The two most common ways that a disc can become herniated is the natural degeneration of the disc or through trauma. Sometimes, a herniated disc goes unnoticed as it can cause few to no symptoms. Other times, patients will not have symptoms in their neck or lower back but rather in their shoulders, hands, legs or feet, which will lead them to seek treatment related to the extremities. Finding yourself with a herniated disc does not mean you have to have a surgical procedure. For those with a herniated disc in the neck or lower back, there are several non-surgical options available.

Medication.

When it comes to relieving mild to moderate pain, several different medications can help. There are also a variety of medications that a physician can prescribe to you that are stronger such as muscle relaxants or steroids. Remember, over-the-counter medications only mask the pain from your herniated discs, so it is important to consult with your physician to fully relieve your discomfort. You should also read the medication label and speak with a pharmacist to determine if it is safe to take anti-inflammatories.

Injections.

If there is little to no improvement from oral medications, a physician might recommend cortisone injections as an alternative solution. A Corticosteroid injection can reduce inflammation around an irritated nerve, but it will not reduce the actual size of the herniated disc. The injected medications may include steroids, local anesthetics or saline. The goal of an injection is to numb the irritated nerves which will ultimately relieve the pain symptoms. Injections go straight to the area of injury to deliver the pain-reducing medication to your spine.

Physical Therapy.

Physical therapy may be able to combat some of the painful symptoms associated with a herniated disc. With this injury, a Physical Therapist will utilize exercises that attempt to relieve pressure on the compressed nerves. Another target exercise is core stabilization which in turn helps with spine stabilization. Other practices such as stretching and manual work also might be used to benefit your flexibility. When working with a physician on your herniated disc, your physical therapist will work in conjunction with them to give you the most successful recovery.

When you have a herniated disc, you will want to control your pain management to the best of your ability. These tips may not work for everyone, but in the meantime can be useful to some.

The post What are Non-Surgical Treatment Options for a Herniated Disc appeared first on Premier Orthopaedics.

Adult spinal deformity and scoliosis are relatively common spinal disorders treated by spine specialists. The actual prevalence in society is not well known. However, it is estimated to be as high as 25% in the general population. Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine from side to side. Typically, the curve is 10 degrees or more. In the adult population, the abnormal curvature occurs due to the progression of adolescent scoliosis or a consequence of degenerative changes in the spinal column.

The degree of abnormal curvature can range from mild to severe. Often, adult scoliosis does not cause any symptoms and individuals live life without any issues or problems. As the degree of abnormal curvature increases, a multitude of signs and symptoms may occur. Usually, changes in posture and body symmetry are the signs that scoliosis may be developing.

Developing pain due to degenerative changes and muscle imbalance can occur. Progressive neurologic symptoms including radiating pain and numbness in extremities are possible. Muscle weakness due to nerve compression can also appear. In more severe cases, there can be spinal cord compression leading to the inability to walk. Compression of internal organs, including the lungs, can occur, leading to difficulty with breathing.

Definitive diagnosis is achieved with imaging through a combination of special X-rays, CT scans and MRIs. Treatment is based on the degree of abnormal curvature, as well as an individual’s presenting symptoms.  A round of anti-inflammatory medication along with physical therapy is usually the first line of defense. Injection therapy may also be used to help relieve certain symptoms. Although bracing is commonly used in adolescent scoliosis, it is rarely used for adults. As the abnormal curvature increases and symptoms become more profound, corrective surgery becomes an option. The goal with any scoliosis surgery is to restore normal balance of the spinal column related to an individual’s center of gravity.

If scoliosis is suspected, being evaluated by a spine specialist that treats this type of disorder regularly is recommended.

Dr. Tantorski sees patients Kennett Square, West Chester and West Grove. To schedule an appointment, please call the office at 610-692-6280.

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Regardless, there are some things you need to know after diagnosis.

Treatment Factors

When it comes to determining how to handle scoliosis treatment, there are a few factors to consider. In addition to the severity of the curve, other considerations are sex, maturity of growth, and the location of the curve and curve pattern.

Remember the following when talking with your physician about treatment options:

• Females have a significantly higher risk of scoliosis progression than their male counterparts do.
• Larger curves, double curves, and curves in the middle section of the spine tend to worsen more rapidly than other curves and can have significant health impacts.
• A young child has a much higher risk of curve progression than an older child whose bones have stopped growing.

These factors can have a huge impact on the treatment option chosen by the orthopaedic specialist, and they should be considered when choosing the best treatment option for your situation.

Treatment Options

In general, there are two treatment options for scoliosis: a brace or surgery. While these aren’t the only treatment options available, they’re the most common thanks to their high rates of success and convenience for busy families.

