Herniated Disc Treatment Dubai
Overview
Lower back pain is a frequent concern, affecting a significant portion of the population. While there are various potential causes, a herniated disc can be a significant contributor. This condition involves a displacement of the intervertebral disc material, potentially impinging on nearby nerves. If you’re experiencing persistent lower back pain, especially with radiating leg discomfort, a herniated disc may be a possibility.
As one of the largest chains of hospitals, King’s Spine Centre offers a wide spectrum of services, including precise and well-guided herniated disc treatment in Dubai.
In that context, allow us to walk you through the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options for herniated discs that can empower you with the information needed to make informed decisions about your spinal health.
Understanding a Herniated Disc
A herniated disc involves an issue with one of the cushioning discs that lie between the vertebrae in the spine. This condition can occur anywhere along the spine but is most frequently found in the lower back. It is a primary reason behind lower back pain and leg pain, commonly known as sciatica. Statistics show that between 60% and 80% of individuals will encounter low back pain during their lifetime, and a portion of these cases will involve pain resulting from a herniated disc.
Anatomy of the Spine
Your spine is composed of a series of vertebrae stacked on top of each other. From the top down, the spine includes seven cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, and five lumbar vertebrae, with the sacrum and the coccyx at the base. These vertebrae are cushioned by discs that act as shock absorbers in our everyday activities, such as walking, lifting, or twisting.
Each disc consists of two parts: a soft, gelatinous inner core and a tough outer layer. When an injury or weakness occurs, the inner core can push through the outer layer, resulting in what is known as a herniated, slipped, or prolapsed disc. This can lead to pain and discomfort. If the herniated or ruptured disc presses on one of the spinal nerves, it can cause numbness and pain along the path of the affected nerve.
In acute cases, surgery may be required as a part of your herniated or slip disc treatment.
Causes of Herniated Disc
Before you go ahead with your herniated disc treatment, you must be well aware of the underlying causes behind the same.
A herniated disc can result from a single significant strain or injury. Over time, the disc material naturally deteriorates, and the supporting ligaments weaken. As this degeneration advances, even minor strains or twists can lead to a disc rupture.
Some people may have a higher risk of disc issues and may experience herniated discs at multiple points along their spine. Studies reveal that there may be a genetic predisposition to herniated discs, as they tend to occur in families with multiple affected members.
Symptoms of Herniated Disc
Following are some of the symptoms of a Herniated Disc:
Common Locations
- Lower back
- Neck
Symptoms Based on Location:
Lower Back:
- Pain in the buttocks, thigh, and calf.
- Possible pain in part of the foot.
Numbness or Tingling:
Radiating numbness or tingling in the body part due to the affected nerves
Neck:
- Pain in the shoulder and arm.
- Pain may radiate into the arm or leg during coughing, sneezing, or certain movements.
- Pain often described as sharp or burning.
Weakness:
- Weakness in the muscles.
- Can cause difficulty in balance, lifting, or holding items.
If the above symptoms persist, you must consider consulting a specialised herniated disc doctor.
Our Conditions
Herniated Disc
Herniated or Slip Disc Treatment in Dubai
Non-Surgical Approach
- Non-prescription Pain Medicines: For mild to moderate pain, doctors might suggest over-the-counter options like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen sodium (Aleve).
- Neuropathic Drugs: Treatment for bulging disc in the back may also include neuropathic drugs. These medications target nerve impulses to reduce pain.
- Muscle Relaxers: Prescribed for muscle spasms, these drugs can cause sedation and dizziness.
- Opioids: Due to risks of side effects and addiction, opioids like codeine or oxycodone-acetaminophen (Percocet) are considered only if other treatments fail, with possible side effects including sedation, nausea, confusion, and constipation.
- Cortisone Injections: If oral medications are ineffective, corticosteroid injections might be recommended for pain relief.
- Physical Therapy: Our bulging disc specialist may also recommend physical therapy to treat this spinal disorder. Tailored treatments based on an in-depth evaluation may encompass pelvic traction, gentle massage, ice and heat therapy, ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, and stretching exercises.
Surgical Intervention
If conservative treatment techniques like physical therapy and medications don’t alleviate the pain, our doctor may recommend surgery for ruptured disc treatment.
Our spine surgeons at King’s Spine Centre are expert at performing the following surgeries:
Microdiscectomy: This is the most common procedure for a single herniated disk. It involves making a small incision at the level of the herniation and often using a microscope. The herniated part of the disk and any fragments pressing on the spinal nerve are removed.
Endoscopic Discectomy: A newer, minimally invasive option for a single herniated disk. An endoscope (a thin tube with a camera) is used to visualize and access the affected area, similar to arthroscopic surgery for joints like the knee, hip, and shoulder. This l4 l5 herniated disc surgery is appropriate for patients having disc degeneration.
Other surgeries performed in conjunction with the above surgeries:
Lumbar Laminotomy – Lumbar Laminotomy is also a procedure that is considered for l3 l4 l5 disc bulge treatment. It is often used to alleviate leg pain and sciatica caused by a herniated disc. This surgery involves making a small incision in the centre of the back over the herniated disc area. A portion of the lamina may be removed. The muscles are then moved aside to expose the back of the vertebrae. An opening is created between two vertebrae to access the herniated disc. After the disc is removed with the help of a discectomy, spinal stabilization might be necessary, often involving spinal fusion.
Let's tackle back pain together and explore solutions for a life free from limitations!
Seek the best treatment for bulging discs in Dubai at King’s Spine Centre.
Chronic lower back pain doesn’t have to dictate your life. At King’s Spine Centre, we understand the debilitating impact of a bulging or herniated disc. That’s why we offer a comprehensive approach to treatment tailored to your individual needs. Don’t wait to live a life free from limitations.
Contact King’s Spine Centre today and explore solutions for a pain-free future!