Lumbar Disc Disease: What it is, its symptoms, and how it is treated?
This condition is often depicted using two synonymous terms: lumbar disc degeneration or herniated disc. However, the medical condition that specifically affects the discs in the lower back area is more accurately described here.
A feeling of discomfort or pain is said to be the most common symptom of this condition. Some cases may even experience severe hindrances in movement patterns, significantly slowing their everyday activities.
For this reason, it should be crucial for people with low back pain or related symptoms to learn more about this condition and its different treatment options. What is this? Symptoms treatment strategies.
What is Lumbar Disc Disease?
Lumbar disc disease is the degeneration or deterioration of intervertebral discs, which are the cushion-like or shock absorber structures between vertebrae. There are five bones altogether in the lumbar part of the spine.
Each is called a vertebra, and intervertebral discs separate each vertebrae from each other. The discs’ structure contains an annulus fibrosus on the outside and a nucleus pulposus, the inner, soft, gel-like core.
The discs gradually lose their elasticity and may degenerate due to aging, injury, lack of activity or chronic stress. Sometimes, the inner core may bulge outward or even herniate through the outer layer, impinging on the nerves close to it. This situation is known to be a herniated disc or slipped disc.
Signs and Symptoms of Lumbar Disc Disease
The symptoms of lumbar disc disease depend upon the gravity of the condition and which nerves have been involved. Some lumbar disc disease common lumbar disc disease symptoms include the following:
- Back pain
- Leg Pain
- Numbness or Tingling
- Weakness
- Reduced Mobility
- Activity-Mediated Worsening
Lumbar Disc Disease Causes
- Lumbar disk disease is due to structural changes in spinal disks.
- It typically originates from the natural process of aging and also the gradual degeneration of the disk.
- Sometimes, severe injuries may result in the herniation of a previously normal disk.
- The present herniated disks can also degenerate with new injuries.
Diagnosis of Lumbar Disc Disease
Your doctor will typically do the following in diagnosing you with lumbar disc disease:
Medical History and Physical Examination:
Dr Martin Liner will study your medical history, listen to the symptoms, and physically examine you. This includes several tests, whereby his goal is to check whether your reflexes are normal and your strength and motion range.
Imaging Tests:
For the viewing of the status of the intervertebral disc and the level of the herniation or degeneration, the doctor may be referring you to the following imaging tests:
- X-rays: X-rays can reveal alterations in vertebrae and spinal alignment but cannot view the discs.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI results allow very detailed images of soft structures, including the discs. And this can identify herniation or degeneration.
- CT Scan: A CT scan is done when MRI is inaccessible or contraindicated. It produces excellent-resolution cross-sectional images of the spine.
Degenerative Disc Disease treatment in Dubai
Lumbar disc disease treatment objectives include symptomatic relief, restoring function, and solving the problem. Several types of degenerative disc disease treatment in Dubai may be broadly classified as either conservative or surgical.
Conservative Treatments
Medicines
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, including ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help control the pain and inflammation.
- Muscle Relaxants: These are often prescribed to dissolve spasms associated with disc disease.
- Corticosteroids: Oral or injectable corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and relieve severe pain.
Physical Therapy
- Exercise: A physical therapist can develop a customised exercise programme to enhance the strength of the muscles around the spine, boost flexibility, and alleviate pain.
- Stretching and Strengthening: Various activities may help alleviate the pressure on the compressed nerves and improve the back’s overall well-being.
Lifestyle Changes
Weight management may improve the condition by decreasing back tension. Good posture, ergonomic use, and heat and cold packs in the affected area also reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Surgical Interventions
If the above conservative treatments fail or if nerve compression is severe, then surgical treatments are needed. Some of the standard surgical procedures used are:
- Discectomy: This procedure involves removing the posterior herniated portion of the intervertebral disc, and decompressing the nerve. It is usually minimally invasive, either microscopic or endoscopic surgery. A laminectomy involves removing a section of the vertebra called the lamina to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It may sometimes be performed with a discectomy.
- Spinal Fusion: Spinal fusion may be used in severe disc degeneration or instability cases. In this procedure, the spine bones are fixed together to stabilize the spine.
Although quite painful, lumbar disc disease seriously impairs normal levels of activity. Fortunately, suitable treatments are available. Understanding some of the symptoms and learning about both conservative and surgical treatment options can help you achieve relief from this condition and improve your quality of life.
If you need personalized care or expert treatment, visit Dr Martin Liner. After treating many spinal conditions over the years, Dr Martin Liner has been well-stocked with comprehensive examinations and customized treatment programs necessary to treat your lumbar disc disease.