A brace can prevent further progression of the curvature in the spine but isn’t a cure to scoliosis. Depending on the severity of the curve at diagnosis, it may need to be worn at all times. The effectiveness of the brace does increase with use, but it can be taken off when necessary, such as for physical activities like sports.

Once the bones have stopped growing, the use of a brace is discontinued. Typically, this occurs about two years after puberty for females and when males need to shave regularly. Another indicator is when height stops changing.

Surgery is another option that’s used only in the most severe cases. Most surgeons don’t want to put children through surgery, but in the case of severe scoliosis, it’s sometimes the only option that will prevent the disease’s progression.

The most common surgery for scoliosis is called spinal fusion. In this surgery, two or more of the bones of the spine are connected and bone-like material is placed between the vertebrae to prevent movement.

Both treatment options are usually augmented with some type of physical therapy, a healthy diet to prevent becoming overweight, and regular exercise. Ultimately, the patient can live a mostly normal life.

Click here to download our eBook The Patient’s Manual to Spine and Back Surgeryand get answers to your most pressing questions now.

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A comprehensive exercise regimen will include a combination of stretching, strength, and aerobic conditioning. You’ll be working your extensors, flexors, and obliques. Extensors are muscles used to straighten the back and move the thighs, the flexors are used to bend and support the spine from the front and the arch of the lower back, and the obliques or rotators, are used to stabilize the spine when upright in order to maintain proper posture.

Keep reading to learn more about how specific exercises can help reduce the severity of your back pain.

Stretching

When you have back pain, it’s typically accompanied by some stiffness. Pushing the range of motion can help mobilize the spine and soft tissues. In order to do so, you’ll have to stick to a stretching regimen for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

Stretching exercises will focus on increasing the flexibility in your discs, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The focus is not to work on the spine itself, but rather the surrounding muscles so that they can support the spine better.

Strengthening

Talk to your doctor about the different strength exercises that he or she recommends. Your doctor will provide you with a list of various exercises that will work to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine in order to protect and keep it healthy. In some cases, these exercises are used in combination with other treatment methods like physical therapy. Stick to an exercise routine and you’ll feel your muscles becoming stronger as your back pain lessens.

Low-Impact Aerobic Conditioning

Low-impact exercises are perfect for gaining strength without causing any additional pain to your back. These types of exercises are important for rehabilitation because they help reduce back pain, and if you do experience pain, it will be less intense. Speak to your doctor about low-impact aerobic training and together you should be able to come up with a regimen you are able to stick to for a few weeks or months. They key is to work on aerobic conditioning daily for best results.

Below are some examples of low-impact aerobic conditioning.

Water Therapy – If you’re dealing with a lot of pain, exercising in water helps take a lot of the pressure off the body. Water counteracts gravity and makes stretching motions easier. The water also provides a mild resistance as an added bonus.

Stationary Biking– Riding a stationary bike is another great aerobic exercise that doesn’t create a lot of impact on the spine. It’s also beneficial for those who are in a lot of pain and find comfort in a posture where they can lean forward.

Consider these tips for how to exercise when dealing with back pain. If you still experience a lot of pain after exercising for a month or two, you may have a more serious condition or injury that needs to be addressed.

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Spinal Arthritis

Arthritis develops in the facet joints that are located in between the vertebrae of the spine, and can be found anywhere from the neck to the lower back. Pain occurs when the cartilage lining of the joint wears away and causes inflammation.

Symptoms

If you’re dealing with any of the following symptoms, it’s important to contact a doctor and consider your treatment options immediately. Your arthritis pain won’t go away on its own, and if it worsens, it could lead to serious damage in your joints. Be sure to call your doctor at the first sign of pain.

• Swelling and warmth in one or more joints
• Tenderness of the joint when pressure is applied to the spine
• Steady pain in one or more joints
• Inability to bend or move
• Abnormal curve of the spine
• Pinching, tingling, or numbness in the spine
• Increased pain with movement

Diagnosis

Your physician will perform a series of tests to determine whether you have spinal arthritis. He or she will consider your medical history, perform a physical examination, and evaluate your symptoms.

During a physical exam, the physician will pay attention to your overall health, nerve function, reflexes, and the joints in the back. He or she will also look at your muscle strength and flexibility. X-rays may also be taken to see if there is cartilage loss and bone damage.

Non-Operative Treatment Options

After evaluating your symptoms and performing the necessary medical tests, your physician will determine what treatment options are best for you. The following will help explain the most common treatment options available.

Exercise – Working with your doctor to develop an exercise program that incorporates low-impact movements and stretching will help you maintain the full range of motion in your spine. Keeping joints mobile will reduce pain and keep them healthy.

Medication – Over-the-counter medication will help alleviate pain temporarily, reduce inflammation, and also reduce stiffness.

Heat/Cold Therapy – Heating pads, warm towels, or a hot bath or shower typically relieve pain and stiffness for some people, while others find ice packs to be more helpful. Using a combination of the two, heat followed by cold, can also be beneficial.

