Treatment FAQ

where to get treatment for herniated disc

by Colten O'Hara Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Medication

Peer Reviewed. The primary goal of treatment for each patient is to help relieve pain and other symptoms resulting from the herniated disc. To achieve this goal, each patient’s treatment plan should be individualized based on the source of the pain, the severity of pain and the specific symptoms that the patient exhibits. Save. In general, patients usually are advised to start with a …

Procedures

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 …

Therapy

Jan 18, 2022 · Tips for How To Heal a Herniated Disc 1. See a Pain Management Specialist. One of the best things you can do for your pain is to see a pain management specialist. Here at Metro Healthcare Partners, we are highly experienced in identifying and treating pain from herniated discs. We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to pain management.

Self-care

Jul 25, 2019 · Discover the five herniated disc treatment options from the DISC Spine Institute to stop chronic pain. DISC Spine Institute & DISC Clinic , PLLC have 7 Locations in the DFW area - Plano, Dallas, North Ft. Worth, Arlington, Decatur, Southlake and Frisco.

Nutrition

Your orthopedic doctor may work closely with a physiatrist, or physical medicine doctor, to recommend physical therapy. Often, physical therapy relieves pain and prevents further damage to a herniated disc. Our physical therapists at Rusk Rehabilitation and the Spine Center at the NYU Langone Orthopedic Center can recommend a treatment plan based on your daily routine, the …

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Feb 08, 2022 · A herniated disk, which can occur in any part of the spine, most often occurs in the lower back. Depending on where the herniated disk is, it can result in pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg. Many people have no symptoms from a herniated disk. For people who do have symptoms, the symptoms tend to improve over time.

How long for herniated disc to heal without surgery?

At Better Health Alaska, we’ve provided help for over 15,000 back pain cases over our 20+ years in service. So if you want fast, safe, and effective treatment for your bulging discs, herniated discs, or disc degeneration, schedule a same-day appointment with the trusted Better Health’s chiropractor in Anchorage today.

When do you need surgery for a herniated disc?

How do you fix a herniated disc?

What doctor treats herniated discs?

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Who is the best doctor to see for herniated disc?

Herniated discs are quite common and do not always need treatment. Most of the time they can be healed by rest; however, if symptoms persist, you may need to see an orthopedic surgeon near you specializing in spine surgery.

Where do I go for a herniated disc?

Providers who offer nonsurgical treatments for a herniated disc include:
  1. Family practitioners (family medicine doctors)
  2. Internists.
  3. Orthopedic Surgeons.
  4. Neurologists.
  5. Neurosurgeons.
  6. Pain medicine specialists.
  7. Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists (physiatrists)
  8. Physical therapists.

What treatment is good for herniated disc?

Herniated Disc Treatment Options

Oral 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.

What is the fastest way to heal a herniated disc?

There is no "quick fix" for a herniated disc. Some herniated discs, also called slipped discs, heal on their own in a few weeks to a few months.
...
How to heal a herniated disc quickly
  1. Alternate applying heat and cold.
  2. Stay as active as you can. ...
  3. Try alternative treatments like acupuncture, massage, or chiropractic.
Jan 27, 2022

Should I go to ER for herniated disc?

If signs of nerve damage -- numbness, tingling, and weakness -- grow steadily worse, you may need an operation right away. Likewise, a herniated disk that interferes with the bowel and bladder is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. For other patients, doctors take a wait-and-see approach.Jul 31, 2021

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

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

Can a herniated disc suddenly get better?

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

Is herniated disc permanent?

Once a healthy disc herniates, it will never return to its normal anatomical state—the disease or injury is permanent in nature.

Is lying down good for herniated disc?

The preferred sleep position depends in part on the position of the disc. For a paracentral disc herniation (most common), people tend to do better lying on the stomach. For a foraminal herniated disc, sleeping on the side in a fetal position often brings relief.

How painful is a herniated disc?

You might have pain in part of the foot as well. For a herniated disk in your neck, you'll typically feel the most pain in your shoulder and arm. This pain might shoot into your arm or leg when you cough, sneeze or move into certain positions. Pain is often described as sharp or burning.Feb 8, 2022

Can you push a herniated disc back into place?

In theory the disc should be able to be popped back into its natural state, but it is very difficult to just “pop” a herniated disc back into place like a displaced gear. In fact, trying to pop a disc back into place can make the issue worse if the person doing the “popping” doesn't know what they are doing.Feb 24, 2014

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

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.

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 procedure to remove a damaged disk?

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:

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.

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 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 most common surgical procedure for herniated discs?

A Microdiscectomy is the most common surgical procedure as a herniated disc treatment. It is typically only considered after several weeks of more conservative treatments and if you are experiencing pain and associated symptoms. Explained WebMD: “Herniated disk surgery is an option if you’re otherwise healthy but:

What is the goal of disc exercises?

“ The goal of these exercises is to push the disc back, away from the nerve root ,” said Healthline. “Always be evaluated by your doctor before attempting exercise at home.”

How long does it take to get a microdiscectomy?

This is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure that can be done in about an hour as an outpatient treatment at leading spinal centers like DISC Spine Institute.

Can cortisone be used for pain relief?

