Back in the Game

What is a herniated disc and why is it so painful?

A herniated disc results when an intervertebral disc deteriorates and the inner nucleus ruptures out. The fragments of the herniated disc material then press on the nerve roots causing pain, weakness, numbness, or changes in sensation. Most are caused when the disc loses water and dries out – a natural part of aging. Some are caused by severe trauma.

Treatments tailored to each individual patient

The Spine and Back Center at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago offers the most innovative nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for a herniated disc and other lumbar diseases by bringing together the expertise of specialists from different disciplines in one location.

Advanced treatment options

Rush offers some of the most advanced treatment options in the region. These include the use of genetic engineering to eliminate the need for bone grafting to new proteins that make spinal fusion surgery less painful and debilitating. Many advanced herniated disc treatments were actually pioneered at Rush including minimally invasive techniques that allow physicians at Rush to perform major back procedures with incisions smaller than a paperclip. That means less pain, less scarring, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery. When surgery is the best option, surgeons use innovative tools and techniques such as heat probes, spinal cord implants, artificial discs and a wide array of minimally invasive approaches.

At Rush, your specific treatment for will be determined by your physician based on your age, overall health, medical history, the extent and type, and your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies. We also respect your opinions and preferences.

Typically, conservative therapy is the first line of treatment at Rush University Medical Center. This may include a combination of the following:

• bed rest
• patient education on proper body mechanics (to help decrease the chance of worsening pain or damage)
• physical therapy, which may include ultrasound, massage, conditioning, and exercise programs
• weight control
• use of a lumbosacral back support
• medications (to control pain and/or to relax muscles)

If these conservative measures fail, surgery may be recommended.

What are the symptoms?

Because the symptoms can resemble other conditions or medical problems it is imperative to consult a qualified orthopedic specialist. The symptoms can vary depending on where, and what nerve root it is pushing on. The most common symptoms may include:

• intermittent or continuous back pain
• spasm of the back muscles
• sciatica - pain that starts near the back or buttock and travels down the leg to the calf or into the foot.
• muscle weakness in the legs
• numbness in the leg or foot
• decreased reflexes at the knee or ankle
• changes in bladder or bowel function