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PRESENTED BY
BONNIE SHETLER
TRACY STAI
Disks are soft rubbery pads that are found between the
vertebrae. The spinal cord and other nerve roots are
located in the spinal canal. The disks are between the
vertebrae and act as shock absorbers and allow flexibility.
When a herniated or ruptured disk occurs, a portion of the
nucleus center pushes through the outer edge of the disk
and back toward the spinal canal where the nerves are
located. The nerves are very sensitive even to the slightest
pressure.
When we are young, disks have high water content and the
content lessens as we age. The disks become less flexible,
decrease in size and the space between the vertebrae
narrows.
Illustration copyright 2000 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights
reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com
Often a herniated disc by itself does not cause pain. Pain occurs when
the membrane on the outside of the spinal cord or spinal nerves is
irritated. Loss of function, such as weakness or altered sensation, can be
caused by pressure from the herniated disc on the nerve roots or spinal
cord. Pain or numbness may occur in the area of the body to which the
nerve travels
The sciatic nerve is formed by the nerve roots coming out of the spinal cord
into the lower back (lumbar region). Branches of the sciatic nerve extend
through the buttocks and down the back of each leg to the ankle and foot.
A herniated disc may compress one or more of the nerve roots that form the
sciatic nerve. Pressure on one of these nerve roots will often produce
distinctive symptoms of sciatica, such as pain, numbness, weakness, and
tingling in the affected leg.
Although a herniated disc is the most common cause of sciatica, sciatica can
also be a symptom of other problems, such as narrowing of the spinal canal
(spinal stenosis), nerve root compression resulting from injury, and certain
Risk Factors
Prescription Medications
Prescription NSAIDs
Muscle relaxants (i.e.. Valium) alleviates spasms
Oral steroids used to reduce swelling
Uploads Codeine, morphine alleviates intense pain
Anti-depressants block pain messages from being
received by your brain and increase the effects of
endorphins, which are your bodies natural pain relievers.
They also help you sleep better.
Spinal Injections Epidural steroid
Injections contain corticosteroids which are potent anti-
inflammatory agents. May take a few days to work and no
more than three injections can be given in a year.
Mayo Clinic
www.mayoclinic.com
Spine Universe
www.spineuniverse.com