Symptoms
Treatment 1 Medications. Over-the-counter pain medications. ... 2 Therapy. Your doctor might suggest physical therapy to help with your pain. ... 3 Surgery. Diskectomy is the surgical removal of the damaged portion of a herniated disk in your spine. ...
Causes
If surgery is necessary, there are many minimally invasive treatment options for a bulging or herniated disc. We’ve compiled 11 different treatment options for herniated discs to show how doctors treat this condition. Approximately 70% to 80% of individuals will experience lower back pain at some point, but most do not need surgery.
Prevention
For lumbar and cervical herniated discs, conservative (non-surgical) treatments can usually be applied for around four to six weeks to help reduce pain and discomfort. A process of trial and error is often necessary to find the right combination of treatments.
Complications
Corticosteroid Injections Corticosteroid injections are an alternative to oral corticosteroids for herniated disc pain. Most of the time, an injection is recommended only after other nonsurgical treatments have failed to bring relief.
What is the best treatment for herniated disc?
Do you need surgery for a bulging or herniated disc?
How long does it take for a herniated disc to heal?
Can a corticosteroid injection help with herniated disc pain?
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.
How do doctors fix a herniated disk?
In nearly all cases, surgeons can remove just the protruding portion of the disk. Rarely, the entire disk must be removed. In these cases, the vertebrae might need to be fused with a bone graft. To allow the process of bone fusion, which takes months, metal hardware is placed in the spine to provide spinal stability.
What is the most common treatment for herniated discs?
A herniated disc is frequently treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, if the pain is only mild to moderate. An epidural steroid injection may be performed utilizing a spinal needle under X-ray guidance to direct the medication to the exact level of the disc herniation.
Is herniated disc surgery covered by insurance?
Like any surgical procedure, slipped disc surgery is not free. But, with health insurance, minimally invasive procedures like discectomy, the most common procedure for treating slipped discs, are generally covered.
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.
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.
Is a herniated disc an emergency?
Sudden injury and/or excessive strain may cause the inner portion of the disc to stick out through the outer ring which is called a herniated (ruptured or slipped) disc. The severe case of a herniated disk is a medical emergency because of intolerable pain and discomfort.
What percentage of herniated discs require surgery?
In many cases, patients with back pain, leg pain, or weakness of the lower extremity muscles are often diagnosed with a herniated disc (also called a slipped disc).
Is a herniated disc serious?
A herniated disc is a common spinal disorder, and it typically responds well to conservative treatment like gentle exercise or over-the-counter pain medication. But some ruptured disc symptoms warrant a trip to your doctor to prevent serious—and potentially permanent—nerve complications.
What is the average cost of 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.
How long will you be out of work after herniated disc surgery?
Most patients return to work within 2-4 weeks following surgery; however, those with more strenuous jobs may need to wait up to 12 weeks before returning. Your physician will discuss this with you, as well as any other activity restrictions, during your post-surgical office visit.
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 is the procedure to remove a herniated disk?
Surgery. Diskectomy is the surgical removal of the damaged portion of a herniated disk in your spine. A herniated disk occurs when some of the softer material inside the disk pushes out through a crack in the tougher exterior. This can irritate or compress nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness or weakness.
What tests are needed for a herniated disk?
In most cases of herniated disk, a physical exam and a medical history are all that's needed for a diagnosis. If your doctor suspects another condition or needs to see which nerves are affected, he or she may order one or more of the following tests.
What test can be used to confirm the location of the herniated disk and to see which nerves are affected
This test can be used to confirm the location of the herniated disk and to see which nerves are affected. Myelogram . A dye is injected into the spinal fluid before X-rays are taken. This test can show pressure on your spinal cord or nerves due to multiple herniated disks or other conditions.
How to treat low back pain?
Spinal manipulation has been found to be moderately effective for low back pain that has lasted for at least a month. Rarely, chiropractic treatment of the neck can cause certain types of strokes. Acupuncture. Although results are usually modest, acupuncture appears to ease chronic back and neck pain. Massage.
Can a surgeon remove a disk?
Loss of bladder or bowel control. In nearly all cases, surgeons can remove just the protruding portion of the disk. Rarely, the entire disk must be removed. In these cases, the vertebrae may need to be fused with a bone graft.
Can you take codeine for disk herniation?
Because of the side effects of opioids and the potential for addiction, many doctors hesitate to prescribe them for disk herniation. If other medication doesn't relieve your pain, your doctor might consider short-term use of opioids, such as codeine or an oxycodone-acetaminophen combination (Percocet, Roxicet).
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 long does it take to heal a herniated disc?
For lumbar and cervical herniated discs, conservative (non-surgical) treatments can usually be applied for around four to six weeks to help reduce pain and discomfort. A process of trial and error is often necessary to find the right combination of treatments.
What is the best treatment for nerve pain?
Physical therapy, exercise and gentle stretching to help relieve pressure on the nerve root. Ice and heat therapy for pain relief. Manipulation (such as chiropractic manipulation) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or COX-2 inhibitors for pain relief.
Can conservative surgery be used for pain?
For those patients who experience severe pain and a high loss of function and don’t find relief from conservative treatments, surgery may be considered as an option.
Can you have spine surgery for a herniated disc?
