Treatment FAQ

what is best treatment for slipped disc

by Elwin Mayert Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Most people with a slipped disc in the lumbar region
lumbar region
In tetrapod anatomy, lumbar is an adjective that means of or pertaining to the abdominal segment of the torso, between the diaphragm and the sacrum. The lumbar region is sometimes referred to as the lower spine, or as an area of the back in its proximity.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Lumbar
of their spine (lower back) are offered “conservative” treatment, meaning that the treatment does not involve surgery. This mainly involves exercise, relaxation and positioning, painkillers or local anesthetics, and manual and physical therapy.
Apr 9, 2020

Medication

Apr 09, 2020 · Common treatments include: Massages:Various massage techniques are used to relax muscles and ease tension. Heating and cooling:This includes the use of hot packs and heating patches, a hot bath, going to the sauna or using an... Ultrasound therapy:Here the lower back is treated with sound waves. The ...

Procedures

The pain, which when it spreads below the knee, is termed Sciatica, occurs when the slipped disc presses on a nerve in the lumbar spine. This may cause numbness or pins and needles in the leg and be associated with weakness such as “foot drop” (difficulty lifting the toes and foot up) or weakness when pushing off with the foot.

Therapy

Mar 08, 2022 · Slipped discs usually resolve on their own, but physical therapy or other medications can help with pain. The majority of disc herniations improve on their own within six weeks to three months, as the body releases enzymes to clear away the herniated piece and the pressure on the nerves goes away.

Self-care

What is the best treatment for a Slipped Disc/ Spinal Disc Herniation? The key is simply to get your body moving better, taking the pressure of your nerves and to eliminate bad postural habits that are contributing to the pain.

Nutrition

Oct 16, 2020 · The disc often presses on a nerve root which can cause pain and other symptoms in a leg. In most cases, the symptoms ease off gradually over several weeks. The usual advice is to carry on as normal as much as possible. Painkillers may help. Physical treatments such as spinal manipulation may also help.

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What are the Treatments for a Herniated Disk? Rest. Take it easy for a few days. Rest can relieve swelling and give your back time to heal. While your back hurts,... Medications. Take an over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen ( Motrin, Advil) or …

What are the effective remedies for Slip Disc?

While there are surgical treatment options for herniated discs, most cases respond to less-invasive forms of treatment such as medication, chiropractic care, and physical therapy. There are a variety of surgeries that can remove the portion of the nucleus that is protruding into the spinal canal, or in severe cases, the entire disc, but this costs the spine in terms of functional …

What is the best remedy for a slipped disc?

Jan 18, 2022 · Intentional spinal movements as a part of a physical therapy program can be an effective form of herniated disc treatment when done correctly. The spine can move in six primary ways: Neutral (this is the natural position you maintain when you’re sitting or standing with good posture and with your core muscles activated).

Can a slipped disc heal on its own?

Can herniated or slipped discs heal naturally at home?

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What are three treatments for a slipped disc?

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 slip disc be cured at home?

The best way to treat slipped disc involves regular physical therapy, massage, exercise and try heat/cold therapy for pain relief.

What is the best thing to do for a slipped disc?

Besides taking the pain medications your doctor recommends, try:
  • Applying heat or cold. Initially, cold packs can be used to relieve pain and inflammation. ...
  • Avoiding too much bed rest. Staying in bed can lead to stiff joints and weak muscles — which can complicate your recovery. ...
  • Resuming activity slowly.
Feb 8, 2022

Is walking good for slipped disc?

Absolutely. Walking is an excellent choice for patients with herniated discs, as it stimulates blood flow and oxygen to the cells. It also helps keep your discs hydrated, which is important for healing. Other low-impact aerobic activities to try are swimming and cycling.Jan 14, 2019

What makes a slipped disc worse?

The pain from a herniated disc usually is worse when you are active and gets better when you are resting. Coughing, sneezing, sitting, driving, and bending forward may make the pain worse. The pain gets worse when you make these movements because there is more pressure on the nerve.May 15, 2003

Can slipped disc be cured completely?

Yes, slipped disc can be cured. It cannot be entirely prevented but one can reduce the risk by being physically active, performing back strengthening exercises and yoga.May 24, 2018

Can slip disc be cured permanently 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.Oct 8, 2020

How long does it take for a slipped disc to heal?

A slipped disc in the lumbar region of the spine (the lower back) can press on the sciatic nerve and cause pain that often radiates down one leg and into the foot. Most people recover from a slipped disc within six weeks without treatment.Apr 9, 2020

What to do if you have a slipped disk?

Call 911 if the person has a slipped disk and: 1. Treat Pain. Changing positions or shifting posture may reduce immediate discomfort. For example, laying on the back, with feet on a chair and knees at a 90-degree angle, can sometimes be quite comfortable for back problems.

How to tell if you have a slipped disk?

Call 911 if the person has a slipped disk and: 1 Loses bladder or bowel control 2 Has weakness in the arms or legs 3 Has numbness in the inner, upper part of the thighs

How to help a person with a syphilis?

2. Have the Person Rest 1 Bed rest for a day or two may help, but no longer than that; it is important to become active again sooner rather than later. 2 The person should avoid activities such as lifting or pushing.

How to get rid of back pain?

1. Treat Pain. Changing positions or shifting posture may reduce immediate discomfort. For example, laying on the back, with feet on a chair and knees at a 90-degree angle, can sometimes be quite comfortable for back problems. Apply a cold compress several times a day for no more than 20 minutes at a time.

How to get active again?

Give nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (such as Motrin, Aleve, Advil or Naprosyn ). 2. Have the Person Rest. Bed rest for a day or two may help, but no longer than that; it is important to become active again sooner rather than later.

