Ruptured Disk Treatment
Ruptured disks are a common injury related to aging. The spine is composed of 33 vertebrae separated by tough cartilage disks. Around each disk is a hard outer shell, and inside that, a gelatinous fluid. Each vertebra and disk surrounds the nerves of the spinal cord. Young people occasionally suffer from a ruptured disk after significant injury or accident. Older people find they can rupture disks more easily because the fluid inside the disk begins to decrease as we age.
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Treating Ruptured Disks Begins with Prevention
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Ruptured disks have several causes. These include sudden impacts that crush disks, lifting or carrying something that is too heavy, and repetitive motions that wear down disks over time.
Degeneration related to aging makes the disk weak, but it is movement that technically causes the injury. In order to prevent ruptured disks, learn how to lift and carry objects using your legs more instead of solely your back, and how to balance loads so you don't lean as you lift and move heavy objects. Pay attention to repetitive motions that cause your back to ache, and positions you hold for a long period of time. For example, sitting with bad posture for hours every day can seriously damage your spine.
It is important to note that having a ruptured disk does not preclude you from having a second or a third damaged disk over time. In fact, it is just the opposite.
Most Ruptured Disks Heal on Their Own
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Most ruptured disks, left untreated, will heal on their own as long as the behavior that caused them is terminated. It is important to understand that the disk and the vertebrae are not the source of pain from a ruptured disk. The pain comes from pressure against the spinal cord from the damaged disk. As the disk heals, the pain disappears. This healing process may take up to six months, during which time doctors focus on pain control.
Treatment may include pain medications, muscle relaxants, exercises to alleviate pressure, and strong recommendations to rest until the injury has healed. Subsequently, exercises designed to strengthen the abdomen and back may be suggested, or physical therapy may be prescribed, in order to ensure the body is prepared to prevent reinjury.
Chiropractors Can Offer Pain Relief
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Chiropractors are not medical doctors who have gone to medical school or residency, but they often have extensive training in treating back problems. Chiropractors use their hands to manually adjust the spine, and occasionally use equipment to help stretch the body to remove pressure from the spine. Many people with ruptured disks find chiropractors can provide drug-free pain relief from back pain.
It is important to note that chiropractic treatment should not cause pain. Over-aggressive manipulation of the spine and back can result in serious injury.
Surgery
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In about 10 percent of cases, surgery is required to resolve problems with ruptured disks. This occurs usually when the disk has been so damaged that it no longer forms a barrier between two vertebrae. In this instance, the vertebrae may be fused so they no longer move relative to one another. This helps to eliminate the pain, but also reduces mobility.
Surgery for a ruptured disk usually focuses on removing damaged disk material from between vertebrae. In some cases surgery will require modification of the vertebrae themselves.
Most doctors consider surgery a last resort for treating ruptured disks because there are serious risks associated with the procedure, and the costs--both financially and in recovery time--can be prohibitive.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate?
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Some studies have suggested that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can help prevent the degeneration of disks over time, which helps to stave off ruptured disks. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about using these over-the-counter supplements if you frequently suffer from ruptured disks.
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