When a patient has a herniated disk, the inner layer of the disk pushes out to the spinal canal, affecting nearby nerves. Patients with a herniated disk can have severe pain that affects movement. MedlinePlus points out that herniated disks commonly occur in the middle-aged and older men. Treatment can help patients manage the pain. The MayoClinic.com notes that a herniated disk takes four to six weeks to improve.
Medication
Patients with a herniated disk can take medications for the pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, can be taken for a sudden herniated disk or for long-term treatment to manage pain. Another option for a sudden herniated disk is a narcotic, such as codeine. MedlinePlus notes that patients who do not respond to NSAIDs can also take narcotics. If patients have muscle spasms, they can take a muscle relaxant like diazepam. For inflammation of the nerve, which can cause numbness or pain, patients can take steroids, which are available as a pill or through an IV.
Change in Activity
Herniated disk patients can change their activity levels, which can help with pain symptoms. They should still do some type of activity during the day, but the types of activities should be modified. The MayoClinic.com recommends that patients avoid improper reaching or lifting, which can worsen the pain. A physical therapist can teach them positions and exercises to lessen pain. Patients may use ice, heat or electrical stimulation during the physical therapy session for pain reduction. Patients can benefit from one to two days of bed rest; however, more bed rest can lead to a loss of muscle tone, which can delay recovery.
Surgical Options
The MayoClinic.com explains that 10 percent of herniated disk patients require surgery. Patients who qualify for surgery are those who have symptoms that do not improve after six weeks of treatment, or those who have problems standing or walking. A surgical option for a herniated disk is a diskectomy. MedlinePlus notes that a diskectomy involves the doctor making an incision to the back, then moving the muscles away from the spine. Before working on the herniated disk, the doctor needs to move the nerve root away from the surgical site to avoid nerve damage. The doctor then removes the injured disk tissue and puts the muscle back in place. Once the doctor finishes the surgery, she closes the wound with stitches.
