Do you need ruptured disc treatment? Five signs to look for.

If you’ve suffered a ruptured disc, also called a herniated disc, in the past, you’re probably well aware of the pain and discomfort involved. Treating this common back issue could mean anti-inflammatories and physical therapy, or it could mean simply resting your back. So how do you know when you need ruptured disc treatment, especially if you’ve been through this before and think you know what to expect? Pay attention to these five signs.

1. You’re in pain

Back pain is the obvious first clue that you should seek treatment. The problem is that many people don’t recognize the difference between a tweak, a strain, and a serious issue. If you worked out hard at the gym, slept funny, or have been doing more strenuous activities, you might think it’s nothing. But back pain is nothing to fool around with, especially because a “nothing” pain could actually be something serious, or could progress to something serious if not treated quickly.

A herniated disc can sometimes repair itself with rest and anti-inflammatories,” said DISC Spine Institute. Many other people will need pain medication or muscle relaxants, “physical therapy, massage, heat, ice, or epidural steroid injections with very small amounts of local anesthetic or steroids.” No matter what ruptured disc treatment you try, it should come from a trained orthopedic spine surgeon.

2. The pain is getting worse

With the right ruptured disc treatment, you may be feeling better in a matter of a few days, although pain from a herniated disc can last up to several months. If you’re just not getting better, or, even worse, if the pain is increasing, you’ll want to visit a Spine Institute and see a back doctor immediately.

3. You’re starting to feel weak in your arms and/or legs

This could mean that you’re in need of immediate ruptured disc treatment because the disc is pinching a nerve. Not getting treatment could result in permanent nerve damage.

4. You’re developing bladder problems

Your herniated disc could lead to other dangerous conditions if it goes untreated. “If you have weakness or numbness in both legs along with loss of bladder or bowel control, seek medical care right away,” said WebMD. This could be a sign of a rare but serious problem called cauda equina syndrome…in which the bundle of nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord (cauda equina) is squeezed.”

5. The treatment plan you’re on isn’t working

Whether you developed your ruptured disc treatment on your own, which is not recommended, or it was doctor-prescribed, there may be a time when adjustments are needed. Treating a herniated disc and achieving relief for a patient can sometimes take a bit of trial and error, however, if you’re not healing, not healing fast enough, or if you’re becoming frustrated by continued pain and its effects on your lifestyle, it might be time to look for a new spine doctor.

The good news for those who are suffering from chronic pain and/or in need of ruptured disc treatment is that advancements in minimally invasive techniques make back pain relief easier than ever to achieve. A variety of outpatient treatments are available, and, for those who may need to consider surgery, minimally invasive surgical procedures can involve small incisions and a quicker recovery time instead of a long hospital stay.

For more information, contact DISC Spine Institute, experts in minimally invasive treatments for chronic back pain, the most effective medical procedures to treat and eliminate chronic back pain.