A herniated disc can cause severe nerve pain, including sciatic pain. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a herniated disc may also be called a slipped or ruptured disc. Pressure on the disc, which provides a cushion between vertebrae, can cause the disc to shift, which may put pressure on spinal nerves. According to the National Institutes of Health, most people recover from a herniated disc and sciatica pain with noninvasive treatments.
Rest
The National Institutes of Health reports that the first line of defense against pain from a herniated disc is rest. Activity can cause further nerve irritation, as the herniated disc rubs against surrounding nerves and tissues. Also, a disc injury often involves swelling, which can increase pain. Resting the area and minimizing movement as much as possible may allow the swelling to go down enough to resume normal activities again without further intervention.
Ice
While a person is resting, they may also use ice packs to further reduce swelling around the area where the disc herniated. The Cleveland Clinic also reports that using ice packs can minimize muscle spasms both in the back or legs, which can contribute to herniated disc and sciatica pain.
Anti-inflammatory Medication
Another home remedy for a slipped disc and sciatica pain is the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. However, a doctor should always be consulted prior to initiating any kind of medication regime. He may advise the use of over-the-counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Alternatively, depending on the severity of your injury, he may prescribe a stronger NSAID. In some cases, the Cleveland Clinic reports that these may be combined with other pain-relieving drugs or muscle relaxants.
Physical Therapy
The National Institutes of Health report that an important part of recovery from a herniated disc or sciatica pain is physical therapy. The Mayo Clinic reports that therapy should begin as soon as possible, after the initial healing takes place. Physical therapy treatments involve strengthening the areas around the herniated disk, emphasizing posture and good body mechanics. A therapist can also demonstrate more appropriate methods for performing daily tasks that will keep your injured back safe, such as proper lifting and carrying techniques.
Spinal Injection
Some people may require a slightly more invasive treatment for their herniated disc or sciatica pain, if conservative treatments fail to fully relieve their pain. The next step for a doctor, according to the Mayo Clinic, is to administer a epidural spinal injection. This usually does not occur unless pain has persisted for a few months. During an epidural spinal injection, a corticosteroid (such as cortisone) is injected directly into the spinal area to reduce swelling and to temporarily relieve pain. This may be combined with other treatments such as physical therapy.
Spinal Surgery
If all conservative treatments fail, and an epidural is not effective, a doctor may advise surgery as a last resort for treating herniated disc and sciatica pain. The Mayo Clinic reports that surgery is often only considered if other complications are present, such as weakness or problems with the bowels and/or bladder. Depending on the extent of damage, surgery may be as simple as removing a portion of the herniated disc to removing portions of bone or fusing spinal vertebrae together.
