Treatment FAQ

how much is a treatment for herniated disc

by Mr. Lavern Bartell Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Typical costs: For patients not covered by health insurance, herniated disc surgery can cost between $20,000 and $50,000 or more, including the surgeon's fee, anesthesiologist and facility fee.Dec 4, 2010

Medication

How long such an injury can take to heal without surgery can be different from person to person. However, it’s common for herniated discs to heal in four to six weeks on average, and most of them heal without surgery. Unfortunately, there are factors that can increase how long your herniated disc takes to heal.

Procedures

YES, herniated discs CAN heal by themselves without surgery! Watch the video below to learn how to help your herniated discs heal and get rid of back & leg pain. How Long Do Herniated Discs Take To Heal? It takes herniated discs 300-500 days to heal.

Therapy

New technologies and research has made back surgery safer and more effective than ever. And if the patient takes the time to select a competent surgeon and a modern hospital environment I’m sure most herniated disk surgeries are indeed worth the risk. Depends on how bad you are hurting and whatbyou are doing for a living.

Self-care

Types of surgery for herniated disc

  • Laminotomy/laminectomy. In a laminotomy, a surgeon makes an opening in the vertebral arch (lamina) to relieve pressure on your nerve roots.
  • Discectomy/microdiscectomy. Discectomy is the most common surgery used for herniated disc in the lumbar region. ...
  • Artificial disc surgery. ...
  • Spinal fusion. ...

Nutrition

See more

How long for herniated disc to heal without surgery?

Can herniated discs heal by themselves without surgery?

Is herniated disc surgery worth risking?

Should you get surgery for a herniated disk?

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How much does it cost to treat a herniated disc?

A herniated disc procedure not covered by health insurance generally costs between $20,000 and $50,000 including the surgeon's fee, anesthesiologist, and facility fee.

Is herniated disc surgery worth it?

But disc surgery is faster and works better for bad pain, a large U.S. study finds. The study shows that patients with a "slipped" or "ruptured" disc -- what doctors call a herniated disc --won't get worse or become paralyzed if they don't have surgery. Instead, they can expect to get better over time.

How much does it cost to get a discectomy?

How Much Does a Back Surgery (Laminectomy, Laminotomy, Discectomy) Cost? On MDsave, the cost of a Back Surgery (Laminectomy, Laminotomy, Discectomy) ranges from $9,035 to $15,945. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can save when they buy their procedure upfront through MDsave.

Can herniated discs get better without surgery?

The good news is that the vast majority of herniated discs can be treated without surgery using manual therapy and exercise or with IDD Therapy disc treatment. It is only a small percentage of cases which go on to have surgery.

Can a chiropractor fix a herniated disc?

Nine out of ten individuals with a herniated disc can heal their condition through non-invasive procedures. If you want to explore conservative options for recovery, chiropractic care is an excellent place to start. A chiropractor can help you heal naturally and relieve your pain.

When is herniated disc an emergency?

The severe case of a herniated disk is a medical emergency because of intolerable pain and discomfort. Some of its symptoms include lower back pain, sharp leg or arm pain, loss of bladder or bowel control and numbness, weakness or tingling sensation in the foot and/or leg.

Does insurance cover herniated disk surgery?

Herniated disc surgery typically is covered by health insurance if ordered by a doctor. According to eSpine.com[1] , the website of a Los Angeles-based surgeon, most insurance plans will cover spinal surgery. Medicare generally covers herniated disc surgery.

Is discectomy major surgery?

Discectomy is a common but major surgery with significant risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options.

What is the success rate of herniated disc surgery?

According to one study, the success rate for a herniated lumbar disc surgery was 78.9% among 39,048 patients. This same study reported a 94% long-term success rate for patients undergoing herniated cervical disc surgery.

What happens if a herniated disc goes untreated?

Nerve Damage When a herniated disc puts significant pressure on a nerve, it can lead to significant damage by cutting off nerve impulses. Compressed nerves can lead to significant conditions, including loss of sensation in lower extremities or even loss of bowel control.

Are herniated discs permanent?

Once a healthy disc herniates, it will never return to its normal anatomical state—the disease or injury is permanent in nature.

Can you push a herniated disc back into place?

The discs will bulge or herniated, causing spinal damage and likely a life with chronic pain. Even the slightest increase in spacing can be enough to allow a herniated disc to pop back into place or relieve pressure from a compressed nerve.

How to treat a herniated disc?

Some exercises can help improve the symptoms of a herniated disc. A physical therapist can teach you which ones strengthen the muscles that support your back. Physical therapy programs also include: 1 Stretching exercises to keep your muscles flexible 2 Aerobic exercises -- such as walking or riding a stationary bicycle 3 Massage 4 Ice and heat 5 Ultrasound therapy 6 Electrical muscle stimulation

How long does it take for a herniated disk to heal?

Most people with a herniated disk don't need surgery. Rest and other treatments should start to improve your symptoms within 4 to 6 weeks. But if your pain doesn’t improve, surgery might be an option. Talk to your doctor about surgery if: You’re not getting relief from pain relievers, injections, and physical therapy.

