A herniated or slipped disc can be a painful and debilitating injury in which the inner portion of a vertebral disc protrudes through a small opening in the disc and presses on spinal nerves. The spine is composed of multiple stacked, hard bones called vertebrae that are separated and cushioned by soft vertebral discs. These discs may degenerate as part of the aging process or be injured by improper lifting or excessive body weight, resulting in a herniated disc. Symptoms most often include pain, weakness and numbness in the lower or upper back, arms and legs, neck or buttocks. Recovery takes time, but a variety of therapeutic options are available to ease the pain, speed the healing process and prevent future injury.
Medication
Pharmacological therapy for a herniated disc is aimed at reducing pain and/or inflammation through over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen are commonly recommended to ease mild pain associated with a herniated disc, however, narcotics may be prescribed for more severe pain, according to MayoClinic.com. Another treatment option for severe pain and debilitation include injections of cortisone-like medications into the spinal area around the herniated disc. Muscle relaxants are also prescribed for individuals with back spasms, a common symptom due to nerve compression.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapy program is common for individuals with a herniated disc and treatment is divided into two categories, passive and active, according to SpineUniverse.com. Passive treatment is designed to relieve pain and decrease healing time with massages, hot and cold therapy and electrical nerve stimulation. Active therapy generally begins once an individual heals and has the strength for more physical exercises. The goal of active therapy is to strengthen the body's core through strength training as well as improve posture, flexibility and joint movement.
Exercise
As with physical therapy, exercise is an important component of herniated disc therapy, particularly for the long-term. Strengthening the lower back and core muscles, or abdominals, relieves pressure on the spine and helps prevent reoccurring back problems, according to SpineUniverse.com. Strength training doesn’t have to mean hitting free weights as the gym, as yoga and Pilates are popular ways to improve strength along with flexibility. A healthy diet and aerobic physical activity, such as walking, jogging, cycling or swimming, are also important components for herniated disc therapy, particularly for overweight or obese individuals, as extra weight puts added strain on the back. Individuals should speak with a physician to determine if it is safe to start an exercise program.
Surgery
Surgical therapy is generally a last resort for a herniated disc when previous treatments fail or the herniated disc presses on a nerve resulting in significant loss of function. Treatment options vary depending on the size and location of the herniated disc, but may involve removal of the bulging portion only or complete removal of the affected disc. In the latter case, the removed disc may be replaced with an artificial implant or fused metal pieces that provide support and mobility along the spine, according to MayoClinic.com.
