The best herniated disc treatment is to rest and take it easy. Keeping the back as still as possible is essential to relieving pain and swelling. During this time, the patient should avoid doing any lifting or bending, and should avoid doing too much heavy lifting. After the first few days, however, the pain should begin to subside and you should resume light activity. Your doctor can prescribe exercises to strengthen the lower back and core muscles.
During the first couple of weeks, you should avoid any vigorous activity. It is vital to keep moving. Even if it’s painful, do not remain in bed all day. Excessive motion and stiff muscles can make the pain worse. Nevertheless, stay active and practice the stretches recommended by your healthcare provider. Most people will feel better in a few weeks. Depending on the severity of the herniated disc, you may require surgery.
Conservative treatment for herniated discs is effective for many people. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help manage pain and help the body heal itself. In extreme cases, the patient may require steroid injections. If the pain does not subside after these methods, you should consult a medical professional. Your healthcare provider will recommend the best way to manage it. If you don’t feel better in a few weeks, you can try surgical options.
If you’ve been taking NSAIDs to relieve pain, your doctor may recommend a procedure called microdiskectomy. This surgery removes the herniated disc, and is generally an outpatient operation. Despite its low success rate, the majority of herniated disc patients recover fully within four weeks. In some cases, a herniated disc may recur, so a doctor should perform a thorough assessment of the damage to find a suitable treatment. If the condition is severe, your doctor may recommend a spinal fusion. If the herniation is in the neck, a replacement of the herniated disc will also be required.
If you have a herniated disc in the upper or lower back, you may experience pain in your shoulders and neck. If the herniated disc is located in the lower back, you may feel a sharp shooting pain or numbness in the buttock. You should avoid lifting objects in these areas. Maintain a healthy weight and use a supportive brace. You should also consider physical therapy.
Depending on the severity of the herniated disc, you may need to undergo a surgical procedure. Some doctors recommend minimally invasive surgery, while others may recommend a more invasive procedure. These surgeries can be performed in the office or in the hospital. If the pain persists, you should seek medical attention immediately. If the symptoms are severe, you may require surgery. While the best herniated disc treatment is to rest, consult a specialist.