A herniated disc can be an incredibly painful and limiting condition, typically arising when a spinal disc is damaged and its inner gel-like core pushes out, irritating surrounding nerves. While many herniated discs improve with rest, physical therapy, and time, some may not heal completely. Understanding what happens if a herniated disc never heals is essential for anyone dealing with long-term symptoms. In this article, you will learn about the risks, symptoms, and treatment options for managing an unhealed herniated disc.
Understanding Herniated Discs & Healing
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a disc leaks out through a tear in the tougher outer layer. This protrusion can press on nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and sometimes muscle weakness. The spine’s natural healing process may absorb some of this material over time, reducing symptoms. However, if the disc remains damaged without healing, the affected person may experience persistent issues.
Symptoms of an Unhealed Herniated Disc
An unhealed herniated disc can lead to chronic symptoms, which can range in severity depending on the disc’s location and the extent of the herniation. Some common symptoms include:
- Persistent pain - This pain often radiates from the back to other areas, such as down the leg in cases of lumbar herniation.
- Numbness and tingling - As the herniated disc presses on nerves, sensations of numbness or tingling can occur in affected limbs.
- Muscle weakness - Nerve impingement can lead to reduced strength in certain muscle groups, which can affect mobility and posture.
- Difficulty performing daily activities - Chronic pain and weakness can make routine tasks, such as walking or standing for long periods, challenging.
Long-Term Effects of a Nonhealing Herniated Disc
If a herniated disc remains unhealed, the chronic pressure on the spinal nerves can have significant long-term consequences. Here is a closer look at the potential risks associated with an untreated or unhealed herniated disc:
- Chronic pain - Unresolved herniated discs often lead to ongoing pain, which can become a debilitating part of daily life. Chronic pain affects mental health, mood, and overall quality of life, making it essential to seek treatment that focuses on pain relief.
- Increased risk of nerve damage - Nerve compression caused by an untreated herniated disc can sometimes result in permanent nerve damage. This can manifest as continued numbness or weakness in the affected area, even if other symptoms are managed.
- Reduced mobility and functionality - Persistent pain and muscle weakness can impact mobility and functional abilities, which might make physical activities and even basic tasks more challenging. Prolonged immobility can also lead to muscle atrophy and additional strain on other parts of the body.
- Dependency on pain medication - Long-term reliance on painkillers can pose additional risks. Medications like NSAIDs or opioids may provide temporary relief but can lead to dependency or unwanted side effects if used continuously.
- Mental health impact - Chronic physical pain often has a psychological toll. Individuals with long-standing herniated disc issues may experience depression, anxiety, or stress due to their condition’s impact on daily life. Sleep disturbances, social isolation, and reduced quality of life are possible.
- Work and career - An unhealed herniated disc can significantly affect your professional life. It can cause difficulty maintaining prolonged sitting or standing positions, reduce your ability to perform physical tasks, increase the number of sick days you take, and even lead to a potential career change or disability claims.
Why Some Herniated Discs Do Not Heal
Several factors influence whether a herniated disc heals over time. While age, activity level, and overall health play roles, there are specific reasons some herniated discs resist healing:
- Severity of the herniation - More severe herniations are less likely to self-heal, especially if the disc material extends far out or exerts substantial pressure on nerves.
- Location - Lumbar (lower back) herniations, in particular, can be more prone to chronic issues due to the stress placed on this area from sitting, standing, and lifting.
- Lifestyle factors - Sedentary lifestyles, poor posture, and lack of core strength can contribute to slow healing.
- Underlying conditions - Conditions such as degenerative disc disease can worsen the likelihood of healing by compromising the disc’s structural integrity.
Treatment Options for an Unhealed Herniated Disc
The good news is there are numerous ways to manage the symptoms of a herniated disc that does not heal fully. These treatments aim to reduce pain, enhance mobility, and prevent further deterioration.
- Physical therapy - A tailored physical therapy program can be instrumental in managing symptoms. Exercises that strengthen the core and back muscles support the spine, which can reduce the strain on herniated discs and minimize symptoms.
- Pain management techniques - Pain management can involve various methods, such as medications, hot/cold therapy, and techniques like acupuncture or massage therapy. For more persistent pain, injections such as corticosteroids can be administered to reduce inflammation and provide longer-lasting relief.
- Lifestyle modifications - Lifestyle adjustments, including maintaining a healthy weight, improving posture, and avoiding activities that aggravate the disc, can make a significant difference in symptom management. Regular low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or gentle yoga can also be beneficial.
- Alternative therapies - Alternative treatments, such as chiropractic care or acupuncture, may relieve pain by reducing nerve compression or alleviating muscle tension around the affected area. These should be discussed with a healthcare provider to ensure they are suitable.
- Surgical intervention - When conservative treatments do not provide adequate relief, surgery may be discussed and potentially recommended. Surgical options, such as a microdiscectomy, laminectomy, or spinal fusion, aim to relieve nerve pressure by removing the damaged portion of the disc. Surgery is generally a last resort that is recommended when symptoms are severe and significantly impact quality of life. Such symptoms include progressive neurological deficits, severe and unrelenting pain, and cauda equina syndrome.
Prevention Strategies for Herniated Discs
Even if you are currently managing a herniated disc, adopting preventative strategies can protect your spine from further injury or aggravation. Some effective measures include:
- Strengthening core muscles - A strong core supports spinal alignment and reduces strain on discs.
- Practicing good posture - Proper posture alleviates stress on the spine and decreases the likelihood of disc injuries.
- Avoiding heavy lifting - If lifting is unavoidable, practicing safe techniques, such as bending at the knees, can reduce pressure on the back.
- Staying active - Engaging in regular low-impact exercise can help you maintain spinal flexibility and overall health.
When to Seek Help for an Unhealed Herniated Disc
If your herniated disc does not improve over time, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider. Certain symptoms, such as sudden worsening pain, loss of bladder or bowel control, or increasing numbness, may signal a medical emergency and require prompt attention. Early intervention can improve outcomes and prevent permanent damage.
While it is frustrating to deal with a herniated disc that does not heal, there are effective treatments and lifestyle adjustments that can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. By seeking medical advice, adhering to a customized treatment plan, and making lifestyle modifications, it is possible to live a fulfilling life despite chronic symptoms. Always consult with a medical professional to determine the best course of action based on your unique needs.
If you have a herniated disc that is not responding to conservative treatment, a discectomy may be discussed and potentially recommended. Although this is generally one of the most successful back surgery procedures, having a large hole in the outer ring of the disc more than doubles the risk of needing another operation. A new treatment, Barricaid, is a bone-anchored device that closes this hole, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital.
If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment, ask your doctor or contact us today.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.