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How do I Treat Herniated Disc Pain?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like fluid between vertebrae ruptures and leaks out of place. When this happens, the spinal disc presses against the nerves that run near the vertebrae, causing severe herniated disc pain. Herniated disc pain is treated with a combination of medication and physical rehabilitation, but in more severe cases, surgery to repair the herniation may be necessary. No matter how mild or severe the herniated disc pain is, a modification of day to day movements is probably in order to prevent the herniation from occurring again in the same or in a different spinal disc.

Very often herniated disc pain stems from some sort of traumatic injury or through a sporting injury. If this is the case, the first step in treating the herniated disc pain is to rest the injury thoroughly. This rest should last anywhere from several days to several weeks, as the herniation can often resolve itself given enough time. The mobility of the injury should be limited during this time, and over-the-counter painkillers may be used to dull the pain. If the pain is severe enough that over-the-counter medications do not work, one can visit a doctor for a stronger prescription.

A healthy spine and a spine with a herniated disc.
A healthy spine and a spine with a herniated disc.

In very severe cases, the herniated disc may need a surgical procedure to completely resolve all symptoms and pain. This should be considered a last resort, and it usually only occurs if the rupture is causing neurological issues such as cauda equina syndrome, in which the sufferer cannot control his or her bowels, numbness in the genitals is constant or recurring, and the legs become weak or numb. These are considered serious symptoms of a larger problem, and the spinal disc will be surgically removed.

A herniated disc commonly causes lower back pain.
A herniated disc commonly causes lower back pain.

In just about all cases of herniated disc pain, physical rehabilitation is recommended. Such rehab usually does not target the herniated disc specifically; instead, it aims to stabilize the rest of the spine to reduce the risk of a herniated disc in the future. Therapy may be combined with a regular stretching routine, as well as a core workout that develops and maintains the muscles in the lower back, hips, thighs, and stomach. These muscles are primarily responsible for supporting the spine and ensuring it stays in a properly aligned position throughout the day and while participating in physical activity. Posture training may also be necessary to ensure daily activities such as sitting at an office chair are not contributing to the pain.

Discussion Comments

pleonasm

@KoiwiGal - People will do strange things when they have back pain. I don't blame them, I know it is the most annoying place to be sore. And a herniated disc can be excruciating. Plus having to rest the area is very frustrating as well.

But, I remember my dad used to get us to walk on his back when we were little, as a way to give him pain relief. My dad had injured his back playing basketball. I don't know if it was a herniated disc or not. Probably not, although he did that once or twice.

But he got my mother and us to take turns stepping on his back while he was lying down. I'm not sure what it did, but he said it made him feel better.

I'm glad I don't have back pain at the moment, so I don't have to find out for myself!

KoiwiGal

Don't be tempted to try and get a friend to help out with this.

I had an uncle who thought that a slipped disc (which is another word for herniated disc) meant the spine was out of alignment, or something. Of course, that's not what's wrong at all.

He managed to convince his wife, who had lower back pain, that what she needed was for him to realign her spine, and that it would be much cheaper than going to a doctor.

Of course, this didn't end well and his wife ended up taking much longer to heal because he acted like an idiot.

Luckily she forgave him, but I think it was a really close call. I'm not sure I could have done it!

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    • A healthy spine and a spine with a herniated disc.
      By: Alila
      A healthy spine and a spine with a herniated disc.
    • A herniated disc commonly causes lower back pain.
      By: mangostock
      A herniated disc commonly causes lower back pain.
    • Posture training is important for treating a herniated disc, or else sitting in an office chair can contribute to the pain.
      By: anetlanda
      Posture training is important for treating a herniated disc, or else sitting in an office chair can contribute to the pain.
    • In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a herniated disc.
      By: lightwavemedia
      In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a herniated disc.
    • Most cases of herniated disc pain require some form of physical therapy.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Most cases of herniated disc pain require some form of physical therapy.
    • A herniated disc caused by an injury should be rested thoroughly.
      By: aceshot
      A herniated disc caused by an injury should be rested thoroughly.