Treatment and Prevention
A person with a herniated disc should not bend, strain, or lift heavy objects.
Unless the disc is causing severe loss of nerve function, most people with a
herniated disc in the lower back recover without surgery. Using a firm mattress
while sleeping or a pillow under the waist and one under the shoulder if sleeping
on the side is helpful. If a sufferer sleeps on their back, a pillow should
be placed under the knees.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to relieve
pain. If the pain is really severe, your doctor may prescribe opioid
(also called narcotic) painkillers, such as codeine*.
A number of exercises can reduce the muscle spasms and pain and help the
disc heal more quickly. Flattening the curve in the neck and lower back
releases the pressure on the discs and provides more space for the spinal nerves.
Exercises such as lying on the back and pulling each knee to the chest, or flattening
the back against a wall or floor (pelvic tilt), are helpful. For the most benefit,
a person should do two or three sets of ten of these exercises every day. Exercises
done when lying on one's stomach and raising either e the upper body or each
leg may also be prescribed. Losing weight and increasing abdominal muscle strength
is also be helpful.
Changing sitting position can also help. Put the feet up on a low stool to flatten
the back against the back of the chair, or adjust the chair so it tilts forward.
Surgery isn't usually done unless the person develops severe pain or nerve
damage that gets steadily worse. If the person can't control their bladder,
they will need surgery right away. Surgery to remove the ruptured disc is done
through a very small incision. Chemicals that dissolve the disc are sometimes
injected, but they don't work as well as other treatments. They may also be
dangerous.
Traction and a supportive neck collar can help a herniated disk in the cervical
spine. During traction, a machine gently pulls the spine to relieve the pressure
on it. A doctor or physiotherapist needs to show the person how to safely use
the traction equipment. Traction therapy may be recommended for use at home.
Once pain and other symptoms have diminished, strengthening exercises help
prevent a return of symptoms. Walking and swimming are good exercises for overall
strengthening.
Some other things that may help include:
- good posture (standing up straight, sitting straight, lifting things with
the back straight)
- bending the knees and hips when lifting something and keeping the back
straight
- holding an object close to the body when carrying it
- avoiding wearing high-heeled shoes
- avoiding sleeping on the stomach
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name
is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®).
The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen).
A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article
lists medications by their common names. For more information on brand names,
speak with your doctor or pharmacist.