Lumbar Herniated Disc-Treatment Overview
Lumbar Herniated Disc-Treatment Overview
Your doctor may recommend a short period of rest or reduced activity followed by a gradual increase in activity.
Usually a herniated disc heals on its own. So most of the time nonsurgical treatment is tried first, including:
Understanding Spinal Disk Problems -- Diagnosis & Treatment
Because there are many causes of back pain, it is important for your doctor to do a thorough history and physical examination to determine if a spinal disk problem is the root of your back pain. A herniated or slipped disk may press on the nerves coming out from the spinal cord, and it may show up in a targeted neurological exam. Your doctor will check your reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation for abnormalities or changes, especially those that involve the lower extremities.A spinal X-ray may...
Read the Understanding Spinal Disk Problems -- Diagnosis & Treatment article > >
You're likely to get the most benefit if you have treatment before you've had more than 6 months of symptoms.2
Surgery is eventually done for about 1 out of 10 people. It can be a good choice for people who have nerve damage that is getting worse or pain that hasn't improved after at least 4 weeks of nonsurgical treatment.1 For more information, see Surgery.
Usually a herniated disc heals on its own. So most of the time nonsurgical treatment is tried first, including:
Recommended Related to Back Pain
Understanding Spinal Disk Problems -- Diagnosis & Treatment
Because there are many causes of back pain, it is important for your doctor to do a thorough history and physical examination to determine if a spinal disk problem is the root of your back pain. A herniated or slipped disk may press on the nerves coming out from the spinal cord, and it may show up in a targeted neurological exam. Your doctor will check your reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation for abnormalities or changes, especially those that involve the lower extremities.A spinal X-ray may...
Read the Understanding Spinal Disk Problems -- Diagnosis & Treatment article > >
- Heat or ice, exercise, and other steps at home to help with pain and make your back stronger. For more information, see Home Treatment.
- Physical therapy. For more information, see Other Treatment.
- Pain medicine. For more information, see Medications.
You're likely to get the most benefit if you have treatment before you've had more than 6 months of symptoms.2
Surgery
Surgery is eventually done for about 1 out of 10 people. It can be a good choice for people who have nerve damage that is getting worse or pain that hasn't improved after at least 4 weeks of nonsurgical treatment.1 For more information, see Surgery.
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