Whether it’s brought on by aging, by injury, or some other cause, a herniated disc is no fun. This very common condition can stop you right in your tracks, with acute pain you just want to get rid of as easily as possible. The good news is that there are a number of herniated disc treatments, and, for many, that treatment does not involve an operation.

“Fortunately, the majority of herniated discs do not require surgery,” said the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). “However, a very small percentage of people with herniated, degenerated discs may experience symptomatic or severe and incapacitating low back pain, which significantly affects daily life.”

Our 5 Herniated Disc Treatments

If that sounds familiar, it’s time to see a doctor. Expect to hear about these potential solutions to your herniated disc pain.

1. Wait it out

Top spinal surgeons advise back pain sufferers to make an appointment to come in and get a diagnosis, instead of assuming the problem will resolve itself. It’s important to know what you’re dealing with in case it’s something degenerative or a condition that can lead to more debilitating or dangerous issues.

2. Go the conservative route

Of course, your back doctor will likely also recommend a few conservative treatments for a herniated disc. These methods are successful most of the time. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) reports that “Although a herniated disk can be very painful, most people feel much better with just a few weeks or months of nonsurgical treatment In addition to NSAIDs, those treatments can include:

3. Physical therapy

“The goal of these exercises is to push the disc back, away from the nerve root,” said Healthline. “Always be evaluated by your doctor before attempting exercise at home.”

4. Epidural steroid injection

“An injection of a cortisone-like drug into the space around the nerve may provide short-term pain relief by reducing inflammation,” said the AAOS. “There is good evidence that epidural injections can successfully relieve pain in many patients who have not been helped by 6 weeks or more of other nonsurgical care.”

 

5. Having a microdiscectomy

A Microdiscectomy is the most common surgical procedure as a herniated disc treatment. It is typically only considered after several weeks of more conservative treatments and if you are experiencing pain and associated symptoms. Explained WebMD: “Herniated disk surgery is an option if you’re otherwise healthy but:

• You feel so much pain that you can’t get around or do your daily activities.
• You have numbness or weakness from the disk pressing on nerves.
• You can’t control your bladder or bowels.
• You have trouble standing or walking.”

During a microdiscectomy, the spinal surgeon makes a small incision and removes the damaged part of the disc. This is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure that can be done in about an hour as an outpatient treatment at leading spinal centers like DISC Spine Institute.

Advances in Herniated Disc Treatment Options

When it’s time to put an end to your pain, visit DISC Spine Institute, experts in minimally invasive treatments, the most effective medical procedures to treat and eliminate chronic back pain today. Minimally invasive surgical techniques mean treating chronic back pain is easier than ever, with outpatient treatments, small incisions, and a quicker recovery time instead of a long hospital stay. Why continue to feel pain? Call the DISC Spine Institute today to stop the pain.