In order to begin the healing process for patients suffering from pain caused by herniated or bulged spinal discs, our Red Bank, NJ pain management office provides Epidural Steroid Injections. This procedure relieves the pain and inflammation that occur when disc injuries cause the compression or irritation of the spinal nerves. This process allows patients to rehabilitate using healthy practices—including chiropractic and physical therapy—with less pain. It is also an excellent solution for patients who do not require surgery, as well as those seeking to avoid the serious consequences of extended painkiller usage.
Understanding Disc Injuries
Herniated and bulged spinal discs are often the cause of lower back pain. Although disc injuries generally occur in the lumbar spine (lower back), the entire spine is vulnerable to this painful condition. Disc problems in the lower back cause a number of symptoms, including not only back pain but also leg pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and (in serious cases) bladder and bowel dysfunction.
The spinal discs have a number of important functions. Located between the bones of the spine (the vertebrae), they were designed to provide cushioning between the vertebrae while allowing for movement and flexibility of the spine. They also act as ligaments that keep the bones of the spine together while providing shock absorption. These discs, which are made up of an outer shell and an inner, gel-like center, are particularly vulnerable to age-related degeneration as well as trauma (such as that caused by auto accidents and sports injuries).
When the other shell of a spinal disc ruptures, the inner portion may bulge out, putting pressure on the nerves and causing pain. A disc herniation is a more serious condition in which the inner disc material presses against the nerves and the spinal cord.
