Question 1

6mm herniated disc,l4-l5.  lower back pain and now into hip.  is steroid normal initial treatment. what's best, very painful at times.

Accepted Answer

Therapy Usually fist: if the herniation is posterolateral, then epidural or foraminal steroid injection(s) is a possible answer.  But your symptoms suggest that the herniation is more central.  In case of lateral herniation, the pain would go down to the top of your thigh and your knee( L4 nerve root caught at L4-5).  So I think you should try low back strengthening, traction, or a McKenzie certified therapist first!

Question 2

how to heal herniated disc?

Accepted Answer

Most do on their own: Most herniated disks heal on their own, but is may take 3 to 6 months. Only 2% or so will go on to surgery. Sometimes injections will reduce symptoms to the point that surgery is not necessary. Try to live as normal as possible, avoiding uncomfortable positions and activities. It is probably best to avoid heavy lifting, bending, twisting for about a month. Otherwise, stay active.

Question 3

what is a herniated disc

Accepted Answer

Short answer: A disc consists of 2 parts, a hard outer ring and a soft center referred to as the nucleus pulposus. A ruptured disc means the nucleus pulposus has extruded through the hard outer ring.

Question 4

how do i fix a herniated disc?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Many will heal on their own. If symptoms are mild or improve without surgery (nonsurgical treatment) it may shrink. Even if it does not go away completely, if symptoms resolve, no "fix" is needed. Surgery is used when symptoms are severe. Injections are sometimes helpful as well.

Question 5

how is a herniated disc treated?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If it is causing mild pain, then conservative treatment with pain killers and physical therapy. If pain is not controlled or causing weakness or compressing on nerves then surgical treatment might be an option.

Question 6

what causes a herniated disc bad?

Accepted Answer

Most commonly: it is a result of usual degenerative process. Where slowly the turgor of the disc is slowly lost, due to decrease in the amount of hydration in the disc. This results in disc space to lose height, then bulge out, which puts extra stress on the disc covering (annulus), which can slowly have cracks through it, and then the disc within will make its way out through the annulus, and herniate.

Question 7

when will my herniated disc heal?

Accepted Answer

May take months: It is pertinent that a European study of un-operated ruptured discs showed desiccation and shrinkage spontaneously over a period of 8-10 months.

Question 8

comon symptoms of a herniated disc?

Accepted Answer

Sciatica: If a disc herniation occurs in the low back and pushes on a nerve, it usually causes pain or numbness running into the buttock and down the leg.  If it occurs in the neck, it causes pain that runs into the arm.  Thank you for the question.

Question 9

can a herniated disc be hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Not really: Although genetics may make someone more prone to having a herniated disc (posture, ligamentous laxity, muscle strength, etc) the actual disc herniation is usually from injury or trauma.

Question 10

can a herniated disc heal on its own?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Start with physical therapy and core conditioning.  At some point an epidural steroid injection might be helpful. If all else fails and your symptoms impact your activities of daily living, surgery can be curative. I would suggest seeing a spine surgeon with expertise in minimally invasive spine surgery if it comes to that.

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6mm herniated disc

A member asked:

6mm herniated disc,l4-l5. lower back pain and now into hip. is steroid normal initial treatment. what's best, very painful at times.

A member asked:

How to heal herniated disc?

A member asked:

What is a herniated disc

A member asked:

How do i fix a herniated disc?

A member asked:

How is a herniated disc treated?

A member asked:

What causes a herniated disc bad?

A member asked:

When will my herniated disc heal?

A member asked:

Comon symptoms of a herniated disc?

A member asked:

Can a herniated disc be hereditary?

A member asked:

Can a herniated disc heal on its own?

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