It is a medical condition affecting the spine.

1. TREATMENT
FOR
LUMBAR DISC
RUPTURE

2. It is a medical condition affecting the spine which may
even result in release of chemical mediators causing
extreme pain and irritation. The condition can be
treated by orthopedic spine doctor and is also called
slipped disc or disc prolapsed.
This condition can be caused by many things such as
constant strain on the back and lifting heavy objects.
Traumatic injury to the lumbar area and constant wear
and tear during work can also cause lumbar disc
rupture.
The condition may also be congenital, i.e., by birth due
to size of the lumbar canal. The lumbar region from L4-
L5, L5-S1 is most prone to damage.

3. A person suffering from lumbar
disc rupture will feel some pain
around the disc area. It is common
to feel pain in one side of the body,
including thigh, knee or foot in an
undefined manner. The pain may
also turn severe due to chemicals
and nerve impingement. Radiation
of pain till the tip of toes may also
occur. This is called radiculopathy
or sciatica. There may even be
sensory changes like numbness,
muscle weakness or tingling. The
symptoms mentioned above may
even worsen while laughing,
coughing or sneezing.

4. There are various treatments available for treating a ruptured
lumbar disc. Some of the treatments are as follows:

5. Physical Therapy
It is the first line of treatment given by any orthopedic spine
doctor. Osteopathic or chiropractic techniques, gentle massages,
spinal mobilization and manipulation are all part of the physical
therapy given to the patient.
Anesthesia assisted traction treatment, various modalities to
relieve pain, simple exercises for muscle strengthening, and back
care are also taught to the patient. The patient is also addressed
to follow proper body mechanics and ergonomics. Exercises like
stretching and strengthening, aerobics. Some specific treatment
as suggested by physical therapist.
Once pain is gone you are required to maintain proper posture
and regular exercise to keep yourself healthy.

6. Medications
Various medications such as
oral steroids which include
Prednisolone and
methylprednisolone are
administered to the patient.
Muscle relaxants and pain
killers are given only when the
pain is severe. Pain relived in
one or two months with
conservative treatment.

7. Injections
To control pain and
swelling, epidural
injections are given.
They may be given for
several months
depending on the
patient’s condition,
medical history and
previous imaging
studies to plan for the
best approach for
injection.

8. Surgery
A ruptured disc surgery is the last option
considered by surgeons, depending on the degree
of disc rupture and the success of non surgical
method.
Surgery is considered if the conservative treatment
has failed, if there is bladder and bowel
incontinence or significant muscle weakness. The
orthopedic doctor will advice for surgery if there is
significant neurological deficit, negligible sensory
signs and reflexes in leg and foot.

9. Some of the surgeries considered for lumbar disc
rupture are Chemonucleolysis, Discectomy,
Laminectomy, Lumbar fusion and Transformational
endoscopy.
Most people who opt for ruptured disc surgery show
significant signs of improvement soon after surgery.
There may still be some back pain, but it lessens with
time. After treatment, it may take some time for the
patient to get back into their daily routine.