What Is The Fastest Way To Heal a Lumbar Herniated Disc?

How To Treat A Lumbar DIsc Effectively

Herniated discs often cause pain and discomfort; some patients require surgery to repair the damaged area. This injury usually occurs after a sudden, forceful motion, such as lifting heavy objects or twisting the spine.

A herniated disc can be on either side of the spine. Depending on the nerve, you can feel radiating pain, loss of sensation, and numbness. They are more common in the 30-50 age bracket.

Since it is a painful condition, most people want to know the fastest way to heal it. We will explain your options to understand what to expect from your Dickinson interventional pain medicine physicians.

Heat & Cold Therapy To Relieve Inflammation

Applying a heating pad and/or ice packs to the lower back can alleviate the muscle inflammation often present with a lumbar herniated disc. Cold decreases the tissue temperature and produces an anti-inflammatory effect, while heat loosens the muscle tightness, decreasing spasms. Both options reduce pain thanks to their benefits regarding elasticity and blood flow.

You can apply heat to your back in the morning or before exercise to relieve tension. Another option is to place the heating pad against your lower back during the day. Remember to use a physical buffer to avoid injuries.

You can try the same method with a cold pack after exercise, stretching, or massage.

Other options include adhesive heat wrap and a warm bath or shower when you finish your day. Try these options and see which one works better for you.

These methods alleviate tension, but depending on your situation; they may not offer the fastest healing.

The Mckenzie Method For Sciatica Pain

Although not the fastest, the Mckenzie method is one type of physical therapy that can shift sciatica pain. It is not as effective as other methods, but it’s still worth it for short relief. Your Clute interventional pain medicine physician may recommend short Mckenzie exercises throughout the day.

The goal with a lumbar herniated disc is to shift pain away from sciatica and centralize it in the lower back. Mckenzie method exercises can do that, so ask your physical therapist about them.

The approach changes to longer-term rehabilitation once the symptoms move out from your leg. This method is necessary to strengthen the back and other muscle groups.

Even after the pain has been alleviated, you should continue a stretching program to reduce the risk of lumbar pain returning.

Moderate Exercise

There are special exercises and stretches that help relieve the pain associated with a herniated disc.

Some people think that exercise is not appropriate, but staying active can relieve pain if you have a lumbar herniated disc. The body releases endorphins every time you exercise, which improves your mood and reduces the pain.

Plus, you don’t need to do heavy workouts. You can try:

Walking outside
Using an elliptical trainer or treadmill
Cycling
Low-impact cardio

You may try a water-based exercise if your pain is more severe (hydrotherapy is a good option). Water-based exercise is recommended because the movement of water decreases gravity and the load on your spinal discs.

Ask your Freeport interventional pain medicine physician for more options so you can relieve pain.

Over-The-Counter Meds

Over-the-counter pain medication can help relieve pain and inflammation, but only if the herniated disc is moderate. It does not heal a lumber herniated disc immediately, but it helps with pain.

Naproxen, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen are a few of the most popular options for pain meds. Since they only offer temporary relief, ask your doctor before making these meds part of your daily routine.

Surgery

This option is probably the fastest to heal a lumbar herniated disc, but only if the case is severe. Otherwise, physical therapy and traditional methods can be successful.

Herniated discs surgeries are non-invasive and have high success rates, although the recovery tends to be long. Physical therapy will still be necessary if you get surgery.

Contact A Lake Jackson Interventional Pain Medicine Physician For More Help

There’s still a lot to consider if you have a lumbar herniated disc. Physical therapy is still the most effective treatment for a successful recovery, and it usually takes a few months. Learn more about back and neck treatments by contacting Evolution Pain and Spine today!