“ An injection of a cortisone-like drug into the space around the nerve may provide short-term pain relief by reducing inflammation,” said the AAOS. “There is good evidence that epidural injections can successfully relieve pain in many patients who have not been helped by 6 weeks or more of other nonsurgical care.”

Can a herniated disc be a fun thing?

Whether it’s brought on by aging, by injury, or some other cause, a herniated disc is no fun. This very common condition can stop you right in your tracks, with acute pain you just want to get rid of as easily as possible. The good news is that there are a number of herniated disc treatments, and, for many, that treatment does not involve an operation.

What kind of doctor can help a herniated disc?

Your orthopedic doctor may work closely with a physiatrist, or physical medicine doctor, to recommend physical therapy. Often, physical therapy relieves pain and prevents further damage to a herniated disc. Our physical therapists at Rusk Rehabilitation and the Spine Center at the NYU Langone Orthopedic Center can recommend a treatment plan based on your daily routine, the location of your pain, and your overall health.

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 should I take pain relievers for a herniated disc?

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.

How long does pain relief last with steroids?

Pain relief from injected steroids may last from a week to a year or even longer. Yet some people find that injections don’t help them. There is no way to gauge the effectiveness of an injection before it is given, though for many people steroids do provide long-lasting relief.

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.

When to use steroids in physical therapy?

Steroid injections are most effective when used just before the start of physical therapy, allowing strength-building exercises to take place without pain.

What causes a herniated disc?

Factors that can increase your risk of a herniated disk include: 1 Weight. Excess body weight causes extra stress on the disks in your lower back. 2 Occupation. People with physically demanding jobs have a greater risk of back problems. Repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, bending sideways and twisting also can increase your risk of a herniated disk. 3 Genetics. Some people inherit a predisposition to developing a herniated disk. 4 Smoking. It's thought that smoking lessens the oxygen supply to the disk, causing it to break down more quickly.

How to prevent herniation in the back?

Keep your back straight and aligned, particularly when sitting for long periods. Lift heavy objects properly, making your legs — not your back — do most of the work. Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts more pressure on the spine and disks, making them more susceptible to herniation.

What is the name of the soft disk that lies between the vertebrae?

Herniated disk. Herniated disk. The rubbery disks that lie between the vertebrae in your spine consist of a soft center (nucleus) surrounded by a tougher exterior (annulus). A herniated disk occurs when a portion of the nucleus pushes through a crack in the annulus. Symptoms may occur if the herniation compresses a nerve.

What does it mean when your disk is numb?

Numbness or tingling . People who have a herniated disk often have radiating numbness or tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves.

What does it feel like to have a herniated disk in your neck?

If your herniated disk is in your neck, you'll typically feel the most pain in your shoulder and arm. This pain might shoot into your arm or leg when you cough, sneeze or move into certain positions. Pain is often described as sharp or burning. Numbness or tingling.

How do you know if you have a herniated disk?

Arm or leg pain. If your herniated disk is in your lower back, you'll typically feel the most pain in your buttocks, thigh and calf.

What is the name of the soft, jellylike center of the spinal cord?

A spinal disk has a soft, jellylike center (nucleus) encased in a tougher, rubbery exterior (annulus). Sometimes called a slipped disk or a ruptured disk, a herniated disk occurs when some of the nucleus pushes out through a tear in the annulus. A herniated disk, which can occur in any part of the spine, can irritate a nearby nerve.

How to heal a herniated disc?

Perhaps one of the best-kept secrets about healing a herniated disc and preventing a reoccurrence is to practice yoga. While every pose is not going to be suitable for you while you are healing, many of the poses can help shift the weight on the spine, allowing the disc to return to its correct position.

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

It takes approximately 4 weeks for a bulging or herniated disc to heal itself, then another 12 weeks of chiropractic care and physical therapy for you to return to your usual daily activities and exercise program.

What is it called when you have a bulging disc?

This is called a bulging disc. If the pressure remains intense or if the bulging disc is damaged enough times, the outer layer of the disc can split, allowing some of the softer inside material to squeeze out. This also touches on a nerve and causes intense pain. When this happens, it is called a herniated disc.

How to heal a bulging disc?

How to heal a bulging disc naturally? With chiropractic care, of course! One of the best ways to stop the pain and heal a bulging disc is to see your chiropractor. Not only can a chiropractor diagnose the root cause and find out if you have a herniated or bulging disc, but they can treat it as well.

Why do discs bulge out?

As we age, these cushions become harder and less flexible. When too much pressure is put on the spine, these discs can bulge out from between the vertebrae, touching a nerve. The nerve reacts by sending pain signals to the brain. This is called a bulging disc.

What are the cushions in the spine?

Between the bones of the vertebrae of the spine are small cushions that are filled with a jelly-like substance. These cushions prevent bones from rubbing against one another and act like miniature shock absorbers. As we age, these cushions become harder and less flexible.

What does it feel like to have a slipped disc?

A slipped disc or herniated disc usually causes immediate, intense pain. Some people describe it as an electric shock, followed by sharp pains in the lower back. Other descriptions include: Pain in the lower back and numbness down one leg. Pain that gets worse if you try to sit or stand or stand up straight.

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