If you’re suffering from a herniated disc, there are several treatments that your doctor or spine specialist may recommend. Your exact treatment regimen will depend on your overall level of health, degree of pain and discomfort, and various other factors. Be sure to speak with your physician before utilizing any of the treatments outlined in this article. That said, almost all patients who are diagnosed with herniated discs will initially follow a regimen of conservative, nonsurgical treatments. It is typically only after nonsurgical treatments have proven ineffective (usually after several weeks or months) that a physician will recommend surgery. Fortunately, the vast majority of patients will receive adequate relief from conservative treatments and won’t be faced with the prospect of undergoing a surgical procedure.

Conservative Treatments

A wide variety of conservative treatments are available for patients who have been diagnosed with a herniated disc. Treatments include:

-Medication – Over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen and ibuprofen provide many patients with the pain relief they require. If you suffer from a cardiovascular or gastrointestinal condition, or have an allergy to NSAIDs, your physician may instead recommend an over-the-counter analgesic like acetaminophen. Some patients, especially those whose pain is severe, may be prescribed narcotic pain relievers and/or muscle relaxants.

-The application of ice and/or heat – Applying ice to the affected area not only helps to numb away pain, but it can also reduce inflammation. Heat, on the other hand, increases blood flow to the area which can aid in the healing process. Applying a heating pad or other heat source to the area can also relieve muscle tension that could be contributing to your pain and discomfort. Some patients will benefit most from alternating between heat and ice while others will be advised to use one or the other.

-Lifestyle modifications – If your physician believes that an aspect of your lifestyle could be contributing to your neck or back pain, he or she may advise you to reverse your behaviors. For instance, overweight individuals may be advised to lose weight; those who lead a sedentary lifestyle may be directed to become more physically active; and individuals who use tobacco products or abuse alcohol may be advised to limit or terminate these behaviors.

Alternative Therapies

Some patients turn to alternative therapies, either in conjunction with the conservative treatments their physician has recommended or in lieu of them. Popular therapies include the use of herbal supplements, chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture, acupressure, restorative yoga, and aromatherapy to name a few.

Surgical Treatments

If nonsurgical herniated disc treatments fail to provide you with meaningful relief, you may be advised to undergo an operation. Depending on the type of surgery your physician recommends, you may face a lengthy and potentially arduous rehabilitation. This is especially possible following an open neck or back surgery, during which the affected intervertebral disc is removed in its entirety and the adjacent vertebrae are fused together. You may be a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t require the complete removal of any spinal components nor does it involve spinal fusion. These procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, through an incision that is typically less than one inch long.

If your physician recommends surgical treatment for your herniated disc, ask him or her if a minimally invasive procedure is a viable alternative to open neck or back surgery. Before you consent to any operation, you may want to consult another physician or spine specialist. There may be other nonsurgical treatments that you’ve yet to utilize or you may not have even received the correct diagnosis to begin with.

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 herniated disc treatments.

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 procedures for herniated discs. 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 herniated disc treatments.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: herniated disc treatments