How Does a Herniated Disc Heal and What Are the Best Treatment Options?

A herniated disc, often referred to as a “slipped disc”, can be a painful ordeal that interferes with one’s daily life. The good news is that these occurrences often heal on their own, and there are various treatments available for those needing relief or intervention.

Natural Recovery of Herniated Discs
Approximately 90% of the pain resulting from a herniated disc will resolve on its own within a span of six months. The body actively plays a role in this recovery process. Within six weeks to three months, our body releases enzymes that help clear away the herniated piece, relieving pressure on affected nerves. This is why many episodes of slipped discs heal without the need for medical intervention. Learn more about the natural healing process here.

Initial Treatment Recommendations
If you are diagnosed with a herniated disc, your doctor will likely suggest starting with non-invasive treatments. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually recommended to alleviate discomfort. It’s also advised to limit activities that exacerbate the pain. If these initial steps don’t offer relief, a more structured approach involving physical therapy or medication might be necessary. Discover more about initial treatments here.

Advanced Treatments for Persistent Pain
For herniations that continue to cause discomfort, there are other treatments available:

Epidural Steroid Injections: A common treatment for back pain resulting from a herniated disc is an epidural steroid injection. These injections, which involve placing corticosteroids into the epidural space, can significantly reduce inflammation around irritated nerves. Get details on epidural steroid injections here.

Discectomy: This is an orthopedic spinal decompression surgery that addresses pain caused when a herniated disc pressures an adjacent nerve root. There are various surgical methods and approaches for discectomies, some even performed in conjunction with a spinal fusion. Read about the different methods here.

Other Treatment Options: Before considering surgery, other treatments such as weight loss, activity modification recommendations, pain medications, and more are explored. Explore more about these treatments here.

In conclusion, while herniated discs can be daunting and painful, it’s comforting to know that they often resolve on their own. For those cases where the pain persists, a variety of treatments, ranging from non-invasive to surgical, are available to ensure relief and a return to normalcy.