Print
BlinkList
del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Technorati
Herniated Disk Diagnosis
Herniated disk is a condition that can cause significant pain and other uncomfortable symptoms. Receiving a herniated disk diagnosis of this condition means that the outer layer or annulus fibrosus of one of the spinal disks has torn or ruptured, allowing the inner layer or nucleus pulposus to leak out. In most cases, the disk will close this rupture on its own and heal just as any other part of the body would, and this healing period can be hastened by rest.
Treating a Ruptured Disk
For those suffering from the pain and other debilitating symptoms of a severe herniated disk, knowing that most cases heal on their own with time may be a comfort, but it doesn't relieve symptoms in the short term. To help keep comfortable during recovery, and to alleviate chronic conditions, conservative treatments are a good option. The most common of these include:
- Rest
- Stretching
- Exercise
- Anti-inflammatory medicine
- Painkillers
- Epidural cortisone injections
- Hot/cold compression therapy
- Spinal decompression
More Options after a Herniated Disk Diagnosis
If the above methods fail to allow for adequate relief, then surgery may be put forward as a final treatment option. For those considering this option, endoscopic spine procedures provide a safe and effective alternative to open back and neck surgery. These successful treatments offer not only a faster recovery time, but a higher success rate and lower chances of infection, among many other benefits.
To learn more about endoscopic spine procedures and how they're used to treat a herniated disk, contact Laser Spine Institute. We'll be happy to provide you with more information on your options after receiving a herniated disk diagnosis, as well as a complimentary review of your CT scan or MRI to determine if you qualify for one of our minimally invasive procedures.