If several non-operative treatments have not been helpful in relieving your pain, your physician may suggest that it’s time to explore your surgical options. For more information on spine and back surgery, download our e-book, The Patient’s Manual to Spine and Back Surgery. This educational guide will answer any questions you have about spinal injuries and surgical procedures so you can be as informed and prepared as possible.

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Keep reading to learn more about the spinal cord, intervertebral discs, and the various issues that could occur.

Anatomy of the Spinal Cord and Intervertebral Discs

Your spine allows you to stand up, provides flexibility for bending, and protects the spinal cord located within the vertebral canal. The vertebrae are bones that are stacked on top of each other to create the vertebrae canal. Between the vertebrae are intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers for the spine.

Disc Herniation

When a disc herniates, the soft, inner material of the disc called the nucleus, ruptures and leaks out of the disc. Sometimes this leakage touches the nerve root and causes inflammation and pain. Another symptom of a herniated disc is tingling that travels along the nerve. This can cause pain through the back of the leg or arm.

Call your physician if you’re dealing with any of these issues, and he or she will perform a physical examination and order imaging or electrical tests, if necessary. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your treatment could include physical therapy, medication, injections, or surgery.

Degenerative Disc Disease

As you age, your spinal discs begin to show signs of wear and tear from the constant shock absorption duty they perform. The fluid inside the disc may decrease, and the disc structure can be affected when small tears or cracks develop in the outer layer of the disc. Minor disc degeneration doesn’t typically show any symptoms, but in more severe cases, patients are unable to perform daily activities due to the pain and limited range of motion.

Patients will typically experience pain in the back that spread to the buttocks and upper thighs, as well as some tingling or numbness in the leg or foot. This pain usually increases while the patient is sitting, because the discs have more pressure on them.

If you’re dealing with these symptoms, talk to your doctor. He or she will perform a series of physical tests to check nerve function, muscle strength, and your level of pain with motion. Diagnostic tests such as a CT scan or an MRI may also be conducted to rule out other illnesses.

Treatment options include physical therapy, exercise, medication, and surgery in severe situations.

Discitis

Discitis is when an infection, commonly bacterial but possibly viral, occurs in the discs of the spine. The discs do not contain a large blood supply, so the body does not have a good way to fight off this type of infection. The main symptom is severe back pain that remains in the center of the back rather than shooting down the leg or other areas of the body.

It’s important to contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. The best way to diagnosis discitis is with an MRI scan to show the infection. Blood tests may also prove beneficial.

For more information about treating pain and injury to the spine and back, download our e-book, The Patient’s Manual to Spine and Back Surgery. This educational guide will provide you with all you need to know about dealing with back pain.

The post Spinal Disc Problems appeared first on Premier Orthopaedics.

Low-Impact Aerobic Exercises

Low-impact aerobic exercises increase blood flow and nutrients to the back which promotes healing and reduces stiffness in joints. The key is to get your heart rate up and keep it elevated for at least twenty minutes, without adding stress on the spine. These exercises aren’t jarring to the spine and encourage an increased range of motion while also relieving pain. They’ll also allow you to perform daily activities more comfortably.

• Walking
• Stationary biking
• Elliptical or step machine
• Swimming

Stretching

Your back consists of the spinal column, muscles, ligaments, and tendons that are all designed to be limber and work together cohesively to allow your body to move. It’s important that none of these parts are inhibited so that each one can work together and perform their job effectively. It may take a few weeks or months before your spine and tissues start benefitting from your stretching routine, but range of motion will eventually be improved. Consider the following tips when starting your stretching program to improve the health of your spine.

• Sitting Rotation Stretch – Sit on the floor with legs outstretched, then cross one leg over the other. Twist toward the bent leg, placing your hand on the floor behind you while the other arm is on the side of your bent leg. Use this arm to stretch further and look over your shoulder. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds, and then repeat on the opposite side.
• Sit Side Saddle – Sit on the floor with your legs outstretched, then bend one leg so that the bottom of your foot is resting against the inside of your opposite thigh. Bend your hips forward and reach for the foot of the outstretched leg. If you can’t reach your foot, place your hands as far down on your leg as you can. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds then switch legs.

Back Strengthening Exercises

A physical therapist can help you perform specialized exercises and correct your form to ensure that pain relief is achieved. The following are the two most common back strengthening exercises.

• Dynamic Lumbar Stabilization Exercises – Your therapist will work with you to find your neutral spine, which means the position that your spine is most comfortable in. Then, he or she will help your back muscles perform exercise techniques that will allow your spine to stay in this comfortable position. After several weeks, your spine will feel more comfortable and pain will be greatly reduced.
• McKenzie Exercises – There are many different forms of McKenzie exercises, but the theory behind them is that extending the spine with exercise will reduce pain caused by limited disc space. Arm motions are used to extend the spine. Some of these exercises are performed standing up, while others are performed lying down.

