Herniated Disc Treatment Options

A herniated disc is the rupture of a spinal disc, or the soft cushion that sits between each vertebrae of the spine. When the disc ruptures, a small part of the spinal disc is pushed outside its normal boundary and the spinal nerves and spinal cord may become pinched. Spine specialists typically suggest conservative (or nonsurgical) treatment initially, and if the symptoms persist, more aggressive treatments are suggested.

Conservative treatments for herniated discs usually consist of the following options:

Rest and Activity Modification
If you have a herniated disc, you should rest and avoid strenuous activities. Herniated discs may resolve themselves if given time.

Ice and Heat Applications
Applying ice and heat can be very helpful in relieving pain because the hot and cold temperature relaxes the muscles of the back.

Physical Therapy
Some exercises can help stabilize and strengthen the lumbar spine muscles. Stronger muscles help control the spine and reduce risk of injury to the nerves around the disc.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Your spine specialist can prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help relieve the pain from a herniated disc. These medications can relieve some of the pressure on the compressed nerves, and should be used under your doctor’s supervision.

Epidural Steroid Injections
Your spine specialist can also administer injections of cortisone directly into the area of the nerve compression, which will relieve the pressure on the nerve.

If you think you have a herniated disc, contact the specialists at Sierra Pacific Orthopaedic & Spine Center at (877) 666-6080.