Coping with Spinal Disc Issues: Understanding and Treatment Options

Spinal disc troubles are a prevalent cause of lower back pain, affecting millions of individuals globally. As people age, conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and other back problems become more common.

These back and spine problems become increasingly common after age 50. Natural wear and tear on the spine that occurs over time can lead to these conditions. In fact, degenerative spinal changes affect up to 95% of people by the age of 50. While not everyone will experience significant symptoms, these conditions can significantly impact the quality of life for many individuals in this age group.

The backbone's structure includes vertebrae cushioned by intervertebral discs, which are crucial for shock absorption and flexibility. Various procedures, including conservative techniques and surgical alternatives, are available for coping with spinal disc issues and treating herniated discs.

Understanding Spinal Disc Problems

Spinal discs are gel-like cushions between vertebrae. The outer layer, called the annulus fibrosus, is firm, while the center, the nucleus pulposus, is soft and jellylike. Disc problems typically arise from degeneration and herniation.

• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD): This condition involves the deterioration of discs, causing pain and reducing spinal flexibility.
• Herniated Discs: Also known as slipped or ruptured discs, these occur when the soft center pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing, causing pain, numbness, and weakness by compressing nearby nerves.

Symptoms of Spinal Disc Problems

Common symptoms include:

• Back or Neck Pain: Depending on the affected area.
• Radiating Pain: Pain that extends to the arms or legs.
• Numbness or Tingling: Often in the extremities.
• Muscle Weakness: Especially in the arms or legs.
• Reduced Mobility: Difficulty bending or twisting the spine.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Rest and Activity Modification

One of the primary steps in treating spinal disc problems is rest and modifying activities to avoid pain exacerbation. Engaging in low-impact activities can help alleviate symptoms.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of non-surgical treatment. A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program to strengthen muscles supporting the spine, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Common exercises include stretching, core strengthening, and aerobic conditioning.

Medications

• Pain Medications: Over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Prescription Muscle Relaxers: These can relieve muscle spasms caused by disc issues.
• Neuropathic Pain Medications: Drugs such as gabapentin and pregabalin can treat nerve-related pain.

Heat and Cold Therapy

Using ice or a heating pad can provide temporary relief. Heat can relax muscles and improve blood flow, while cold can reduce inflammation and numb the area.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic manipulation can improve alignment, reduce pain, and enhance mobility. For safe and effective care, it's important to choose a licensed and experienced chiropractor.

Acupuncture

An ancient Chinese practice, acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It can help reduce pain and improve function for some spinal disc patients.

Massage Therapy

Massage offers pain relief and muscle relaxation by increasing blood flow and reducing tension. Improved circulation from massage therapy promotes healing and reduces inflammation, which is crucial for recovery.

Regular massage can also enhance flexibility and mobility, alleviate stiffness, and improve the range of motion. Additionally, it helps reduce stress, which can decrease the perception of pain.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Epidural Steroid Injections

These injections involve corticosteroids delivered into the epidural space around the spinal nerves, reducing inflammation and providing pain relief for weeks to months.

"Epidural injections can be performed for neck and low back pain of what we call a radicular nature," explains Christopher Gharibo, MD, a pain management physician at NYU Langone.

In other words, if there's any type of nerve root compression or irritation at the cervical spine or the lumbar spine, an epidural steroid injection can be performed at the inflamed or impinged area to relieve neck and upper extremity or low back and lower extremity symptoms.

Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks use numbing medications to numb affected nerves, helping diagnose the source of pain and guiding further treatment.

Surgical Treatments

Surgical intervention may be necessary when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief. The type of surgery depends on the specific disc problem and its severity.

Discectomy

A discectomy involves removing part of a herniated disc to relieve pressure on a nerve. This can be performed as open surgery or using less invasive techniques like microdiscectomy.

Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion joins two or more vertebrae to eliminate motion between them, stabilizing the spine and reducing pain from degenerative disc disease. However, it may compromise flexibility and mobility in the affected area.

Artificial Disc Replacement

An alternative to spinal fusion, artificial disc replacement involves replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one to reduce pain while maintaining spinal mobility.

Laminectomy

A laminectomy involves removing part of the bone called the lamina to relieve compression on the spinal cord and nerve roots, typically used to treat spinal stenosis.

Lifestyle and Preventative Measures

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Excess weight can place additional pressure on the spine, leading to disc problems. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help prevent these issues.

Regular Exercise

Consistent exercise strengthens the muscles supporting the spine, increases flexibility, and promotes overall spinal health. Activities like walking, swimming, and yoga are particularly beneficial.

Proper Ergonomics

Using ergonomic furniture and maintaining good posture can prevent spinal disc problems. Avoid long periods of sitting or standing and take breaks to move around.

Hydration

Staying hydrated keeps spinal discs elastic and functioning properly. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain disc health.

FAQs

How are spinal disc problems diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans, and sometimes nerve studies.

Can spinal disc problems heal on their own?

Mild cases may improve with rest and conservative treatments, but severe or chronic conditions may require more intensive interventions.

When should I see a doctor for spinal disc problems?

You should see a doctor if you experience persistent back pain that doesn't improve with rest, numbness or weakness in your legs or arms, or difficulty controlling bladder or bowel function.

What are the risks associated with spinal surgery for disc problems?

Risks may include infection, nerve damage, ongoing pain, and the need for additional surgeries.

How Spinal and Back Issues Lead to a Higher Risk of Long-Term Care

Spinal and back issues can significantly increase the risk of requiring long-term care due to their impact on mobility, chronic pain, and overall health.

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that individuals with chronic pain were more likely to require long-term care services than those without pain.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mobility limitations are among the most common disabilities affecting older adults, leading to a greater need for long-term care.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) highlights that chronic back pain is a leading cause of disability and a significant factor in long-term care needs.

Compounded Health Issues

Spinal problems can exacerbate other health issues, such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, by limiting physical activity. This can lead to a cycle of declining health, making it more difficult for individuals to manage their conditions and increasing the need for long-term care.

As spinal conditions progress, individuals may struggle to manage personal care tasks independently. This can include difficulties with toileting, grooming, and eating, necessitating the need for in-home caregivers or a move to an assisted living facility or nursing home.

Be Proactive with Planning

Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment for your back condition. Delaying treatment will only complicate the problem. Ignoring back issues will lead to less activity and other health-related problems.

By actively caring for your spine, you can minimize the likelihood of disc problems and enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle.

By actively planning for retirement now, before you retire, you can prepared for the consequences of aging and the higher risk of needing long-term care services. As the cost of long-term care services increases, the impact on your family and finances will grow as you age.

Health insurance and Medicare only pay for short-term skilled care, which is why you should consider adding Long-Term Care Insurance to provide you with access to your choice of quality care services, even care at home.

Even in-home care is expensive, and growing labor costs will increase the cost of quality of home care over the years ahead. However, the cost of care services will vary depending on where you live.

For example, the cost of home care in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is more expensive than the cost of home care in Duluth, Minnesota. When you start planning, be sure to review the cost of all types of long-term care services where you live by using the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator.

If you are looking for quality long-term care services for a loved one, be sure to use the free LTC NEWS Caregiver Directory. With just a few clicks, you can search a database of over 80,000 caregivers, home health agencies, senior communities, and long-term care facilities. 

Take care of your back, spine, and health, prepare for retirement, and give yourself and your loved ones more peace of mind.