Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for a ruptured disc

by Fletcher Ortiz IV Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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.

Medication

Some treatments may be helpful to manage the spasms. Many of these disc problems will heal without much assistance. After a few weeks and with some home rehabilitative exercises the patient is usually back in the game. A more complicated ruptured disc will require special manual techniques to decompress the disc. These decompression techniques are designed to reduce …

Procedures

Oct 20, 2017 · Injections of anti-inflammatory steroids into the area near the inflamed nerve and ruptured disc may help to delay surgery, but they aren’t a long term solution. Injections can provide relief for...

Therapy

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 …

Self-care

Conservative treatments are usually the initial treatment for a ruptured disc unless immediate surgical operations are needed. If however after several conservative treatments, the symptoms still persist, then a surgical treatment is considered.

Nutrition

Apr 12, 2022 · A herniated disc, also called a ruptured, protruding or bulging disc is a very common spinal condition – it may also cause pain in the neck, lower back, or the arm or leg. Herniated discs can occur in the cervical spine (neck region) or lumbar spine (lower back), according to Dr. Bosita , an orthopedic spine surgeon on the medical staff at ...

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Apr 19, 2022 · 11 Treatment Options for Herniated Discs 1. Physical Therapy. In the past, medical advice for herniated discs was to rest in bed for one to two weeks. Medical... 2. Hot and Cold Therapy. Alternating hot and cold therapy on herniated discs has a two-fold effect. Cold therapy reduces... 3. Alternative ...

What are the best exercises for a ruptured disc?

A ruptured disc can often improve through conservative therapies Upon diagnosis of a ruptured disc, herniated disc or any other condition causing painful symptoms, a doctor or chiropractor will usually recommend starting with conservative treatment. This can include: Rest Hot and/or cold therapy, such as a heating pad or ice pack Physical therapy

Is there an injection to dissolve a ruptured disc?

Spinal surgery is the most effective method for the treatment of herniated discs, including bulging discs, in the spine. Below, we highlight some of the procedures offered by Deuk Spine Institute; Deuk Laser Disc Repair

Does a ruptured disc require back surgery?

Some chiropractic techniques that help treat herniated discs include flexion-distraction, which involves using a specialized table that gently stretches the spine so I can isolate the affected area while the spine is being gently flexed using a pumping rhythm.

What is the recovery time for ruptured disc surgery?

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Can a ruptured disc heal on its own?

The good news is that in most cases — 90% of the time — pain caused by a herniated disc will go away on its own within six months. Initially, your doctor will likely recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever and limit activities that cause pain or discomfort.Sep 1, 2020

How do you fix a ruptured 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.

Is a ruptured 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.

How long does it take to recover from a ruptured 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

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

Herniated disks are also called ruptured disks or slipped disks, although the whole disk does not rupture or slip. Only the small area of the crack is affected. Compared with a bulging disk, a herniated disk is more likely to cause pain because it generally protrudes farther and is more likely to irritate nerve roots.

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 happens if a herniated disc goes untreated?

If a patient has a herniated disc and does nothing to treat it, severe nerve damage and pain can result. Some of the symptoms of untreated herniated discs include: Back/Neck pain. Nerve pain in the arms/legs.Apr 17, 2017

Can a ruptured disc get worse?

An untreated herniated disk can get worse. That's especially true if you continue the activities that caused it — for instance, if it developed because of your work. A worsening ruptured disk may cause chronic (ongoing) pain and loss of control or sensation in the affected area.Jul 1, 2021

What part of the body is affected when a disc is ruptured?

While any spinal disc can herniate, or rupture, the problem occurs most often in the lumbar spine, or lower back. When a disc becomes herniated, it can leak fluid that irritates nearby nerves and leads to chronic pain.

Is a herniated disc an emergency?

Severe Herniated Disc 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.

How do I sleep with a herniated disc?