In general, patients usually are advised to start with a course of conservative care (non-surgical) prior to considering spine surgery for a herniated disc. Whereas this is true in general, for some patients early surgical intervention is beneficial.
How to heal a herniated disc?
Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique in which doctors insert very thin needles into various points on the surface of the body. By targeting specific points along “meridians” that correspond to the nerve pathways affected by a herniated disc, acupuncture may stimulate healing by increasing blood flow.
How long should I take corticosteroids for herniated disc?
Steroids work to reduce inflammation in the area near the herniated disc, taking pressure off an affected nerve and relieving pain. Available only by prescription, steroids are typically taken for 7 to 10 days, ...
What muscles are used to help a herniated disc?
Strengthening the core—the muscles in the back, abdomen, upper thighs, and buttocks —is an important part of therapy to treat symptoms of a herniated disc. If these muscles are weak, the spine bears more weight. This added pressure could cause instability or worsen an existing spine problem.
How long does muscle relaxer last?
Muscle relaxant medications can calm spasms and ease pain, letting you move more easily. Your doctor may prescribe these medications for a week or two. After that, pain caused by muscle spasms often goes away on its own.
How long should I take pain relievers?
These medications are to be used for a week, at most; they are intended to help you feel better until a muscle relaxant or anti-inflammatory medication starts to work.
Why does my disc hurt when I slipped it?
Some of the pain associated with a herniated disc may be due to inflammation in the nerves and soft tissue surrounding the affected disc. When an inflamed nerve swells, it may push up against the slipped disc. By treating the inflammation with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, swelling and the resulting pain may go away.
Can corticosteroid injections be used for herniated discs?
Corticosteroid injections are an alternative to oral corticosteroids for herniated disc pain. Most of the time, an injection is recommended only after other nonsurgical treatments have failed to bring relief. Steroids have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can be injected directly into the epidural space—the fluid-filled area surrounding the spinal cord.
How to help a herniated disc?
Try one or more of these treatments: Rest. If your back or neck is hurting, take it easy for a few days and avoid bending and twisting activities that aggravate the pain.
What is the procedure for a herniated disc?
Depending on your specific case, you may require a combination of surgeries. Discectomy. During a discectomy, your spine surgeon removes the portion of the disc pressing against spinal nerve roots. Laminotomy/laminectomy.
How to get rid of a herniated disc at night?
Poor posture places more stress and pressure on the spine, which leads to increased pain and discomfort. Sleeping positions. Some sleeping positions worsen herniated disc pain at night. Try to avoid sleeping on your stomach, which can lead to increased back and neck pain. Sleep on your back with a pillow under the knees or on your side ...
What are the different types of spine surgery?
When Is Surgery Necessary? 1 Discectomy. During a discectomy, your spine surgeon removes the portion of the disc pressing against spinal nerve roots. 2 Laminotomy/laminectomy. During a laminotomy, your spine surgeon removes part of the lamina, the bone covering and protecting the spinal cord. During a laminectomy, your spine surgeon removes the entire lamina. These procedures relieve pressure on the nerve roots. 3 Spinal fusion. After a discectomy, laminectomy, or disc removal, you may need a fusion procedure. During a fusion, your spine surgeon will fuse two adjacent vertebrae to stabilize the spine and prevent painful movement. 4 Total disc replacement. During a total disc replacement, your spine surgeon removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial one.
What to do if you have a tense muscle at night?
At night, a warm bath before bed can loosen tight, tense muscles and make sleeping more comfortable. Over-the-counter medications. You can take a pain reliever like acetaminophen to reduce mild to moderate pain, or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation.
What is Integrity Spine and Orthopedics?
Integrity Spine and Orthopedics offers top-notch spine and orthopedic care for acute and chronic conditions. We have the orthopedic care, pain management, sports medicine, and minimally invasive surgery services to help you to get back on your feet and back to doing the activities you love.
What is the procedure to fuse two vertebrae?
Spinal fusion. After a discectomy, laminectomy, or disc removal, you may need a fusion procedure. During a fusion, your spine surgeon will fuse two adjacent vertebrae to stabilize the spine and prevent painful movement. Total disc replacement.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Alternative Medicine
Preparing For Your Appointment
Insurance Coverage
- Conservative treatment — mainly modifying activities to avoid movement that causes pain and taking pain medication — relieves symptoms in most people within a few days or weeks.
The Details of The Operation
- Besides taking the pain medications your doctor recommends, try: 1. Applying heat or cold.Initially, cold packs can be used to relieve pain and inflammation. After a few days, you might switch to gentle heat to give relief and comfort. 2. Avoiding too much bed rest.Staying in bed can lead to stiff joints and weak muscles — which can complicate your recovery. Instead, rest in a po…
Surgical Facility
- Some alternative and complementary medicine treatments might help ease chronic back pain. Examples include: 1. Chiropractic.Spinal manipulation has been found to be moderately effective for low back pain that has lasted for at least a month. Rarely, chiropractic treatment of the neck can cause certain types of strokes. 2. Acupuncture.Although results are usually modest, acupun…
Post-Operative Care
- You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor. You might be referred to a doctor specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedic surgery, neurology, or neurosurgery.
Final Thoughts
- 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. Be sure to discuss your operation with your insurance company if you have any questions or concerns about your resulting financial obligati…