Do you have achy or acute radiating pain radiating from your shoulder, arm, buttock, or leg? This could be a sign of a herniated or bulging disc in the neck or back. Discs are tiny cushions that sit between each of the vertebrae that make up your spine.
Herniated discs are more common in people between the ages of 30 and 50. When the material inside the disc pushes outward, it irritates the nerve leaving at that level, resulting in a disc herniation. This can happen on either side of the spine, and depending on which nerve in the neck or back is damaged. It can produce radiating pain, numbness, and sensory loss.
Most people with a herniated disc can ease their pain with medication and physical therapy, with results appearing in four to six weeks. However, surgery may be utilized as a last resort treatment when the pain is highly acute.
The Following Are Some of The Most Frequent Treatments For Herniated Disc Pain
Exercise
Some specific exercises and stretches can assist in alleviating the pain of a herniated disc. Physical therapy can teach you how to appropriately do these exercises to relieve pressure on the disc and the spine associated with impaired mobility. As your spinal muscles strengthen, the pressure on the disc should decrease, reducing pain.
Should Reduce Inflammation
Reduce discomfort from a moderate herniated disc by reducing inflammation. Applying a heating pad or an ice pack to the affected area may be a helpful approach to ease pain and reduce inflammation momentarily. Spend 10-15 minutes on your stomach, with one to two cushions under your hips, twice a day. If the pain persists after trying these solutions, it’s time to see one of our physicians for a full assessment.
Careful Movements
It’s critical to keep the pressure on your herniated disc as low as possible. Wearing high heels, sleeping on your stomach, and standing or sitting for extended periods of time are all things to avoid. When lifting hefty objects, keep your back straight and rely on your knees and hips instead. Avoid bending or reaching for long period of time. Also, whether you’re standing or sitting, keep appropriate posture in mind.
Over-The-Counter Pain Medication
An over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever can help alleviate inflammation and ease discomfort when the pain from a herniated disc is only moderate. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen are some of the most often used OTC pain relievers. However, because these only provide short pain relief, you should consult a doctor before incorporating them into your daily pain management routine.
Physical Therapy Sessions
In most situations, seeing a physical therapist helps the discomfort of a herniated disc while also teaching your body how to prevent future back and neck pain. Therefore, it’s critical that if you’re seeing a doctor for disc problems, they collaborate with physical therapists to help you heal as quickly as possible.
Surgery
If surgery is required, physical therapy is needed to rehabilitate your spinal muscles and enhance spinal joint function in order to achieve a complete recovery and avoid recurrent ruptured discs above or below the operated location.
In The End
You can do a lot to relieve your back or neck pain caused by a herniated disc. However, the first line of treatment for a successful recovery is physical therapy. Furthermore, a physical therapist will instruct you on how to perform the proper exercises to maintain good posture and limit the chance of repeat episodes.
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