For more information about treating pain and injury to the spine and back, download our e-book, The Patient’s Manual to Spine and Back Surgery. This educational guide will provide you with all you need to know about dealing with back pain.

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Learn more about the spine and the conditions that could be causing your back pain.

Anatomy of the Spine

Learning more about the various conditions of the spine could help you determine what symptoms you’re experiencing, and if you’re dealing with one of the following conditions discussed here.

The spine is made up of three segments including the cervical spine of the neck, the lumbar spine of the lower back, and the thoracic spine of the chest. It also consists of vertebrae, the spinal cord, nerves, muscles, ligaments, intervertebral discs, and facet joints.

The vertebrae are small bones that are stacked on top of one another to protect your spinal cord. The spinal cord starts at your skull, travels down your lower back, and includes nerves that carry messages between the brain and muscles. Muscles and ligaments support the spine and keep the spinal column stable. The intervertebral discs sit between the vertebrae and provide structure to the spine, allow movement, and act as shock absorbers. The facet joints are located between the vertebrae and allow the spine to move and rotate.

Below are some of the most common conditions that affect the spine.

Osteoporosis and Spinal Fractures

Osteoporosis is a condition that occurs as people age. The bones in the body become weak, thin, and are more likely to break. While osteoporosis doesn’t usually show any symptoms initially, patients often are diagnosed with the disease when they experience a bone fracture. When fractures occur as a result of osteoporosis, they occur in the spine most frequently.

If you’re experiencing back pain, especially near the waistline or lower back, you may have a spinal fracture. Be sure to see your doctor to undergo an examination and X-rays, if necessary.

Spinal Stenosis

As people age, natural wear and tear can cause the spine to degenerate and narrow. This narrowing limits the amount of space between the bones and compresses the spinal cord and nerve roots. With stenosis, a patient may experience pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. Other symptoms include back pain, burning in the buttocks or legs, and tingling in the legs.

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

The sacroiliac joint is below the lumbar spine and above the tailbone. This joint is covered in cartilage which can wear away due to a medical condition or the wear and tear of normal physical activity. When this happens, the bones rub against one another causing pain and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint causes pain down the spine and leg. It may be hard for doctors to diagnose sacroiliac joint dysfunction because these symptoms are similar to other issues like a disc herniation. For this reason, a physical examination to eliminate other causes could be effective.

These orthopaedic conditions of the spine are common to many people. If you are experiencing back pain, contact your doctor for an evaluation to reduce the risk of injuring yourself even further.

For more information on spine and back surgery, download our e-book, The Patient’s Manual to Spine and Back Surgery.

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Keep reading to find out how you can prevent a serious sport or spine injury from occurring.

Warm Up and Cool Down

Jumping into an activity without properly warming up first can shock your muscles and cause them to tear because they’re not prepared for strenuous movement. Instead, ease them into activities. A general rule of thumb for your warmup is to do the activity you’ll be performing during your workout, but at a lower intensity. This way, all the muscles you’ll be utilizing will be engaged, and you can hopefully avoid stretches and tears.

Allow your muscles to cool down the same way you warmed them up. Don’t just stop as soon as your high-intensity exercise is complete, continue your activity at a slower pace so your muscles can adjust.

Practice the Proper Technique

When you’re participating in a contact sport, such as football or hockey, there are many opportunities for injury. One way to prevent injuries from occurring during a sports game or practice is to be sure to use appropriate techniques when using your body to tackle or score points. Injuries typically occur when you’re not using the correct technique, so it’s important to ask a coach or professional how to perform the action correctly in order to avoid injury.

Proper Equipment

Always be sure that you’re wearing the proper equipment when participating in sports or other activities that call for it. Protect your spine and other parts of your body with padding and guards for extra support when trying to avoid injury.

Strengthen Muscles

Incorporate weight training into your daily life to help strengthen your muscles. When muscles are stronger, they will hold up better in collisions and other situations that would otherwise leave them damaged.

Rest

Some of the most common sports and spine injuries occur as a result of overuse. If you’re using your spine or a specific muscle heavily and often, it’s susceptible to injury. Be sure to recognize when your body needs a chance to rest and allow it the time it needs to recover.

Don’t Ignore Symptoms

Don’t try to push through pain you’re experiencing. It’s important to pay attention to your body and what it’s telling you. If you’re in pain, there is probably something wrong. Be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor for an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Take these tips into consideration in order to prevent sport and spine injuries from occurring. If you have been dealing with a severe sport or spine injury, it may be time to consider surgery. Download our e-book, The Patient’s Manual to Spine and Back Surgery, for more information about your operative options, the surgical process and what to expect during recovery.

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