Can Injured Discs Heal Without Surgery?
Discs are rubbery structures that exist between vertebrae in the spine. The discs provide cushioning for the spine. The discs also help prevent vertebrae from touching each other as you move. As people get older, the discs can get injured and can cause pain, and inflammation. A herniated disc is a common condition that occurs when the soft centre leaks out of a tear of the disc.
A herniated disc can cause severe pain and it can occur due to ageing, trauma, poor posture, etc. The good news is that herniated discs can be treated without the need for surgery. There are several non-surgical options for a herniated disc.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Herniated Discs
In most cases, a herniated disc does not require surgery and can be treated using non-surgical methods. Before deciding on a treatment, the doctor will conduct a physical exam to know about your walking ability, reflexes, and muscle strength. The doctor may also conduct other tests such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
Based on the diagnosis, the doctor may recommend any of the following non-surgical treatments:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications: Herniated discs can cause pain due to the inflammation in nerves. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications can be used to treat the inflammation. With this, the pain and swelling gradually reduce.
- Muscle relaxants: If a disc slips from its place and gets pressed on the nerve, it can lead to muscle spasms. Muscle relaxants can calm down muscle spasms and can reduce pain. Muscle relaxants may be prescribed for one or two weeks.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications can be used to reduce the pain caused by herniated discs.
- Corticosteroids: If medications do not help, the doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation. This will reduce pressure on the affected nerve and there by reduce pain.
- Weight loss: Being overweight or obese can pull the vertebrae, and joints, and can misalign discs due to excess weight. If you are obese and have a herniated disc, you may experience nerve damage and even severe pain. Losing weight can help reduce pain caused by the herniated disc.
- Physical therapy: Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy to reduce pain and avoid further damage to the herniated disc. The treatment plan is based on the location of the pain, your overall health, and your lifestyle. During physical therapy, you will focus on strengthening the muscles in the back, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. This will help improve your posture, reduce pressure on the affected nerves and reduce your pain.
- Corticosteroid injections: These injections are prescribed only when the other treatments do not help. Corticosteroid injections contain anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the pain.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is effective at treating a herniated disc and can speed up the healing process. It involves inserting small needles into the points that are associated with the nerves affected by the herniated disc. It also lets the body to release endorphins, the natural pain relievers.
Suffering from a Herniated Disc? Meet Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy for an Effective Treatment Plan
If you have a herniated disc and it is causing severe pain, wait no longer and meet Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy right away. He is one of the best neurosurgeons in Hyderabad offering effective and compassionate care to his patients. He has been treating spinal disorders and injuries in Hyderabad for over 12 years. He utilizes the most minimally invasive procedures and customizes the treatment plan as per your requirements. He specializes in providing minimally invasive treatments for various spinal problems such as herniated discs, spinal tumours, spinal stenosis, etc. To make an appointment with Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy, call us or drop us an email.