A bulging or protruding disc is a painful condition that can leave you incapacitated. It can make the most simple movements excruciatingly painful. The discomfort from a protruding disc can subside and then come back at a time when it is least expected and getting treatment for it is needed in order to lead your day-to-day life without being forced to the sidelines.
Rest and ice
This is a very basic treatment for a protruding disc and depending on the severity and the age of the patient involved it can work. Get off your feet and give your back a chance to rest. Treat it with 15 to 30 minutes of ice every 4 hours and stay in a resting position for 24 to 48 hours. In some cases, this can work wonders. A herniated disc may respond to this basic treatment, especially if your are young, in relatively good health and did not suffer a severe injury.
Epidural Steroid Injection
This can bring about relief that lasts anywhere between 2 weeks and 4 months. The physician injects epidural steroids right next to the spot of the protruding disc. This is supposed to relieve inflammation, reduce pain and get your back on your feet again and functioning at a normal level. This strategy works about 50 percent of the time.
Surgery
Outpatient surgery for the injured disc can get a patient back on his feet in a matter of days. The surgeon makes a small incision near the spot of the herniation and uses a camera that is attached to the end of the operating instrument to find the damaged disc and make its repair. In many cases, this involves cleaning up the debris from the disc and in other cases it involves repairing the disc. The operation is called a hemi-laminectomy and takes less than an hour and once the patient has awakened from the anesthesia and has started urinating, he can go home. The patient should be able to proceed with normal activities in 1 to 2 days.
