Best Herniated Disc Treatments in the Bay Area

03/15/2019

By 9nong at Shutterstock

A herniated disc may press on the nerves of the spine, causing regular pain, weakness, and numbness throughout your neck, back, arms, and legs. Occasionally, these symptoms are severe enough to disrupt your daily habits. Depending on the severity of your injury, the effects of a herniated disc may begin to improve on their own in the coming weeks.

If the condition worsens or you experience intense, unceasing pain, you’ll want to visit a doctor immediately. You never want to mess with an injury that causes pain or discomfort in the spine.

At-Home Herniated Disc Treatments

For a minor herniated disc, home remedies are certainly an option. Here are some of the most highly recommended at-home treatments for a herniated disc.

Rest

By 9nong at ShutterstockIf you have a minor herniated disc, take a few days to rest and relax. A bit of rest can help relieve the swelling and put you on your path to healing. While you are experiencing pain, try to avoid exercise or any activities that involve bending or lifting. Your doctor may suggest bed rest, but not to remain off your feet for more than a day or two. You need to move the joints and muscles to ensure they do not stiffen.

Medication

Over-the-counter pain medication can do wonders to relieve the discomfort of a herniated disc. You may need to take regular doses of ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or naproxen (Aleve or Naprosyn) to reduce the swelling and relieve the pain. However, you should not take these medications for more than 10 days without speaking to a doctor. When used in large quantities, anti-inflammatory drugs increase your risk of heart attack and bleeding.

Physical Therapy

Some forms of exercise are designed to improve the symptoms and discomfort of a herniated disc. A local physical therapist or wellness center can teach you activities to strengthen the muscles in your back. These include, but are not limited to, stretching exercises and aerobic exercises. You can easily perform them in the comfort of your own home.

Professional Herniated Disc Treatments

If your herniated disc injury causes more than mild pain or discomfort, it’s time for more drastic measures. It’s up to your doctor to choose which procedure is best suited for your injury.

  • Injections – An injection, such as an epidural for the pain, can help relieve the discomfort, swelling, and pain.
  • Surgery – Many people with a herniated disc do not require surgery. If the pain does not improve from rest and physical therapy, however, surgery is an option.  In this case, a discectomy or lumbar laminotomy is scheduled to relieve the pressure on the nerves.

For exceptional herniated disc treatment in the Bay Area, contact Bay Area Disc Centers and schedule your first consultation appointment. Our experienced doctors are ready to examine your injury and put you on the path to recovery. Give us a call at 408-866-0300!