Herniated discs are not serious and can be treated at home with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and surgery. The pain is usually minimal, but can become problematic if it interferes with everyday activities or reduces your mobility. A herniated disc is a problem that can affect your spine and cause a host of problems. To determine if you have a herniated disk, visit a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
There are several ways to diagnose a herniated disc. You can take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and you can undergo physical therapy to strengthen your lower back and core muscles. In severe cases, an epidural steroid injection can be used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Herniated disc treatment may include surgery. A microdiskectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a herniated disk using a tiny incision at the level of the herniated disk. This procedure can be done using a microscope, and it can be performed on one or more vertebrae.
Minimally invasive surgery is another option for herniated disc treatment. This type of surgery uses tiny incisions and a small tube to insert a stent. This type of surgery is reserved for severe disc problems that may have impacted nerve function and cause severe weakness and pain. This procedure may also require surgery to correct a herniated disc. A minimally invasive approach may be the best choice in the long run, especially when the condition has become a chronic one.
Herniated disc treatment typically involves strengthening the core muscles, which are the lower back and abdominal muscles. A doctor can recommend safe core exercises that will strengthen the area. During a herniated disc, a doctor may recommend an epidural steroid injection to decrease inflammation around the affected nerve. This type of injection should last three months, but it may not be necessary if the back begins to heal.
Conservative treatment involves exercises and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy is essential for strengthening the lower back and core muscles. In some cases, the doctor will perform an epidural steroid injection to relieve the pain. The injection usually lasts for three months. The procedure is not a permanent cure, but it will help you avoid complications. Your doctor will prescribe a plan for you based on the symptoms and the location of the herniated disc.
Depending on the severity of your herniated disc, your treatment will include physical therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. If your doctor feels that your herniated disc is more serious, surgery may be recommended. However, most people recover on their own after undergoing physical therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. If conservative treatment doesn’t work, an epidural steroid injection can be used to relieve your pain and reduce inflammation.