Herniated Disc Treatment

Herniated disc is also known as slipped disk or ruptured disk. In this condition the patient experiences severe back pain, which shoots down the leg, making everyday activities difficult. The spine is made up of bones, which are cushioned by small oval pads of cartilage or disk, that consist of outer layer and a soft inner layer. When the patient suffers from herniated disc, a small portion of the soft inner layer pushes out through the outer layer and makes its way into the spinal canal. This often irritates a nerve, which causes pain or numbness or weakness, either in the back or in the leg or even arm. With herniated disc treatment, this condition does improve. Surgery is often not an option to treat the condition.

Herniated Disc Treatment Options

The goal of treatment for herniated disc is to relieve pain, weakness or numbness in the leg and lower back, which is caused by pressure on a nerve root in the spinal cord. Preventing re-injury to the back and reducing the risk of disability, from back pain, is also an important part of treatment for herniated disc.

Rest
Rest is the first treatment option. The patient is recommended rest for a short period of time. Even when the patient gets back to regular routine, he may be advised to gradual increase activity, so as not to hurt the nerve again.

Physical Therapy
If rest does not work, then physical therapy is an option, which is recommended to the patient. The herniated disc therapy, normally consists of physical or mechanical treatment, which may be given to the patient, like exercise, etc. These exercises can be done at home and they help to strengthen the muscles in the back, in order to support the lower back.

Pain Relief
Muscle relaxants, corticosteroids, pain killers may be given to the patient. Some medicines can be prescribed to control inflammation as well.

Ice and Heat Compress
More often than not, ice and heat compresses have proved to be beneficial in treating the condition associated with herniated disc. These compresses help to relax the muscles in the back. At the same time, they also help to relieve muscle spasm and give significant back pain relief.

Herniated Disc Treatment Exercises

The herniated disc exercises are lumbar stabilization exercises. These exercises help to stabilize the lumbar spine muscles. They, in turn, help to decrease the load experienced by the disc and vertebrae. Stronger and well-balanced muscles help to control the lumbar spine and minimize the risk of injury to the nerves and/or the disc.

Exercise # 1
To do this herniated disc exercise, stand straight against a wall. The wall will provide support to the back, thereby will also take pressure off the back. Slowly bend down to come to a 90 degree crouching position. Stay in the position and count till 10, keep your legs strong and come back to the initial position. This exercise helps to increase the tensile strength of the muscles of the back, thighs and decrease the muscle spasms.

Exercise # 2
This next back exercise should be done lying on the floor. Ensure your back is completely touching the floor and is completely relaxed. Extend both the legs. Now gradually lift one leg up and try to keep as straight as you can. Keep the leg in the air for about 15 counts and slowly bring the leg down. Then repeat the same exercise with the other leg as well. This exercise will have to be repeated on both the legs for at least 5 to 7 times.

Herniated disc surgery is the last option, which is recommended to the patient, if all the treatment options fail. Treatment should not be administered without medical advice for this condition. It is important that the condition be evaluated by a health care professional. The exercises should also be done under the guidance of a physical therapist, so that you do not make any mistake in the posture, which can further aggravate the condition.