When you have a herniated disc, the discs press on your nerves in the spine resulting in extreme pain, numbness and weakness especially in your back, legs, arms, and neck.   At times the symptoms that you experience can be so severe making them disrupt your lifestyle. Therefore, in case you are experiencing any signs of herniated disc it is important for you to consider the best treatment option that will help you heal and live a comfortable life.   Fortunately there are several herniated disc treatment options that you can consider depending on your preference.  In case you are looking for a treatment option for a herniated disc, consider the treatment options that are discussed in the following section.

 

Most Common Herniated Disc Treatment Options

The following are the most common types of herniated disc treatment:

  • Rest

When most people hear about treatment options all they think about is taking a prescription they get from their doctor.  However, not all treatment options involve using medicine, which is why people with herniated discs are asked to consider resting for several days as a treatment option for their condition.   Resting relieves swelling and also provides you with a time you require to heal.   For this reason, in case you are experiencing back pain as a result of a herniated disc you should avoid exercising or any other activities that involve lifting and bending.

  • Medications

This is the most common treatment option people consider when they are experiencing a herniated disc.  This involves taking over the counter pain relievers that help in relieving the pain you are experiencing as well as bringing down the swelling.  However, if you consider this option there is usually a limit since you are advised to avoid taking the medications for more than 10 days without visiting a doctor.  This is because taking large amounts of anti-inflammatory and pain relieving medicine increases the risks of getting heart problems.  Therefore, you should use the medications for a short while but ensure that you visit your doctor to get a prescription that will help you out with the problem you’re experiencing.

 

  • Physical therapy

There are several exercises that are meant for improving the symptoms you are experiencing of a herniated disc.  When you visit your physical therapy they will teach you the exercises that will focus on strengthening your muscles supporting your back.  Some of these exercises include massage, Stretching exercises, aerobic exercises, ultrasound therapy, and electrical muscle stimulation.

  • Injections

In case you have been trying resting, physical therapy and using pain relievers but they do not provide you with the results you need you can consider this treatment option for a herniated disc.  Your doctor injects steroid medicine in the space that is around the spinal nerve to help with the swelling as well as make movement easier and relieve the pain caused by the herniated disc.   Before the doctor injects you, they use a CT scan or X-ray to find the proper spot they can inject the medicine.

  • Surgery

Although not everyone with a herniated disc requires surgery, it is also a great treatment option. Surgery is only recommendable in case of the following situations;

  • You still experience pain even after taking pain reliever, going for physical therapy and getting injections
  • The symptoms keep on worsening
  • Standing and walking becomes a problem
  • It becomes impossible for you to control your bladder or bowel

 

In most cases a herniated disc gets better even without treatment but they are known to reoccur.  For this reason you need to protect your spine and focus on preventing the recurrence of the condition by always sitting and standing up straight.  In addition you need to be very careful when lifting heavy objects, avoid smoking and maintaining good weight.