{"id":410,"date":"2016-06-10T20:56:19","date_gmt":"2016-06-10T20:56:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/flspinalsurgeon.com\/?p=410"},"modified":"2016-06-30T03:19:41","modified_gmt":"2016-06-30T03:19:41","slug":"disk-injury","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flspinalsurgeon.com\/disk-injury\/","title":{"rendered":"Disk Injury"},"content":{"rendered":"
Though it is a common cause of back pain in the adult population, disc injury is relatively uncommon in the young athletic population. Back pain from a disc injury may or may not be associated with sciatica (pain that shoots down the leg). A careful history and examination is very important in determining if a disc problem may be the cause of the athlete’s complaints. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also be helpful in determining if a disc is a cause for the pain and to rule out other potential causes that may mimic disc injury in an adolescent.<\/p>\n
Treatment is similar to treatment of a disc herniation in the adult population. (See the NASS Patient Education Brochure on Herniated Disc for more information about this condition.) Injections (epidurals) can be used but are not necessary in most cases. If symptoms do not improve with a comprehensive rehabilitation program, then surgery may be indicated. This is necessary only in a small percentage of young athletes with disc injury.<\/p>\n