Herniated Disc: Treatment and Recovery
Treatment
There are several conservative treatment options that may relieve the symptoms associated with a herniated disc. These include: alternate bed rest with ambulation and medications to reduce inflammation and pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used for this purpose.
Physical therapy may be incorporated into the patient's treatment plan. This might include exercise, massage, thermotherapy, as well as a device designed to support the back - a corset, back belt, or brace.
Remember that most patients with a herniated disc will get better without surgery. You can read more about non-surgical herniated disc treatments in the Herniated Disc Slideshow.
Herniated discs can cause chronic spinal pain. Fortunately, there are therapies available that help manage this type of pain, and many are mentioned in this article. To learn what options are most effective, take SpineUniverse's Chronic Pain Treatments Quiz.
Surgery
When no improvement is noted after a course of conservative treatment, surgery might be considered. However, remember that most patients with a herniated disc will get better without surgery.
A Discectomy is the surgical removal of part or the entire offending intervertebral disc. Microdiscectomy incorporates the use of a microscope to magnify the surgical field during removal of the disc.
Special eyeglasses, called surgical
loupes, enhance the surgeon?s sight.
Recovery
Whether the treatment course is conservative or operative, it is important to closely follow the instructions of your physician and/or physical therapist.
Keep your weight close to ideal and continue to follow the exercise and/or rehabilitative program designed by your physical therapist at home.
Remember that most patients with a herniated disc will get better without surgery.