Herniated Disc Treatments

Herniated disc treatments vary widely, depending on the location, origin, and severity of the herniated back disc. The two most common sites for a herniated disc to occur are the lumbar (lower) and cervical (upper) spine.

These areas appear to be prone to herniated discs for a variety of reasons. A lumbar herniated disc (in the lower back) can occur because this area of the spine undergoes a great deal of stress as it supports most of the body’s weight and enables activities like bending, walking, and lifting. In the neck area, a cervical herniated disc is fairly common because the neck has an extensive range of motion and is also vulnerable to injuries in accidents.

In the event that a nerve root or the spinal cord has been inflamed or compressed by a herniated disc, a bevy of symptoms can occur. These range from numbness and tingling in the extremities to extreme pain and muscle weakness.

Fortunately the prognosis for a herniated disc is good, thanks to recent advances in modern medicine. These days, there are many herniated disc treatments to choose from, and many are quite effective for the majority of patients.

After receiving a diagnosis from a trained medical professional, an individualized treatment plan is developed. A herniated back disc may be painful, but more often than not the symptoms can be alleviated by some minor lifestyle changes and/or medication. Some examples of effective treatments for herniated discs include the conservative options of:

• Bed rest
• Stretching exercises or sessions with a physical therapist
• Hot and cold packs
• Over-the-counter or prescription medication
• Chiropractic visits
• Epidural steroid injections

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Not all herniated discs can be treated with a conservative approach, however. In the event that the above treatments are not effective, an alternative surgical option may be considered. Before agreeing to open-back or open-neck disc surgery, consider the gentle outpatient procedures offered at Laser Spine Institute (LSI). LSI offers a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive procedure known as a “percutaneous endoscopic disectomy." This laser-assisted treatment is an outpatient procedure that removes or shrinks the herniated disc and offers much-needed pain relief. Contact the award-winning staff to learn more about this procedure and others, as well as to receive a free review of your MRI or CT scan.

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