There are several herniated disc treatment options that may relieve your symptoms. These include non-surgical treatments such as: alternate bed rest with ambulation and medications to reduce inflammation and pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used for this purpose.

Remember that most patients with a herniated disc will get better without surgery.

SpineUniverse offers articles specifically on each of these non-surgical herniated disc treatments.  Follow the links below to learn more about what might relieve your disc pain.

In Depth Articles on Non-Surgical Herniated Disc Treatments

• Medications
• Exercise
• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Alternative treatments

Surgery for Herniated Discs

When no improvement is noted after a course of conservative treatment, surgery might be considered.

A discectomy is the surgical removal of part or the entire offending intervertebral disc.

Microdiscectomy incorporates the use of a microscope to magnify the surgical field during removal of the disc.

We have an article just on herniated disc surgery options. It goes into much more detail on the types of surgery used to address herniated disc pain and other symptoms.

Recovery from a Herniated Disc

No matter which herniated disc treatments you try, it is important to closely follow the instructions of your physician and/or physical therapist.

Keep your weight close to ideal and continue to follow the exercise and/or rehabilitative program designed by your physical therapist at home. These steps may help you prevent further pain associated with a herniated disc.

Which Herniated Disc Treatments Are Right for You?

Your doctor knows your case best:  he or she will be able to recommend a made-for-you herniated disc treatment plan.  It will take into account your overall health, other conditions you may have, your current level of physical activity, your lifestyle, and your symptoms.

Keep in mind that it may take trying several treatments before finding pain relief—and that is all right and normal.  You and your doctor are a team, working together to treat your herniated disc pain and other symptoms, so pay close attention to what works and what doesn't work.

Your herniated disc treatment plan has one goal:  to reduce your pain and get you back to living the full life you want.