Understanding Herniated Disc Treatment and Self-Healing Process

The good news is that in most cases — 90% of the time — pain caused by a herniated disc will go away on its own within six months. Initially, your doctor will likely recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever and limit activities that cause pain or discomfort. Slipped discs usually resolve on their own, but physical therapy or other medications can help with pain. The majority of disc herniations improve on their own within six weeks to three months, as the body releases enzymes to clear away the herniated piece and the pressure on the nerves goes away.

Treatment Options to Get You Back on Track. Slipped disks can be painful and interfere with everyday life. They can be frustrating, but most episodes will heal on their own without medical intervention. For pain relief at home, try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

What is the treatment for lumbar disc herniation? There are a lot of options for treatment of a herniated disc in the lower back before considering surgery, including weight loss, a physical therapy program that may include recommendations for activity modification, pain medications, and/or epidural steroid injections.

What is the best treatment for a herniated disc? Most lumbar disc herniations go away on their own without any treatment. For painful herniations that persist, treatment begins with the least invasive options, such as anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy.

Depending on the source of your back pain and its severity, you might try a few home remedies for low back pain to help ease the pain until your back returns to normal. Here are several options to consider: Adjusting your daily habits may prevent future herniated discs. Those changes may include: Strengthening back muscles through exercise, including Pilates or yoga; Practicing good posture; Maintaining a healthy weight; Using proper lifting techniques; Quitting smoking.

At-home treatment of herniated discs, cervical disc herniation (herniated disc or “slipped disc”), cervical spondylosis; Cervical disc herniation. A spinal disc is a spacer between each vertebra. The disc is actually a two-part structure. The circular outer layer, called the annulus, is tough and ligament-like. It encapsulates the soft, gel-like inner part, called the nucleus.

Harvard Health
HSS Article on Slipped Disc
Utah Healthcare
HSS Lumbar Spine FAQs
HSS Herniated Disc Condition List
Harvard Health Low Back Pain Remedies
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