What is the bone that is removed from a herniated disc?

Sometimes your surgeon will also need to remove a small piece of bone called the lamina from the vertebra. The lamina forms a protective cover over your spinal cord. Removing part or all of it helps the surgeon access your herniated disk. It also can relieve pressure on your nerves and eliminate leg pain and sciatica.

What is the best medicine for back spasms?

And nerve pain medicines, such as amitriptyline ( Elavil, Vanatrip ), duloxetine ( Cymbalta ), ...

How to protect your spine from a herniated disk?

To protect your spine and prevent another herniated disk, you should always sit and stand up straight. If you have to stand for a long period of time , rest one foot on a stool or box to take pressure off your back. Be careful when you lift anything heavy. Squat from your knees to pick it up.

What is the procedure called when you have two disks in your back?

This is called spinal fusion . Fusing the two disks will stop the bones from moving and prevent you from having any more pain. Artificial disk surgery. Only a few people are good candidates for artificial disk surgery because it only works on certain disks in your lower back.

How to stop back pain from a sprain?

You need to keep moving so your joints and muscles don't stiffen up. You can also use ice and heat to help relieve your pain. Just place an ice pack or warm wet towel on the area of your back that is sore. You can alternate hot and cold, or use whichever feels best.

How many treatments for herniated disc?

Typically, you need to do about three to eight treatments, and you will see phenomenal results by doing prolotherapy if you stick to it. ( 9)

What is the best supplement for herniated discs?

The best supplements for healing a herniated disc include a collagen protein or a protein powder made from bone broth. Those contain the amino acids glutamine, glycine, proline, as well as arginine. These are the amino acids that your body needs for collagen production and help heal damaged tissues.

What is the difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc?

The main difference between the two is that a bulging disc is thought to be caused by pressure that forces the disc to stretch, while on the other hand a herniated disc is primarily caused from a crack developing in the tough outer layer of the disc’s cartilage.

Why do I have a herniated disc?

Part of what can cause herniated discs is if you get what’s called a military neck and losing the curve in your neck. It also can result from having too much or too little curve in your lumbar spine or having a condition like a spondylolisthesis that can cause instability of your lumbar spine or your cervical spine.

What is the best way to heal a damaged disc?

First off, you need to give your body the specific nutrients it needs in order to heal the area, and that means you need to follow what I call the collagen diet. Your body needs collagen to help heal and repair a damaged disc and tissues. In order to do that, collagen is found in protein powder made from bone broth or bone broth liquid. ( 3)

What to eat to help a herniated disc?

For instance, combine chicken, celery, onions, carrots, some organic chicken and some chicken bone broth. That’s going to give you some of the nutrients you need to help heal and repair your low back, stiff neck or wherever you might have a herniated disc.

How many people have back pain?

Back pain is something a very large number of people have to deal with at one point or another. In fact, there are some 31 million people in the U.S. alone who suffer from lower back pain at any one time, according to the American Chiropractic Association.

How much does a herniated disc cost?

For patients not covered by health insurance, herniated disc surgery can cost between $20,000 and $50,000 or more, including the surgeon's fee, anesthesiologist and facility fee. A minimally invasive outpatient microdiscectomy would typically fall on the lower end, while an inpatient open discectomy with a hospital stay would fall on the higher end.

What are the risks of herniated disc surgery?

Risks of herniated disc surgery include that the surgery will not correct the problem; a chance of spinal fluid leaks, bleeding or infection, or in rare cases, paralysis or death. Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.

How much does a walker cost after surgery?

The doctor usually will prescribe pain relievers after surgery, and sometimes equipment such as a walker, which can cost $50 to $200 or more , is necessary. Some patients -- about 4 percent -- require a second surgery which can cost as much as the first, depending on the surgery needed. Discounts:

How much does a back brace cost?

Most patients require two to six weeks of recovery time. A back brace, which sometimes is required, can cost $200 or more. Physical therapy at $50 to $100 or more per session can add $1,000 or more to the cost. The doctor usually will prescribe pain relievers after surgery, and sometimes equipment such as a walker, ...

When is surgery recommended?

Surgery often is recommended when pain is severe enough to interfere with daily activities and requires strong pain medications, and when there are additional symptoms such as leg pain, weakness and loss of motion. It is important to consult with a specialist to determine whether surgery is the right decision.

Does Medicare cover herniated disc surgery?

Medicare generally covers herniated disc surgery. For patients covered by insurance, assuming the deductible has been met, typical out-of-pocket costs would consist of coinsurance of between 10 and 40 percent of the procedure, for a total of $2,000 or more, up to the yearly out-of-pocket maximum. In a microdiscectomy, the surgeon makes ...

Can a herniated disc be performed outpatient?

