A herniated disc in the back is a painful condition that can be treated with rest, pain relievers, exercise, therapy and surgery. Most physicians will try conservative treatment (rest, pain relievers and exercise) before opting for surgery and most of their patients concur with that treatment plan. The herniated disc can be the result of a sports injury, an automobile accident or an awkward movement performed while doing a day-to-day household task. Whatever the cause, the issue must be addressed before the pain becomes debilitating.
Rest
If you have just injured yourself and feel a wrenching pain--usually in the mid-to-lower back--you will need to rest quietly for a period of 24 to 48 hours. At this point, you should take a pain reliever like aspirin or Tylenol to help relieve the discomfort. In some cases, this rest will allow you to resume your normal activities after a short time.
Lumbar Stretch
In order to begin your physical therapy, you need to do stretching exercises. In the lumbar stretch, lie on your back on the floor. Bend your knees at a comfortable angle and extend your hands toward your buttocks. Push up with your hands and buttocks muscles so it is about 6 to 8 inches off the ground. Hold the lift for about three seconds and then relax. Do this lift 10 times and then take a 30-second break before repeating the set.
Exercise Band Stretch
Take an exercise band and put one end under your right foot and the other end in your right hand. Pull up with the one in your right hand until it has reached shoulder height and then return to your starting position. Do this 10 times and then repeat the set with your left foot and left hand. Take a 30-second break and then repeat the set.
Wall Stretch
Stand about 12 inches away from a wall. Put your hands on the wall at shoulder height. Place your right foot about 4 inches from the wall and leave your left foot in place. Arch your back and stand as tall as possible. Hold the position for 10 seconds. Do this five times. Then switch the position and do five more stretches with your left foot closer to the wall than your right foot.
Surgical Option
You have rested, taken pain medication and done physical therapy to help your back. Nothing has helped. You will need to see the neurological surgeon who can repair the herniated disc and return you to a much fuller function level. Significant progress has been made in herniated disc surgery and it can now be done on an outpatient basis. A small incision is made near the source of the pain and the surgeon can go in and remove herniated disc debris and free up nerves that may be getting pinched. This should provide immediate relief and end your suffering.
