This would depend on a variety of factors. Is the disc protruding, extruding or completely sequestered? Other factors would be age and other health factors that would inhibit healing. Other considerations would be conservative vs surgical treatment for the condition. The best case scenario, a protruding disk that is managed by conservative treatment, (anti-iflammitory medication/physical therapy) would resolve in several weeks. The worst case, a sequestered disk that needs surgery might take several months/years to resolve depending on the extent of spinal chord/nerve impact. in some cases, due to degenerative disc disease, and the nature of disc material itself (lumbar discs are made up primarily of two types of cartilage-like proteins that are not readily able to heal themselves like other tissue) the disc herniation will not heal itself without surgical intervention. It should be noted that surgical options such as selective microscopic-discectomy have improved healing times for disc herniation significantly. In any surgical case, a thorough discussion with an orthopedist is essential. Traditional surgery for herniated lumbar discs completley and permanently sever some tendon/conective tissue - but generally has success relieving pain initially. Microdiscectomy has a lower rate of successfully eliminating pain in some studies, and has been studied less than traditional discectomy. Ten-year success rates for discectomy patients of both types of surgery is lower than 75% in most accepted studies - as pain/discomfort often returns over time.
I had a herniated disc in the L5 S1 region that burst and fragmented...surgery went well but I am left with drop foot...will I regain full use of my foot...if so, how long will it take?
This is the official pathology report description of mild intervertebral disc degeneration. The "mild dessication" means the disc appears slightly drier than normal, which can be related to a mild breakdown in the squishy cushion portion of the disc. The "mild loss of disc height" simply means the disc is not as tall as it used to be, again probably a result of mild degeneration. Disc degeneration is a normal artefact of aging - everyone's intervertebral discs will go through some degree of degeneration if they live long enough. However, disc degeration is considered to be the first step towards a herniated or ruptured disc, which can cause severe back pain and require surgery to correct. If I were in your shoes and had been given this information by a doctor, I would ask what it means in practical terms. What are my risks of a herniated disc in the next five years? Will this impact nerve function? What are signs and symptoms that this disc is deteriorating? Is there anything I need to do about this - change posture, wear a brace, etc?
"There are several dangers associated with a herniated disk. Firstly, continued irritation of an already herniated disk will cause increased pain and discomfort as well as some loss of mobility. Further dangers might include those associated with surgery, should the condition require it."
Yes, a herniated disc in the lower back can potentially lead to loss of bowel or bladder control, known as cauda equina syndrome. This is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention from a healthcare professional. Symptoms can include difficulty urinating, numbness in the groin area, and weakness in the legs.
A slipped disc in the neck, also known as a cervical herniated disc, can indeed cause a range of symptoms, including dizziness and headaches. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the connection between cervical herniated discs and these symptoms. Understanding Cervical Herniated Discs Before delving into the relationship between cervical herniated discs and symptoms like dizziness and headaches, it's essential to understand what a herniated disc is. The spine consists of a series of vertebrae, and between these vertebrae are soft, cushion-like structures called intervertebral discs. These discs have a tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus) and a jelly-like inner core (nucleus pulposus). A herniated disc occurs when the inner core protrudes through the outer layer. In the cervical spine (neck region), a herniated disc can put pressure on nearby nerves or the spinal cord itself. This pressure can lead to various symptoms depending on the location and severity of the herniation. Symptoms of Cervical Herniated Discs Cervical herniated discs can manifest in a variety of ways. While neck pain is a common symptom, they can also cause referred pain and neurological symptoms. Two of the most concerning symptoms associated with cervical herniated discs are dizziness and headaches. 1. Dizziness: Vertigo: The pressure on cervical nerves or the spinal cord can disrupt the balance and coordination centers in the brain, leading to vertigo. Vertigo is characterized by a spinning sensation and can be quite debilitating. Cervicogenic Dizziness: This is a specific type of dizziness linked to neck problems like cervical herniated discs. It often presents as unsteadiness and dizziness when moving the neck. 2. Headaches: Cervicogenic Headaches: Cervicogenic headaches result from referred pain originating in the neck. The pain typically radiates from the neck to the head, often on one side, and can be mistaken for migraines or tension headaches. The Connection between Cervical Herniated Discs and Dizziness/Headaches The link between cervical herniated discs and dizziness or headaches lies in the nerve compression and irritation caused by the herniation. When a herniated disc in the neck compresses nerves or affects blood flow, it can disrupt the normal functioning of the nervous system. This disruption can lead to various symptoms, including dizziness and headaches. Dr. Rao K. Ali: Pain Management Specialist in Fort Worth If you are experiencing dizziness and headaches due to a cervical herniated disc, it is essential to seek professional medical advice. Dr. Rao K. Ali is a highly qualified pain management specialist practicing in Fort Worth, Texas, who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of spine-related pain conditions, including herniated discs. Treatment Options for Cervical Herniated Discs Dr. Rao K. Ali offers a range of treatment options for cervical herniated discs, customized to each patient's specific needs. Some of the common treatments available at the Pain Management Clinic in Fort Worth include: Physical Therapy: Physical therapy exercises can help strengthen the neck muscles, improve flexibility, and alleviate pain. Medication Management: Dr. Ali may prescribe medications to manage pain, inflammation, and neurological symptoms. Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections can provide targeted pain relief by reducing inflammation and pressure on the affected nerves. Minimally Invasive Procedures: In some cases, minimally invasive procedures like cervical epidural nerve blocks or radiofrequency ablation may be recommended to provide long-term pain relief. Surgical Consultation: If conservative treatments are ineffective, Dr. Ali can refer you to a qualified spine surgeon for a surgical evaluation. Duration of Symptoms and Prognosis The duration of symptoms associated with a cervical herniated disc can vary from person to person. Factors that influence the timeline for symptom resolution include: Severity of Herniation: The extent of disc herniation and the degree of nerve compression play a significant role. More severe herniations may take longer to heal. Treatment Approach: The type of treatment received can also impact recovery time. Some patients experience rapid relief with conservative treatments, while others may require more extensive interventions. Individual Factors: Your overall health, age, and the presence of other medical conditions can affect your body's ability to heal. Compliance with Treatment: Following the prescribed treatment plan and recommendations from Dr. Ali is essential for a successful outcome.