What does a slipped disc mean?

What Does 'Slipped Disc' Actually Mean? In medical terms, a ‘slipped disc’ could be either a disc bulge (protrusion) or a ruptured disc (disc extrusion or sequestrum). Slipped discs may arise in the neck (cervical spine), back of chest (thoracic spine) or lower back (lumbar spine).

Where do slipped discs occur?

Slipped discs may arise in the neck (cervical spine), back of chest (thoracic spine) or lower back (lumbar spine). Medical professionals always use this terminology to ensure strict accuracy of both description and communication and in order to avoid misinterpretation.

Why does my lower back hurt?

Various combinations of pain in the lower back, buttock, groin or leg can arise either from irritation within the disc itself, or when the disc causes irritation of the adjacent nerves. The pain, which when it spreads below the knee, is termed Sciatica, occurs when the slipped disc presses on a nerve in the lumbar spine.

How long does it take for a symtom to settle down?

The major symptoms arising from the first attack generally settle down over the first 6 weeks and half of the remainder will generally settle down over the following 6 weeks. Treatment during this period is focused upon reducing the irritation.

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.

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 does a doctor check for in a physical exam?

During the physical exam, your doctor will check your back for tenderness. You might be asked to lie flat and move your legs into various positions to help determine the cause of your pain. Your doctor may also perform a neurological exam to check your: Reflexes. Muscle strength.

What is the difference between a CT scan and an MRI?

A CT scanner takes a series of X-rays from different directions and then combines them to create cross-sectional images of your spinal column and the structures around it. MRI. Radio waves and a strong magnetic field are used to create images of your body's internal structures.

What is nerve conduction?

Nerve conduction study. This test measures electrical nerve impulses and functioning in your muscles and nerves through electrodes placed on your skin. The study measures the electrical impulses in your nerve signals when a small current passes through the nerve. Electromyography (EMG).

What is an EMG test?

Electromyography (EMG). During an EMG, your doctor inserts a needle electrode through your skin into various muscles. The test evaluates the electrical activity of your muscles when they contract and when they're at rest.

How to get rid of a swollen thigh?

Instead, rest in a position of comfort for 30 minutes, and then go for a short walk or do some work. Try to avoid activities that worsen your pain.

Can a slipped disc cause pain in the lower back?

A 'slipped' (prolapsed) disc often causes sudden, severe lower back pain. The disc often presses on a nerve root which can cause pain and other symptoms in a leg. In most cases, the symptoms ease off gradually over several weeks. The usual advice is to carry on as normal as much as possible. Painkillers may help.

How long does it take for a bulging disc to heal?

In most cases, the symptoms tend to improve over a few weeks. Research studies of repeated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans have shown that the bulging prolapsed portion of the disc tends to shrink (regress) over time in most cases. The symptoms then tend to ease and, in most cases, go away completely.

How long does it take for a disc to go away?

The disc often presses on a nerve root which can cause pain and other symptoms in a leg. In most cases, the symptoms ease off gradually over several weeks. The usual advice is to carry on as normal as much as possible. Painkillers may help. Physical treatments such as spinal manipulation may also help.

What is a prolapsed disc?

A prolapsed disc is sometimes called a herniated disc. The bulging disc may press on nearby structures such as a nerve coming from the spinal cord. Some inflammation also develops around the prolapsed part of the disc. Inflammation may irritate a nerve and also causes swelling, which may put pressure on a nerve.

What is the back made of?

Understanding the back. The spine is made up of many bones called vertebrae. Each bone (vertebra) is roughly the shape of a flattened cylinder and between each vertebra is a disc. The discs are made of strong rubbery material which helps the spine to be so flexible.

What is the spine made of?

The spine is made up of many bones called vertebrae. Each bone (vertebra) is roughly the shape of a flattened cylinder and between each vertebra is a disc. The discs are made of strong rubbery material which helps the spine to be so flexible. All the discs are the same - they have a stronger fibrous outer part and a softer jelly-like part in the centre called the nucleus pulposus.

What is nerve root pain?

Nerve root pain (usually sciatica) Nerve root pain is pain that occurs because a nerve coming from the spinal cord is pressed on (trapped) by a 'slipped' (prolapsed) disc, or is irritated by the inflammation caused by the prolapsed disc.

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 to remove a disc?

Diskectomy. During this procedure, your surgeon removes your damaged disk to relieve pressure on your nerves. They can perform the surgery in a couple of ways: 1 Your surgeon performs open diskectomy via a cut in your back or neck. 2 Microdiscectomy is done through a much smaller incision. Your surgeon inserts a thin tube with a camera on one end to see and remove the damaged disk.

Can a herniated disk cause numbness?

Diagnosis. Treatment. Spinal Disk Problems. A herniated disk can press on the nerves in your spine and cause pain, weakness, and numbness in your neck, back, arms, and legs. Sometimes these symptoms can be severe enough to disrupt your life. Most of the time, though, the problems from your herniated disk should start to improve on their own within ...

How to help a back that hurts?

Rest can relieve swelling and give your back time to heal. While your back hurts, avoid exercise and other activities where you have to bend or lift.

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 to get rid of a swollen ear?

Medications. Take an over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen ( Motrin, Advil) or naproxen ( Aleve, Naprosyn ). These medicines can help relieve your pain and bring down swelling. Just don't use these for more than 10 days without talking to your doctor.

How to reduce swelling in a swollen ear?

Take an over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen ( Motrin, Advil) or naproxen ( Aleve, Naprosyn ). These medicines can help relieve your pain and bring down swelling. Just don't use these for more than 10 days without talking to your doctor.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

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.

Alternative Medicine

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