When it comes to treatment for a herniated disc, only your physician or spine specialist can recommend a regimen that speaks to your unique level of health and the severity of your spinal condition. As a general rule, patients who are diagnosed with herniated discs will initially follow conservative (nonsurgical) treatment plans. If conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief after several weeks or months, then patients may be advised to consider surgical treatment.

Nonsurgical Treatments

Your doctor may recommend one of several conservative treatments, or may assign a regimen consisting of multiple techniques. Some of the most common nonsurgical treatments for a herniated disc include:

Medication – Many patients benefit from taking over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen. These medications block the body’s production of the COX-1 and/or COX-2 enzymes that are partially responsible for triggering the body’s inflammatory response. Acetaminophen or other over-the-counter analgesics may be recommended as an alternative to NSAIDs for patients who suffer from cardiovascular or gastrointestinal conditions, and for individuals who have an allergy to the ingredients found in NSAIDs. If a patient’s pain is severe or doesn’t subside with the use of over-the-counter medications, then his or her physician may prescribe a narcotic pain reliever and/or a muscle relaxant.

Heat/ice therapy – Applying ice to the affected area can help to numb localized pain and could also help reduce inflammation. Heat, on the other hand, can increase blood flow to the affected area and aid in the healing process. A heating pad or warm compress can also relieve muscle tension, which oftentimes contributes to a patient’s neck or back pain.

Lifestyle modifications – Sometimes, one of the most effective treatments involves the reversal of certain unhealthy behaviors. It’s very common for overweight patients to experience neck and back problems, and many of these patients’ conditions improve once they’ve shed excess pounds. Individuals who lead sedentary lifestyles (even if they aren’t overweight) can greatly benefit from becoming more physically active. Gradually increasing the strength of the muscles in the neck, back, and abdomen can provide the spine with additional support and may help to relieve the pressure being placed on the affected intervertebral disc. Patients who abuse alcohol or use tobacco products may also be advised to change these habits to not only improve spinal health, but overall health as well.

Surgical Treatment for a Herniated Disc

The majority of patients who are diagnosed with a herniated disc will find the relief they require from a conservative treatment regimen. Those who do not, however, may need to consider undergoing surgery. Open neck or back surgeries are highly invasive and can require lengthy and challenging recoveries. The affected disc is often removed in its entirety and the adjacent vertebrae are then fused together to stabilize the spine. Some patients may be candidates for minimally invasive procedures as an alternative to open neck or back surgeries. These procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and may not require the complete removal of any discs, or the fusion of any vertebrae. Instead, only the portion of the herniated disc that is pressing against the spinal cord, spinal nerve, or spinal nerve root is removed. After undergoing a minimally invasive spinal procedure, many patients are able to return to their daily activities within a matter of weeks.

If your doctor or spine specialist advises you to consider surgical treatment, ask him or her if you’re a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure. Before consenting to any type of operation, you may want to receive a second – or even third – opinion to make sure no other conservative treatments are available.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient treatment for a herniated disc and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient treatment for a herniated disc. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/herniated_disc/treatment/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient treatment for a herniated disc and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: treatment for a herniated disc