When a spinal disc has a tear in its outer, fibrous ring, a portion of the disc's gel-like nucleus may protrude. Doctors refer to this as a disc herniation, ruptured disc or prolapsed disc. These tears always occur in the rear portion of the spine, usually to one side, medically called postero-lateral. The lowest and second-to-lowest discs, called L5-S1 and L4-L5 respectively, are the discs most likely to become herniated. Before a disc herniates, the fibrous ring has usually weakened and begun to bulge. Sometimes heavy lifting precedes a herniation, but other times patients cannot pinpoint a specific event as the cause. Disc herniations are most common in middle-aged adults. A ruptured disc is often excruciatingly painful. When a disc herniates, inflammatory chemicals are released that irritate the spinal nerve root. This produces shooting pain down the affected nerve, often down the buttocks and one leg. The protruding portion of the disc can also compresses the nerve root, causing numbness or weakness of a foot, ankle or leg. If the ruptured disc is in the neck, arm and hand numbness or weakness can result. Although the symptoms can be alarming, the vast majority of herniated discs heal within one to six weeks. If there is no weakness, patients can even wait 12 weeks or longer for the disc to heal. A small percentage of herniations do not heal on their own and require surgery. If a disc herniation causes bladder or bowel incontinence and numbness in the inner thighs, it is called cauda equina syndrome and considered a medical emergency. Emergency surgery is usually required to prevent permanent incontinence. The majority of disc herniations are treated conservatively. Patients are told to alternate lying down and walking, while avoiding sitting and standing. They may also receive physical therapy and steroid injections into the nerve root to alleviate pain. Surgery can be effective, but it is a last resort. The gold standard is a microdiscectomy, which can be either an open procedure or a minimally-invasive laparascopic operation. In a microdiscectomy, a portion of the disc nucleus is removed, relieving pressure on the nerve. Possible long-term complications include pain from scar tissue adhering to the nerve and further disc deterioration from removing part of the nucleus.
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how long does it take for a hip hair line fracture to heal and what is the treatment
A long piece of sawed lumber or wood is called board
The pain caused by a bulging disc can be both intense and debilitating, and can be caused by any number of things. A bulging disc is essentially the bulging of a disc through the spine. Many people refer to a bulging disc as a herniated disc. While the two are nearly identical conditions, they are caused by two different events. A bulging disc is the result of a slow movement over time, often caused by age or activity over the course of several years. A herniated disc, on the other hand, is a result of one quick and traumatic action, often a fall or a heavy lift. It can be difficult to pinpoint the source of pain with a bulging disc, making it a difficult condition to both treat and diagnoses. However, the following symptoms are all common for sufferers of a bulging disc.Symptoms of a Bulging DiscBecause bulging discs can occur anywhere throughout the spine, symptoms can be present anywhere from the lower back all the way up to the neck. Most injuries occur in the lower back and are a natural result of aging. Lower back pain may radiate throughout the legs, making it a challenge to walk for long periods of time. If the bulging disc is located in the upper back or neck, pain might be more severe in the shoulders as well. For many people, there are no symptoms of a bulging disc, even if the condition has persisted for years. In these cases, the problem is only diagnoses after an MRI of the area.Treatment for a Bulging DiscBulging disc treatment can be a long process, taking months to heal completely. However, in most cases the treatment is very conservative. Most doctors will recommend alternating ice with heat pads to stimulate circulation and relieve pain in the area. Medication might be prescribed in order to reduce severe pain, or cortisone shots can serve as a more permanent solution to the discomfort. If a bulging disc has compressed nerves, pain may be so intense that back surgery is required, although that is a rare course of action.
Yes. The EA pair in heal has a long E sound as in meal and steal. The homophone is "heel."
how long does it take to heal a broken femur? it has been a year and still not normal is this the norm?