About this topic
A herniated disc is a health problem that causes pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the back or legs. Your back has discs in it that sit between the bones of your spine. These add cushion and allow movement. A herniated disc happens when the outer shell of the disc breaks. Then, the jelly material inside the disc leaks out. This jelly can bother nearby nerves. � �
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Stay active. Do not stay in bed longer than 1 to 2 days. Staying in bed or resting too long may make your back weak and stiff. This may make your problem worse.
- Talk to your doctor about exercises you can do.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may send you to a physical therapist (PT). The PT will teach you exercises and stretches for your back.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: � �
- Help with pain and swelling
- Help the muscles relax
Will physical activity be limited?
Talk to your doctor about how much activity is right for you. Stay away from activities that make your back pain worse. Avoid lifting heavy objects, picking up objects off the floor, and hard activities like biking and playing sports. � �
What problems could happen?
- Nerve problems
- Less movement of arms or legs
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Keep a healthy weight to avoid putting too much stress on your spine.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Pain along with a fever
- Not able to hold your foot up. This is called "foot drop " �.
- Loss of bladder control
- Very bad pain that limits your movements like walking
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: � �
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain, am not able to hold my foot up, or have a loss of bladder control.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons � �
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00534 � �
NHS Choices � �
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Slipped-disc/Pages/Introduction.aspx � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
Copyright
Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