Herniated Discs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Self-Care Tips

Herniated disc compressing a nerve?

Three weeks ago, I went to the hospital due to pain and numbness radiating from my lower back to my buttocks.
A neurologist arranged for X-rays and nerve conduction studies.
After reviewing the results a week later, the doctor informed me that I have a herniated disc that is compressing the nerves, with the right leg being more severely affected.
The doctor prescribed pain medication and administered an injection, explaining that the medication targets the muscles and helps with vasodilation.
On the day of the injection, my pain significantly decreased, allowing me to avoid taking painkillers.
The doctor advised me to observe my condition for another week, hoping for spontaneous recovery.
However, this week, I started experiencing weakness and stiffness in my right leg, and even slight bending while sitting on the bed triggers pain.
Should I consider physical therapy? Since my job requires me to stand for long periods, are there any exercises I can do to relieve the pressure on my lower back? I found online that placing a pillow under my knees while sleeping can help open the intervertebral spaces.
Is this method suitable for my current condition? If I do use a pillow, what should be the height under my knees? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to read my post.

li, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/17

Dr. Chen Wayda reply Rehabilitation

It is advisable to use a pillow under the knees while sleeping during physical therapy.
The height of the pillow for the knees should be appropriate.
For self-exercises, on-site guidance is necessary.

Reply Date: 2015/07/17

More Info

Herniated discs, also known as slipped or ruptured discs, can cause significant discomfort and a range of symptoms, particularly when they impinge on nearby nerves. Your recent diagnosis and the symptoms you've described, including pain radiating from your lower back to your right leg, as well as weakness and stiffness in that leg, indicate that the herniated disc is likely affecting the nerve roots in that area.

Symptoms of Herniated Discs
Common symptoms of a herniated disc include:
1. Localized Pain: Pain in the lower back or neck, depending on the location of the herniation.

2. Radiating Pain: Pain that travels down the leg (sciatica) or arm, often described as sharp or burning.

3. Numbness or Tingling: A sensation of pins and needles in the affected leg or arm.

4. Muscle Weakness: Difficulty in moving the affected limb, which you are experiencing in your right leg.

5. Stiffness: Reduced flexibility and increased discomfort when attempting to move.

Treatment Options
1. Medications: As you've experienced, pain relief can often be achieved with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxants. Your doctor may also prescribe corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation around the nerve roots.

2. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can be highly beneficial. A physical therapist can design a program tailored to your specific needs, focusing on strengthening the muscles that support your spine, improving flexibility, and teaching you proper body mechanics to avoid further injury.

3. Self-Care Tips:
- Rest: While complete bed rest is not recommended, taking breaks from activities that exacerbate your pain is essential.

- Ice and Heat Therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce inflammation, while heat can relieve muscle tension.

- Gentle Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Activities like walking, swimming, or specific stretches can help maintain mobility without putting too much strain on your back.

Self-Care Exercises
For your specific situation, consider the following exercises, but consult with your healthcare provider or physical therapist before starting:
1. Pelvic Tilts: Lying on your back with your knees bent, gently flatten your lower back against the floor by tightening your abdominal muscles. Hold for a few seconds and release.

2. Knee-to-Chest Stretch: While lying on your back, pull one knee towards your chest while keeping the other foot flat on the floor. Hold for 15-30 seconds and switch legs.

3. Cat-Cow Stretch: On your hands and knees, alternate between arching your back towards the ceiling (cat) and dipping it towards the floor (cow). This can help improve flexibility in your spine.

Sleeping Position
Regarding your inquiry about placing a pillow under your knees while sleeping, this is indeed a common recommendation for individuals with lower back pain. Elevating your knees can help maintain the natural curve of your spine and reduce pressure on the lumbar discs. The height of the pillow can vary based on personal comfort, but it should be enough to keep your knees slightly elevated without causing strain. Generally, a standard-sized pillow should suffice, but you may need to adjust based on how it feels for you.

Conclusion
Given the persistence of your symptoms, particularly the weakness and stiffness in your right leg, it would be prudent to consider physical therapy as part of your treatment plan. A physical therapist can provide you with a structured approach to rehabilitation, ensuring that you engage in safe and effective exercises tailored to your condition. Additionally, maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and any changes you experience is crucial for managing your recovery effectively.

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