Treatment for a Nonoperative Herniated Disc

Overview

A herniated disk can be a very painful condition. Back disks are subject to injury in competitive sports, automobile accidents, household falls or the aging process. Surgery is usually the option of last resort. There are several other ways to treat the condition.

Rest

This is the most basic advice when it comes to a back injury. When the disk becomes herniated, the gelatinous outer portion of the disk becomes damaged and the inner portion protrudes out. This can be very painful, but in some cases rest will help your back feel better. Keep off your feet and lie as flat as possible on a hard surface or a firm mattress.

Cold and Heat

If you have suffered a herniated disk, you can treat it with an ice pack and a heating pad. During the first 24 hours, put an ice pack on the injured portion of your back for 15 minutes out of every hour. If this is not possible, keep the ice pack on your injury for 15 minutes every 2 hours. In the second 24 hours, continue to put an ice pack on the injury for 15 minutes at a time every other hour. In the hour that you are not putting the ice pack on the injury, use a heating pad for 15 minutes. This therapy can make your back feel much better.

Pain Relievers

You can treat your herniated disk with aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These over-the-counter medications can bring quite a bit of relief. However, if your pain shows no signs of abating, call your doctor, who can prescribe a stronger pain reliever. Ibuprofen with codeine should allow you to be much more comfortable.

Physical Therapy Exercises

There are some stretching exercises you can do under the direction of your physical therapist that can relieve pain and help you regain range of motion. You will most likely be asked to use an exercise ball and some very light weights to help you move a bit more easily. The physical therapy takes place after the rest and treatment with hot and cold.

Epidural Steroid Injection

When your back is slow to come around as a result of your herniated disk, your doctor may want to inject you with steroids at a spot very close to the herniation. After receiving an injection of medicine within a few centimeters of the spot of the herniation, many patients will get immediate relief. That relief can last up to 4 months.