Orthopaedic and Spine Institute
Texas Center for Athletes
21 Spurs Lane Suite 245
San Antonio, Tx.78240
210.48.SPINE
(210.487.7463)
Fax: 210.487.7468
Directions to
our facility
Take a Tour of the Orthopaedic and Spine Institute Facility
Click here to send an inquiry
Orthopaedic Conditions
CONDITIONS OF THE SPINE
- Herniated Disc
Spinal Disc Herniation
A spinal disc herniation is also know by the, informal and incorrect term "slipped disc". This is a medical condition affecting the spine, in which a tear in the outer, fibrous ring of an intervertebral disc allows the soft, central portion to bulge out. Tears are almost always posterior-ipsilateral in nature owing to the presence of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the spinal canal.
This tear in the disc ring may result in the release of inflammatory chemical mediators which cause severe pain, even in the absence of nerve root compression. This is the rationale for the use of anti-inflammatory treatments for pain associated with disc herniation, protrusion, bulge, or disc tear.
In most cases spinal herniation does not require surgery, several procedures that are commonly used to correct this issue include:
- Patient education on proper body mechanics
- Physical therapy, to address mechanical factors
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Oral steroids
- Epidural (cortisone) injection
- Intravenous sedation, analgesia-assisted traction therapy
- Weight control
- Tobacco cessation
- Lumbosacral back support
