Herniated Disc Treatment

By Peter Johnson

Herniated disc treatment greatly varies on a case to case, and patient to patient basis.  Treatments may either be aggressive or conservative, completely dependent on the patient’s background.  The preferred approach of a herniated disc treatment is to have it the moderate and non-invasive way- herniated disc surgery being a last resort.  Once the patient is diagnosed with a herniated disc, rest is often the first recommendation by the physician- after which a period of time in most cases one can return to their normal routine.  As the problem can often be related to posture and mobility at work, a period of time off is often suggested to break the cycle.  This period of rest is intended to deflate the disc inflammation.  However if it does not improve with the non-invasive approach, then more advanced treatments will be administered, such as surgery.

The idea of a herniated disc treatment is basically to reduce the bulging disc and minimize the pain.  Common practices of treatments are epidural steroid injections, physical therapies, muscle strengthening exercises, medications or prescriptive drugs, and surgery.

Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications as the form of herniated disc treatment is relatively safe.  This can be done orally to alleviate the pain.  Such drugs include Medrol Dose Pack, among others.  The epidural injection is another direct approach.  Some patients also are under the influence of muscle relaxant to help them control muscle spasms on the course of their treatment.  For extreme pain, narcotics are prescribed.  In whatever form of drugs you are taking, extra care is essential and only upon the recommendation of your physician.   

Another effective herniated disc treatment involves physical therapy.  This may not directly affect the afflicted disc but it can certainly brace the muscles of the lumbar spine.  This will significantly decrease the load and pressure suffered by the vertebrae and disc.  Stronger muscles are needed to get hold of the lumbar spine and decreases nerve and disc injuries. Your physician will recommend a set of light exercises, which if adhered to over time will gradually strengthen the muscles of the lumbar spine reducing the occurrence of a herniated disc.

For neurological components such as numbness and weakness, one herniated disc treatment needed may be surgery.  Surgery is preferred as the last resort if no other treatments work.  But surgery is based depending on the condition and the patient’s health.  Not all patients with herniated disc will be advised to have surgery.- physical and drug treatments will always be preferable.

Generally, a herniated disc treatment aims to provide comfort and alleviate the pain associated with a ruptured disc.  Treatments are simply means to relieve the pain, numbness and weakness in the lower back and legs due to the compressed nerve root; prevent recurrence of injury; reduce chances of disability; and enhance the chances to resume normal life and activities.

Since the disc inflammation eventually returns to its normal state, herniated disc patients can recover in less than a month or in the case of more serious conditions up to six months.  Only 10% of patients exhibiting unchanged symptoms after six weeks of either physical or drug therapy are considered to undergo the surgery treatment.