Treatment Options for a Herniated Disc

If you have a herniated disc, several treatment options are available to you. Depending on the severity of your disc injury, your doctor may recommend conservative treatment options such as rest, ice, and heat therapy. If your pain is more severe, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or surgery. With a herniated disc Houston, your doctor may recommend conservative treatment options first.

Below is a detailed explanation of the treatment options for a herniated disc:

Rest

It is often the first line of treatment for a herniated disc. Your doctor may recommend that you take a few days off from work or other activities to allow your body to heal. Rest is essential because it allows your body to heal and prevents further injury. Your doctor may also recommend avoiding activities that aggravate your pain, such as bending, lifting, or sitting for long periods.

Ice

It can help reduce swelling and inflammation around the herniated disc. It is recommended that you ice the area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. You can use an ice pack or put crushed ice in a plastic bag and wrap it in a towel.

Heat

It can help reduce pain and stiffness around the herniated disc. It is recommended that you heat the area for 20 minutes. You can use a heating pad or take a warm bath or shower. This treatment option is typically used after ice to help reduce pain and inflammation.

4) Over-the-counter pain medication

It can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with a herniated disc. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are two common over-the-counter medications safe for a herniated disc. Your doctor may also recommend other over-the-counter medications, such as naproxen (Aleve) or aspirin.

5) Physical therapy

It is often recommended for people with a herniated disc. Physical therapy can help improve range of motion and flexibility, and it can also help strengthen the muscles around the herniated disc. Physical therapy may be done in an outpatient setting or a hospital.

6) Surgery

It is typically only recommended for people with severe pain or disability from a herniated disc. Surgery can help relieve pressure on the nerve root and allow the herniated disc to heal. Surgery is typically done as a last resort after other treatment options have failed.

7) Alternative treatments

Several alternative treatments may be helpful for a herniated disc. These include:

• Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points. Acupuncture is thought to help reduce pain by releasing endorphins and stimulating nerve cells.
• Chiropractic: This is a treatment that focuses on the spine’s alignment. Chiropractors use their hands to adjust the spine gently. It is thought to help reduce pain by relieving pressure on the nerves.
• Massage: This therapy involves using pressure and strokes to relieve muscle tension and pain. Massage is thought to help increase blood flow to the area and reduce inflammation.

If you have a herniated disc, call William Yancey, MD, to learn about the treatment options available. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for a herniated disc, and the best treatment option for you will depend on the severity of your injury. Your doctor can help you create a treatment plan that is right for you.