The procedures typically are recommended for patients who have not had success with non-surgical solutions and who experience severe pain or numbness and tingling in the legs. Herniated disc surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, but sometimes requires an overnight stay. Additional costs:

Insurance Coverage

The most important factor in determining the cost of your surgery for a herniated disc is the extent of your insurance coverage. Many insurance companies will cover the full cost of the operation, while others may cover just a portion.

The Details of the Operation

Insurance coverage aside, there are many variables during the herniated disc surgery itself that can each influence the overall cost. For example, longer operations generally cost more money. If your condition is more severe, it may require a longer surgery and thus come at a higher cost.

Surgical Facility

The facility in which your operation takes place can also determine the cost of your herniated disc surgery. Many facilities charge fees to cover the cost of their supplies and staff, and these fees can vary depending on factors like the facility’s location and size.

Post-Operative Care

Another important consideration for the overall cost of your herniated disc surgery is the care you may require after the operation.

Final Thoughts

A herniated disc can be a serious setback, but fortunately, surgery is an effective way to treat this condition. If you have decided to undergo surgery for a herniated disc and you are curious about its cost, you should take the necessary steps to find out more information.

How much does it cost to have a herniated disc removed?

On average, the surgery for herniated disc surgery can cost anywhere from $15,000 to as much as $35,000 without insurance by the time you factor in the surgeon’s fee, anesthesiologist and hospital fee.

How long does it take to remove a disc?

Both procedures will take less than 90 minutes to perform.

How to remove disc from nerve root?

During the microdiscectomy procedure, the surgeon will create a slight incision in the patient’s back, and while doing so, he or she will use a special microscope to remove any of the affected disc material from underneath the nerve root. Another common procedure, known as a discectomy or an open discectomy, will be a process where a surgeon will remove the entire or portion of the disc, creating a similar incision. Both procedures will take less than 90 minutes to perform.

How do you know if you have a herniated disc?

Common signs of a herniated disc include pain felt alongside the back, pain when one coughs, muscle weakness, and spasms. The cost of this surgery will depend upon the cost of living in your area, the surgeon performing the procedure, the hospital, if insurance is involved and the complexity of the surgery.

How much does an anesthesiologist cost?

Anesthesiologist expenses can range from $1,100 to $3,000 depending on the length of the surgery. Each additional hospital stay can vary from $1,000 to $4,000 per night; again, this will depend on the length, complexity of the surgery as well as the recovery time.

How much is Kristin Trapp's surgery bill?

On her bill, once the anesthesia, medical supplies, pharmacy, radiology, surgery, surgeon’s fee and recovery fees were factored in, her total was $19,992.25, a pinch less than $20,000. This procedure was performed in a Chicago-based hospital.

How many sessions of a syringe do you need to feel healthy?

On average, most patients need up to 10 sessions to feel healthy again. If the surgery didn’t correct the problem in the first place, which is often in less than five percent of surgeries on record, an additional surgery may be needed.

How much is the average verdict for a herniated disc?

The Statistics. The average verdict nationally in herniated disc injury cases is approximately $360,000. Settlement value often depends on the severity of a victim's symptoms. There it is.

Can a herniated disc be identical on an MRI?

The take-home message is that two herniated disc injuries that look identical on an MRI may impact victims' lives in completely different ways. So the average values, which are never particularly instructive anyway, lose almost all meaning.

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Treatment

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Alternative Medicine

Preparing For Your Appointment

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Shreenidhi Kulkarni
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Not all herniated discs require intervention. Treatment may include medication, physiotherapy and surgery.
Medication

Analgesics: To relieve pain.

Ibuprofen


Narcotics: To relieve severe pain.

Codeine


Anticonvulsants: Treats radiating nerve pain.

Gabapentin


Muscle relaxants: To manage muscle spasms.

Metaxalone

Procedures

Spinal surgery: To correct abnormalities.

Therapeutic ultrasound: Uses heat and vibrations from sound waves to treat injuries.

Epidural steroid injection: Injection of cortisone reduces back, neck, arm and leg pain.

Therapy

Physical therapy:Minimizes pain through exercises. Stretching improves flexibility and physical function

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Physical exercise - improves cardiovascular health
  • Heating pad - soothes painful muscles
  • Avoid bed rest and continue low impact activities

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Calcium rich foods such as milk, vegetables, nuts
  • Antioxidants such as oranges
  • Omega 3 fatty acids rich foods such as salmon, fish
  • Sulphur rich foods such as onions, garlic, cabbage
  • Fiber rich foods such as whole grains, nuts, vegetables

Foods to avoid:

  • Processed foods high in nitrites such as Processed meat
  • High sugar, saturated fats, trans fat foods
  • Foods containing corn syrup

Specialist to consult

Neurologist
Specializes in treating diseases of the nervous system, which includes the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves.
Neurosurgeon
Specializes in surgery on the nervous system, especially the brain and spinal cord.
Emergency medicine specialist
Specializes in identifying and managing illnesses or injuries requiring immediate medical attention.
Orthopedic surgeon
Specializes in the surgery of bone and joint disorders.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

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