Overview of Spinal Discs
A disc is a pad or structure that functions as a stabilizer for the spine. When the disc loses its ability to afford flexibility and stability to the spine, problems can arise such as mechanical back pain associated with bending, lifting, and twisting as well as numbness, weakness, and sciatica if your condition is severe. Read on to learn about collapsed disc causes as well as the treatments available to relieve your condition.
Common Collapsed Disc Causes
The factors that cause a collapsed disc to form may include high-impact sports such as football or hockey, excessive alcohol or tobacco consumption, poor posture, living a sedentary lifestyle, and excessive weight gain. Certain degenerative conditions such as herniated discs, bulging discs, and degenerative disc disease are also common collapsed disc causes, as this condition can develop as the spine weakens with age, causing a loss of water content and a thinning of the discs.
Conservative Treatments for a Collapsed Disc
To treat a collapsed disc, your doctor may recommend the following conservative treatments to ease your symptoms:
- Pain medications
- Anti-inflammatories
- Muscle-relaxants
- Physical therapy
- Range of motion exercises
- Heat massage
- Low-impact activities
- Chiropractic care
- Acupuncture
- Cortisone injections
However, if your symptoms persist despite several weeks or months of conservative treatment, then surgery may become an option.
Surgical Treatments for a Collapsed Disc
Patients with this condition should seek treatment as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can increase the chances of patients finding relief. Initially, doctors will recommend conservative therapies, but if this is not effective, patients may consider surgery. BEST Health System offers minimally invasive surgical options to patients with spine and orthopaedic conditions. Contact us to learn more about our services.
