Herniated Lumbar Disc

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Herniated Lumbar Disc

• Maureen Smith
• Virginia Tech
• October 2, 2006

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Definition

• Displacement of the nucleus pulposus annulus
  fibrosis beyond the intervertebral disc space
• Confirmed with MRI

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Incidence

• Mostly among 30-50 y.o.
• 21 male to female
• Occurs in L4-5 level

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Etiology

• Smokers
• Weight Bearing Sports
• Work Activities
• Driving Motor Vehicles

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Drug Treatments

• Non-beneficial
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug

• Unknown Effectiveness
• Analgesics
• Antidepressants
• Muscle Relaxants
• Corticosteroids (Epidural Injections)

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Non-Drug Treatment

• Unknown Benefits
• Advice to Stay Active
• Massage
• Heat or Ice
• Exercise Therapy
• Acupuncture

• Beneficial
• Spinal Manipulation
• Non-Beneficial
• Bed rest
• Traction

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Surgery

• Beneficial
• Standard Discectomy
• Microdiscectomy

• Unknown Benefits
• Automated Percutaneous Discectomy
• Laser Discectomy

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Prevalence to Athletic Trainers

• Cause?
• Sport Play?
• Treatment
• Pain Tolerance
• Effectiveness

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References

• Jordan, Jo et al. Herniated Lumbar Disc. American
  Academy of Family Physicians. 2006 73(7).
• Lumbar Spine. Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
  A Historical Perspective. Neurosurg Focus 16(1),
  2004
• A Patients Guide to Lumbar Discectomy. Orthopod.
  2006 http//www.eorthopod.com/images/ContentImages
  /spine/spine_lumbar/discectomy/lumbar_discectomy_i
  ntro01.jpgimgrefurl