What to do when you have a herniated disc pressing on a nerve

Phyathai 1

4 Min

Tu 31/03/2020

AI Translated

Share


Loading...
What to do when you have a herniated disc pressing on a nerve

When a patient has symptoms suspected to be ‘herniated disc compressing the nerve’, a specialist doctor will take a medical history, perform an initial physical examination, and regardless of the severity of symptoms, special diagnostic tools such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) combined with X-rays of the spine in various positions, especially X-rays in flexion and extension, are necessary and unavoidable. Accurate diagnosis relies on these diagnostic tools to plan the correct treatment. The advantage of these examinations is that they are safe and painless.

 

Herniated Disc Compressing the Nerve Found from Examination

After the doctor performs the above examinations, the doctor will diagnose and assess the patient’s condition as follows:

  • Whether there is a herniated disc compressing the nerve
  • If there is a herniated disc compressing the nerve, how many locations are affected
  • Which location is the main problem causing the patient’s pain
  • Whether there are other spinal conditions contributing to the symptoms, such as vertebral collapse, spinal displacement, degenerative or inflamed spinal joints, tumors, abnormal blood vessels, cysts

 

Treatment of Herniated Disc Compressing the Nerve

Treatment usually starts with medication and physical therapy for patients with mild symptoms, which may lead to recovery. However, if treatment is ineffective and the diagnosis of herniated disc compressing the nerve is confirmed, other treatments that may be considered include steroid injections combined with local anesthetics into the spinal canal or near the nerve causing the pain.

 

What You Should Know About Steroid Injections for Herniated Disc Compressing the Nerve

  • May be effective in mild cases
  • Effect may not last long
  • May be ineffective in severe cases of nerve compression by the herniated disc
  • Has side effects of steroids
  • Does not solve the nerve compression problem but helps reduce inflammation that contributes to pain

 

Other Treatments for Herniated Disc Compressing the Nerve

Disc decompression to reduce pressure on nearby nerves. The principle is to use radiofrequency waves, laser, or heat energy devices inserted through a needle into the herniated disc. The heat causes the water-containing part of the disc to dissolve or shrink, reducing pressure on adjacent nerves.

 

There is a common misconception that this treatment is the safest and most effective for herniated discs. In reality, it is only suitable for cases with mild nerve compression and is usually effective only in younger patients. Older patients often have other contributing factors to nerve compression, such as bone spurs (calcium deposits) and narrowing of the spinal canal or disc space. Therefore, this method is effective only in selected patients with mild conditions.

Disadvantages

  • High cost
  • Limited effectiveness in some cases

Important

Patients must be carefully selected. Using this method for all cases as a substitute for surgery will reduce the chances of success.

 

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Herniated Disc Compressing the Nerve

  • Endoscopic discectomy can solve this problem by removing the part of the herniated disc compressing the nerve. It is suitable for cases where the disc is bulging (not ruptured or ruptured but not displaced far) compressing the nerve. This surgery requires expertise and is costly. If used for all cases of herniated disc compressing the nerve, there is a considerable rate of recurrence.

 

  • Microscopic minimally invasive surgery can remove the part of the herniated disc compressing the nerve. In some cases with ruptured or displaced discs, it can completely address the problem. This surgery requires a skilled surgeon and has moderate costs compared to other treatments.

 

Therefore, if you have a herniated disc compressing the nerve, there are various treatments depending on the severity. Consulting a specialist who can plan comprehensive treatment will ensure you receive appropriate, effective, safe treatment at a reasonable cost.


Share

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...