What’s the Best Herniated Disc Treatment?

When you have a herniated disc, finding relief is your top priority. The good news is that there are several effective treatments available, depending on the severity of your symptoms.

Let’s explore your options so you can make an informed decision on the best course of action for you.

Rest and Activity Modification

The first step in treating a herniated disc is to give your body time to heal. This often involves reducing physical activity that aggravates your symptoms. Rest doesn’t mean complete immobility, though. Gentle movement, like walking, can help keep your spine flexible and improve circulation, promoting healing.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can guide you through specific exercises designed to strengthen the muscles supporting your spine. These exercises help reduce the pressure on the herniated disc, ease pain, and improve your range of motion. Over time, this can prevent future injury.

Pain Management

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort. If your pain is more severe, your doctor might recommend prescription medications or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation around the affected nerve.

Chiropractic Care

Some people find relief through chiropractic adjustments, which involve spinal manipulation to relieve pressure on the herniated disc. While this approach isn’t for everyone, it can be helpful for mild to moderate cases.

Surgery

If your symptoms persist despite conservative treatments, surgery may be an option. Procedures like a discectomy or spinal fusion can remove the damaged part of the disc and stabilize the spine. Surgery is usually a last resort, reserved for severe cases.

Choosing the right treatment depends on your symptoms and lifestyle. Consulting with a healthcare professional will help you identify the best option to relieve pain and get back to your normal activities.

Virginia Spine Specialists is an award-winning, minimally invasive spinal care practice with locations in Fredericksburg, VA and Manassas, VA. We also serve these Northern and Central Virginia locations: Haymarket, Gainesville, Culpepper, Front Royal, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Colonial Beach, Tappahannock and Lake Anna.