Treatment FAQ

what is the best treatment for herniated discs

by Jeanette Glover DDS Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Medication

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 …

Procedures

Alternating between hot and cold compresses is an easy, at-home herniated disc treatment. The application of warmth helps promote blood flow and muscle relaxation, while a cold pack helps to reduce swelling and numbs the area. Epidural steroid injections. Epidural injections can be an effective way of relieving severe pain.

Therapy

Jan 18, 2022 · Exercise or is an important herniated disc treatment. It is also essential for optimal physical and mental health. Exercises and stretches that may help relieve your pain when performed as directed by your physical therapist include: Yoga Cycling Swimming Walking Towel hamstring stretch Neck stretches Back flexion stretch

Self-care

Treatment for Lumbar Herniated Disc Video A combination of the following conservative treatment options can be used through at least the first six weeks of discomfort and pain: Physical therapy, exercise and gentle stretching to help relieve pressure on the nerve root Ice and heat therapy for pain relief

Nutrition

Sep 08, 2020 · There are several options available depending on the location of your herniated disc. Two options that may benefit you include facet injections and spinal epidural injections. Facet injections reduce inflammation in an infected joint. Spinal epidural injections help decrease pain in your lower back and relieve sciatica. Surgical Procedures

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This is called an epidural injection. The steroid can help bring down the swelling, help you move more easily, and ease pain from a herniated disk. Your doctor will use an X …

How to heal a herniated disc naturally?

Jan 14, 2019 · The most common first treatment for a herniated disc is rest. Most patients don’t have a problem resting since they’re often in so much pain they can’t do much else. Rest means no lifting and no strenuous exercise. You won’t be joining your friends at the gym. Some patients go overboard with rest and stay in bed way longer than they should.

How long for herniated disc to heal without surgery?

Mar 26, 2018 · The following supplements are also beneficial for herniated disc treatment: Omega-3 fish oil supplement— 1,000–2,000 milligrams a day — or a fish roe supplement (4) MSM supplement, a sulfur-containing supplement that helps with joint repair (5, 6) Glucosamine and chondroitin (7)

Can herniated discs heal by themselves without surgery?

How do you fix a herniated disc?

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What is the fastest way to heal a herniated disc?

How to heal a herniated disc quicklyAlternate applying heat and cold.Stay as active as you can. Take walks to avoid becoming too stiff from resting too often.Try alternative treatments like acupuncture, massage, or chiropractic.Jan 27, 2022

What is the most common treatment for herniated discs?

Herniated Disc Treatment OptionsOral medications and/or steroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation.Physical therapy to reduce stiffness and pressure on the nerves in the spine.Hot or cold packs for pain relief.Manual manipulation, such as massage or chiropractic care.

How long does it take a herniated disc to heal without surgery?

Most people recover from a slipped disc within six weeks without treatment.Apr 9, 2020

How do you permanently treat a herniated disc?

Lumbar herniated disc treatmentsPhysical 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.More items...

Is walking good for herniated 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 to avoid when you have a herniated disc?

Everyday Activities to Avoid with Herniated DiscSitting too much. Sitting puts more stress on your spinal discs, especially when slouching forward in a seat. ... Doing laundry. ... Vacuuming. ... Feeding a pet. ... Strenuous exercise. ... Shoveling snow or gardening. ... Learn more:

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.Sep 10, 2021

Do you ever fully recover from a herniated disc?

The average amount of time it takes for a herniated disk to heal is four to six weeks, but it can get better within a few days depending on how severe the herniation was and where it occurred. The biggest factor in healing a herniated disk is time, because most often it will resolve on its own.Feb 14, 2020

Can you push a herniated disc back into place?

If you have back pain from a bulging disc, do not have your friend try to force it back into place. This will likely increase, rather than relieve, your pain.Feb 24, 2014

What percentage of herniated discs require surgery?

When & How to Seek Medical Care Fortunately, the majority of herniated discs do not require surgery. With time, the symptoms of sciatica/radiculopathy improve in approximately 9 out of 10 people. The time to improve varies, ranging from a few days to a few weeks.

How does a surgeon fix a herniated disc?

Discectomy is the most common surgery used for herniated disc in the lumbar region. In this procedure, the portion of the disc that is causing the pressure on your nerve root is removed. In some cases, the entire disc is removed. The surgeon will access the disc through an incision in your back (or neck).

Why is my herniated disc not healing?

Sometimes, the nerves are actually damaged by the pressure from the disc herniation and may not recover completely. You may also develop scar tissue around the nerves weeks after the operation that causes pain similar to what you had before the operation.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

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.

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • 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: 1. Reflexes 2. Muscle strength 3. W…
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