The Treatment Options for Disc Herniation

Many people complain of back and neck pain, and more are likely to encounter such in the future. Usually, it affects your mobility interfering with your daily activities. Different factors may be the cause of your neck and lower back pain, including disc herniation. Disc herniation results from the normal disintegration of your discs, causing them to be pushed out of their position. The Pittsburgh disc herniation specialist provides treatments to relieve pain and restore your function. Read on to discover how you can relieve disc herniation symptoms.

Physical therapy

Usually, rest is necessary for healing and recovery. But some physical activities may also be helpful in your body’s recovery process. A physical therapist can guide you on how much activity you need to improve your healing. They focus on increasing your flexibility, giving muscle-strengthening exercises, and enhancing your recovery by increasing your injury. Physical therapy includes various exercises, such as traction therapy, deep tissue massage, stretching, and aerobic and strengthening exercises.

Other non-surgical options

Apart from physical therapy, your provider may recommend chiropractic care and cold and hot therapy to resolve your pain. Chiropractic care involves spinal manipulation exercises to improve herniated discs. It restores spinal alignment and alleviates pressure on the nerves and disc. Cold therapy relieves pain and lowers inflammation, while hot therapy promotes circulation and healing. You may need to apply both therapies for improved results.

Medications

Your provider prescribes medications to relieve pain and soreness resulting from the herniated disc. It may include steroids, anti-inflammatories, antidepressants, opioids, and muscle relaxants.

Nerve root blocks and epidural steroid injections

It involves a minimally invasive injection that interferes with pain signals between the brain and spinal nerves. Nerve root block injections lower inflammation and reduce pain. Epidural steroid injections are effective and target nerve roots. Your provider uses fluoroscopy for guidance to the specific area with pain.

Spinal fusion

It’s a surgical procedure to attach bones to the spine. Usually, it provides excellent results for pain relief. However, it may cause reduced mobility in the spine. Spinal fusion may be an alternative option if your pain is severe and you did not find relief from minimally invasive procedures.

Microdiscectomy

It involves removing the herniated disc to ease pressure in your spinal nerves. A microdiscectomy is a treatment option if you have severe pain associated with weakness and tingling or have lost your bowel function. Healing and recovery occur within six weeks. Disc herniation may result from different issues, including aging or injury. It’s advisable to seek medical attention for help.

Weakness, numbness, or pain from disc herniation may make your life miserable. Not to mention the disease may become worse and even cause permanent changes when not treated. But that does not have to be you. The team at Steel City Spine and Orthopedic Center had got you covered. They conduct comprehensive diagnoses and provide personalized treatment plans to treat your specific problem. Call the office today for a consultation and discover the available treatment options to restore your health.

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