Most people with herniated discs respond well to conservative treatment and do not require surgery.
« There is often no single strategy for managing a hernia without surgery. You will be encouraged to adopt some healthy lifestyle practices, along with targeted treatments such as physical therapy," says Nikhil Jain, MD, a researcher in clinical spinal surgery at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. "Although genetics may play a role, there is much that can be done to improve the functionality of the spine."
In addition to physical therapy and doctor-recommended pain relievers, here are some things you can do to feel better.
Achieve a healthy weight. Being overweight can worsen the compression of your spine, so losing a few pounds can relieve the pain.
Quit smoking . In addition to contributing to chronic diseases, smoking is a major risk factor for degenerative disc disease, especially in the lower back and neck.
Perform low-impact activities. Bed rest can be tempting, but it can lead to increased stiffness and muscle weakness.
Do core exercises. You will need to strengthen your core support belt and your abdominal and lower back muscles. Your doctor or physical therapist can recommend exercises that are safe for you.
Consider an epidural steroid injection : Your doctor may recommend this type of injection , called ESI, as a minimally invasive procedure that can reduce inflammation of the affected nerve. The relief typically lasts about three months, which may be enough for your back to heal, thus avoiding the need for a control injection.
What surgical procedures are used to treat a herniated disc?
If you've tried non-surgical strategies and your symptoms persist after three months, surgery may be a good option. This is often a simple outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour.
« Spinal surgery has come a long way, even in recent years. Unless there are concerns, most patients go home the same day and usually only a few hours after surgery," says Dr. Anand.
see the continuation on the next page
read more in next page
