GF18: Neuro Herniated Disks Flashcards
What is a herniated disk?
- A herniated disk is an injury of the spine (backbone).
- Between the vertebrae are round cushions called disks.
- The disks act as buffers between the bones, allowing one to bend and move with ease.
- A herniated disk happens when the inner “jelly” substance of the disk pushes through the crack.
- The leaked material may press on nearby spinal nerves causing pain and possible dysfunction
What is the age range most people get a herniated disk?
30-50
What are some risk factors for a herniated disk?
- Men get twice the rate of women
- Sitting for long periods in the same position.
- Being overweight.
- Lifting heavy objects.
- Repetitive bending or twisting motions for work, sports or hobbies.
- Smoking.
What are some common s/s of a thoracic/lumbar herniated disk?
- “sciatic nerve” pain
- sharp pain usually shoots down one side of the buttocks into your leg and sometimes the foot.
- Back pain
- Tingling or numbness in the legs/feet
- Muscle weakness
What are the symptoms of a cervical herniated disk?
- Pain near or between the shoulder blades
- Pain that travels to the shoulder, arm and sometimes the hand and fingers.
- Neck pain
- Pain that increases when bending or turning the neck.
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
What dx tests are used for herniated disks?
- MRI
- X-ray
- CT
- Myelogram (though not used much anymore due to pain and MRI being easier)
What are four modalities of tx for herniated disk?
- Medication
- Physical therapy
- Spinal injection (epidural/nerve block)
- Surgery
What types of medication are used for treating herniated disks?
- Anti-inflammatory pain relievers
- Muscle relaxants
What does PT do for treating herniated disks?
- Physical therapist teaches an exercise program to help relieve pressure on the nerves.
- Exercise loosens tight muscles and improves circulation
What is an epidural?
- Spinal injection of steroid medication directly into your spine.
- The medication reduces swelling and inflammation of the nerve from the disk herniation.
- This will allow your body to heal and return to activity faster.
What are the considerations for surgery to treat herniated disks?
- a large herniated disk might injure nerves to the bladder or bowel that may require emergency surgery.
- For nonemergency cases, surgery is an option when other treatments fail.
- There are various ways to perform spinal decompression surgery, but the goal is to relieve pressure on the nerve
True or False
Herniated disks get better on their own over time or with nonsurgical treatment for 9 out of 10 people.
True
What are the surgical procedures used for relieving pressure on the spinal cord and nerves of pts with herniated disks?
- Diskectomy: to remove your herniated disk.
- Laminectomy: to remove part of the bone around a herniated disk and expand your spinal canal.
- Artificial disk surgery: to replace a damaged herniated disk with an artificial one.
- Spinal fusion: to directly join two or more vertebrae together to make your spine more stable
What are some prevention methods for herniated disks?
- Proper lifting techniques
- Maintain healthy weight
- Good posture
- Stretching
- Avoiding high heals
- Exercise
- Smoking cessation
When should a pt who suspects a herniated disk see their HCP?
If it hasn’t self resolved w/in a month
