Treatments for Herniated Discs

Herniated spinal disks are rubbery pads found between the vertebrae, and the bones that form the spinal column. They have a fibrous and tough outer membrane. The disks are considered the spine’s shock absorber. In children, the disks are primarily fluid filled sacs. They solidify as one ages. At adulthood, the inner material is already hard, making the disk less elastic. As you age, the disks become unyielding, and the outer protective lining is weakened. This makes the disc prone to injuries. Disc problems are mainly as a result of aging, however, activities like lifting heavy objects or overstretching when playing games, can strain the disc muscles. There are several treatments for herniated discs.

Non-surgical Treatments

The first treatment option the doctor will recommend will not involve surgery. Surgery is usually a last resort. Some of the non-surgical conventional treatments include:

1. Physical therapy-this can be done at home or by a therapist. Therapy treatments include, massage, exercise, heat therapy, electrical stimulation and hydrotherapy. This treatment improves mobility and flexibility.


2. Pain management- chronic and acute disk and back pain can be eased through pain management techniques such as, spinal bracing and drugs and medications.


3. Chiropractic treatment- chiropractic technique uses pressure, manual manipulation and massage to treat pain. This care may also include exercises and therapy modalities. To treat a herniated disk, the manipulation is done on the spine.


4. Alternative medicine- this includes treatments such as acupressure, acupuncture, biofeedback and yoga.


5. Cortisone injections- inflammation or suppressing corticosteroids may be injected directly onto the spinal nerves. During this procedure, spinal imaging is done to help guide the needle to the specific area to be injected. Oral steroids may also be administered to help reduce inflammation. Steroid injections can provide pain relief for a period of up to one year.

Surgery Treatments

If conservative treatment options fail to achieve their intended purpose, surgery treatment options are sought. Decompression is one of the traditional surgery options. In this treatment, the surgeon removes any disc materials, bone matter and debris. This places pressure on the spinal cord and nerve root and works to relieve disc pain, weakness, numbness and tingling. There are several decompression surgeries such as discectomy, laminectomy and foraminotomy.

Decompression surgery may leave the spine structurally unsound and unstable. In such instances, the doctor may recommend a spinal fusion. In this procedure, the bone grafts or hardware which may include, rods and screws are used to offer spine support. They can also be used to make two vertebras grow as a singular unit. Decompression and spinal fusion are sensitive procedures which are performed under anesthesia. Due to the damage to the tissue and muscles, patients may take longer to recover, for most, up to one year.