifelong wear and tear. It can also be the result of a combination of issues.
Symptoms of a Lumbar Ruptured Disc
In most cases, there are no symptoms of a torn disc because the oozing disc tissue has not pressed upon a nerve root or the spinal cord. However, when it does impinge upon nerve tissue, the ruptured disc can cause significant and even life-altering symptoms. These include:
- Pain
- Numbness
- Burning
- Tingling or pins and needles
- Weakness
- Muscle spasms
- More
Treating a Lumbar Ruptured Disc
In many cases, the best way to treat a herniated disc is simply with rest, since most cases heal on their own within a few months. For a lumbar disc, this is especially true, since much of the body's weight and stress from common activities like lifting and twisting are put on the lower back. Your doctor is the only one who can give you a professional treatment plan, but in many cases, by limiting certain movements and avoiding strenuous activities, you can help the healing process along. Other conservative ways to treat a torn disc and the resulting symptoms include:
- Pain medications
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
- Stretching
- Heat/ice packs on the affected areas and the back itself
- Spinal decompression
- Spinal steroid injections
If you'd like to learn more about treating a lumbar ruptured disc, including information on endoscopic spine treatment for severe cases of the condition, contact Laser Spine Institute. We offer a complimentary MRI or CT scan review to determine your eligibility for one of our minimally invasive procedures.