The different types of herniated disc treatment usually begin conservatively, with techniques such as rest, ice therapy, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medicine. In some cases, an injection of steroids into the area can help reduce pain and other symptoms. If symptoms persist, or continue to get worse, then more invasive methods such as surgery may be required.
To begin with, rest is usually advised as a herniated disc treatment. Full rest is not required in most cases, but the patient should take a break from anything that causes symptoms or increases pain. Activities which aggravate the injury will reduce the chance of it healing naturally and may also increase the overall recovery time.
One of the reasons why a herniated disc can be painful is that the muscles around the area become tight. Relaxing these muscles can reduce pain. Alternating between cold therapy and heat packs is a good way of relieving muscle tension and sometimes can provide fast relief. Massage by a professional who is experienced with back injuries can also have a similar effect.
Exercises to strengthen the back are important for reducing the symptoms of a herniated disc. This type of therapy, however, can make the problem worse if the exercises begin too quickly or if they are performed with poor control and form. For this reason, professional physical therapy is recommended.
Medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help to reduce pain, but should only be used under a doctor's supervision. Anti-inflammatory medicine can sometimes be used as a herniated disc treatment rather than just for pain relief, since reducing swelling also helps to reduce any pressure on the nerve. Oral or injected steroids can also be effective at reducing swelling and pressure on the surrounding nerves if a stronger medication is required.
Surgery is usually a last resort when it comes to herniated disc treatment. Surgical intervention is more likely to be required if the patient is suffering from neurological problems due to the injury. The type of surgery depends on the severity and location of the condition, but the goal is usually to remove the affected disc and reduce compression on the nerve.
Herniated disc treatment not only depends on the severity of the symptoms, but on how active the patient is. The age of the patient may also affect which types of treatment are most suitable. In some cases, modification of a person’s daily activities is all that may be required for the condition to resolve itself, but this may be more difficult for a younger and/or physically active patient to achieve.
