Orthopedics/Sports - October 2015 Archives

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I was recently diagnosed with a herniated disk in my back. It’s causing quite a bit of pain throughout one of my legs. My doctor says the disk is basically choking the nerves in my lumbar spine. Surgery has been recommended, but I’m not sure I want surgery. I’ve heard it’s not always effective. Will my condition worsen without it? ANSWER: A herniated disk often can be effectively treated without surgery. Medication and physical therapy typically ease the pain and discomfort caused by a herniated disk. But in some cases, particularly when the injured disk is compressing a nerve, surgery may be helpful. Spinal disks are a special kind of joint located between the spine bones, called vertebrae, that stack up to create your spine. The disks serve as cushions between the vertebrae. They have a soft center wrapped within tougher exterior layers. A herniated disk happens when some of the softer material pushes out through a crack in the outer layers of the disk.

This article first appeared In the Loop September 17, 2015 Troy Chroniger of Orlando, Florida, enjoyed a busy, if hectic, life as a construction ...