Often caused by injury or added weight stress, a herniated disc is a disorder of the spine in which the spongy matter in between the vertebrae, called the vertebral discs, protrudes or leaks into the spinal cord causing increased pressure inside the cord. Because of the added pressure the spinal nerves affected become irritated and thus cause pain and associated muscle weakness. This can continue for some time and can be particularly debilitating for some people especially in the elderly. Though it may not look like it, this disorder usually heals by itself and only a few cases turn out to need back surgery for treatment. There are many other options for herniated disc treatment health plans.
Non surgical treatment of the disorder could possible include any of the following: Activity limitation and rest , pain medications, physical therapy, epidural injections, spinal decompression and stabilization devises. Usually, mild cases of herniated discs can be treated with rest and limitation of some strenuous activities. Doctors also usually prescribe pain medications to go together with activity limitations.
Common medications given to relieve pain are Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s), acetaminophen, an ibuprofen are available readily over the counter. These drugs can relieve mild to moderate pain, but in cases of severe pain, doctors can prescribe narcotic analgesics depending on the need. Some doctors also give muscle relaxant in necessary cases. When taking drugs, be sure to consult your doctor about the dosage and indications of the drug just to be safe.
Another type of treatment is epidural injections of corticosteroids. There are many types of corticosteroids and they are a very good anti-inflammatory drug. Though there may be oral corticosteroids available, the more effective method in delivering these drugs to a higher severity of hernitation would be through a direct injection to the irritated nerves. When introduced directly to the nerve involved, it significantly reduces irritation caused by increased pressure leading to relief of pain in associated areas like the buttocks and pain which extends down the legs.
Physical therapy is another known conventional treatment for disc herniation. Physical therapy is a set of exercises or activities designed to help the healing of damaged joints, muscles or bones where a range of motion still proves therapeutic. In this case, physical therapy is done to aid or increase healing of the damaged vertebral disc. Cervical spine surgery is always the last resort.
Stabilization devices are also available as a treatment for herniated disc. Traction help stabilize the back when needed to avoid or correct posture that may lead to more disc damage.
Treatment of a herniated disc usually starts with the mentioned conventional treatments and usually symptoms do improve over time with the body and it’s many self healing capabilities. However, there are cases wherein no improvements are seen even with the help of non surgical methods or treatments. It may be that herniated disc surgery can become a good option for treatment. Your doctor will never advise surgery unless the need arises. Be sure to stick to the treatment plan and medications your doctor gives you to avoid having to go through a more painful or risky surgery.