What Are the Best Herniated Disk Treatments?

Herniated discs are among the most common causes of back, neck, and leg pain. The symptoms are not often noticeable at first, and sometimes, it heals on their own. However, it can cause severe pain that may disrupt one’s daily activities. Fortunately, some health centers specialize in herniated disc treatment in Brampton. There are several nonsurgical ways to treat it, which we explain in this blog.

• Exercise and rest

Gone are the days when doctors would advise you to lie in bed for weeks till the symptoms go away. Studies have shown that a lack of mobility does more harm by weakening the muscles further. Doctors now encourage patients to exercise as much as they can. Physiotherapists recommend activities that enable muscle movement and lessen the symptom. Mindfulness exercises have also been known to help patients cope with the effects of the pain. But lying down is recommended for severe cases where the patient simply can’t exercise. Though, not for too long and not in a position that puts pressure on the painful area. Lots of rest and exercises in between can really helps treat herniated disks.

• Chiropractic treatment

A herniated disc occurs when one or more of the supporting bones (disc) in your spine moves out of its place. A doctor of chiropractic specializes in treating misalignment in the bones and muscles. Through chiropractic adjustment, the health care professional will gently move the bones back to their position. Depending on how severe, this treatment may be combined with medication or physical therapy. But it is among the most common nonsurgical treatment for herniated discs.

• Medication

There are various medications in the form of painkillers that are administered for herniated discs. These provide relief from the pain but should be prescribed by your doctor. Medications like anti-inflammatory drugs, paracetamol, muscle relaxing meds, anti-depressant, and opioids, are the most common. However, it is best to speak to your doctor before taking any of these, especially if you have a medical condition.

• Massage and other manual therapy

There are several massage types that relax the muscles. A professional massage therapist would work on the affected area to lessen the muscle tension. Other manual therapy also works, which involves heating and cooling the affected area. Placing cold wraps or heat patches on the area, or taking a hot bath, may relieve the symptoms. 

Many also suggest using Asian medicine, such as Japanese Reiki and Chinese Acupuncture. However, there is hardly any proof that these can relieve herniated disc symptoms.

Final thought

Health care professionals often combine two or more of these treatments for the best and fastest results. The results usually depend on the severity of the case. In most cases, people get better within two months of normal cases. But for more severe symptoms, it might take longer. Some people resort to surgery for a quick fix. However, surgery is not always necessary to treat a herniated disc. Physical exercise combined with other nonsurgical treatments can be enough.