If you have a herniated disc, you may want to try sleeping on your side curled in a fetal position:Lay on your back and then roll over gently onto your side.Tuck your knees toward your chest and gently curl your torso toward your knees.Remember to switch sides from time to time to prevent any imbalances.Apr 13, 2022

How long do you stay in the hospital after herniated disc surgery?

If you have traditional herniated disc surgery, your procedure will take place in a hospital, and you will have to stay there for several days afterwards. While the exact length of the stay will depend on how well you are healing, patients can expect to remain in the hospital for 4-5 days.

What is the procedure to remove a ruptured disc?

The most common surgery is called diskectomy. Surgical techniques vary, but diskectomy removes part of the ruptured disc so it doesn’t press on the spinal nerve roots anymore. In many cases, it can be done as an outpatient procedure. Disc surgery is not guaranteed to work, and the pain might get worse.

What is a ruptured disc?

Overview. The spinal discs are shock-absorbing cushions between the vertebrae. Vertebrae are the large bones of the spinal column. If the spinal column tears open and the discs protrude outward, they can press on, or “pinch,” nearby spinal nerves. This is known as a ruptured, herniated, or slipped disc. A ruptured disc causes severe low back pain ...

How to tell if you have sciatica?

The telltale signs of sciatica include: 1 sharp pain down the back of the buttocks and leg (usually one leg) 2 tingling in part of the leg or in the foot 3 weakness in the leg

Why does my lower back hurt?

Severe low back pain on its own may be a symptom of a ruptured disc, but it can also be caused by strains or sprains of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, low back pain combined with shooting pain down the back of one or both legs (sciatica) usually points to a herniated or ruptured disc. The telltale signs of sciatica include: ...

How long does it take for a disc to heal?

Usually the symptoms of a disc rupture heal on their own after a few weeks to a month. If the problem persists for months and becomes chronic, you may choose to eventually consider surgery.

Why do my discs wear out?

Causes. Normally, the rubbery discs allow the spine to flex and absorb forces on the spine when you twist, bend, or lift. With aging, the discs start to wear out. They may flatten a bit or bulge outward, like an underinflated tire.

How long does sciatica pain last?

Disc-related back pain and sciatica often gets better on its own in a few weeks, though in some cases it can last longer. For new disc pain or a flare-up of an existing condition, current treatment guidelines recommend you first use self-care steps to relieve the symptoms and wait for your back to heal.

What is the treatment for a ruptured disc?

Usually, a surgical treatment is considered as a last option. Other treatments that are not surgical in nature are considered to be conservative treatments.

What is a ruptured disc?

Ruptured Disc. A ruptured disc is also referred to as a herniated disc condition. To better understand this all too common source of back pain, one must first learn about the spine. The spinal column extends from the base of the skull to the pelvis. It is comprised of thirty-three vertebrae. These vertebrae allow for motion ...

Why do my discs break?

The most common cause of a ruptured disc is the natural process of aging. Overtime, the discs lose their elasticity or gradually degenerate. This is due to the loss of water content in the discs – making them brittle and less flexible.

How do discs work?

They work together with the vertebrae to support movement in the spine. They are in a stack-liked position where the discs lie in between the individual vertebrae. Due to the normal wear and tear – the constant pressure they are exposed to – the discs slowly degenerate overtime.

Why does my spine tear?

Being overweigh can cause vertebrae to congest, squeezing the discs between. Exposure to this type of pressure can eventually trigger a tear in the outer wall.

What is the spinal column?

The spinal column is designed to provided the mobility human beings need to perform everyday activities. In between each of the vertebrae are discs. Appearing to be in a stack-like position with the vertebrae, discs resemble a jelly donut in form.

How does obesity affect the spine?

Obesity can affect overall health including the spine. Aside from the primary cause – aging – an unhealthy weight can contribute to the development of a ruptured disc. Increased weight could mean increased compression in the discs of the spine that could lead to a tear in the exterior.

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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.

Alternative Medicine

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • 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.
See more on mayoclinic.org

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