Treatment FAQ

what is the best treatment for herniated disk

by Miss Willow Nolan MD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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:

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 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

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.

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 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.

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 ), ...

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.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

Back pain is so common most people have either experienced it or have a family member who has suffered from it. A staggering 80% of adults experience back pain at least once in their lifetime.

Rest First

Doctors don’t rush patients into surgery unless not having surgery poses a serious health risk. They prefer what is considered conservative treatment methods.

Physical Therapy Next

Physical therapy is also considered a conservative care treatment for a herniated disc.

Surgical Herniated Disc Treatment

The most critical action you can take as a patient getting in for a visit with the doctor. You may only need rest or medication but the doctor is the best judge of what treatment method is best for your unique needs.

Which Treatment Option is Best for You?

Staff at Executive Spine Surgery get excited about helping patients enjoy spine health.

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.

How to treat a swollen nerve root?

A combination of the following conservative treatment options can be used through at least the first six weeks of discomfort and pain: 1 Physical therapy, exercise and gentle stretching to help relieve pressure on the nerve root 2 Ice and heat therapy for pain relief 3 Manipulation (such as chiropractic manipulation) 4 Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or COX-2 inhibitors for pain relief 5 Narcotic pain medications for pain relief 6 Oral steroids to decrease inflammation for pain relief 7 Epidural injections to decrease inflammation 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.

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.

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 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.

Is a herniated disc more painful than a bulging disc?

Compared to herniated discs, bulging discs are more common, and they might also go unnoticed more often since they can cause less pain. Then again, each person’s symptoms are different.

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.

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Diagnosis

  • 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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Treatment

  • 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.
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Clinical Trials

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
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Alternative Medicine

  • 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…
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Preparing For Your Appointment

  • 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.
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