How to Prevent a Herniated Disc From Causing You Pain

herniated disc pain Advanced Spine and Pain

Oh! That aching back! Back pain is one of the most common medical complaints in the U.S., and for good reason: We use our backs for just about everything we do, from standing, walking and climbing, to sitting, bending and lifting. Lots of factors can cause back pain, including herniated discs, one of the more common causes of back pain.

Your discs are spongy structures located between each pair of spine bones (o vertebrae). Discs help cushion your bones, protecting them from impacts when you walk or perform other activities. And they also help keep your back flexible, so you can turn, bend and twist without discomfort. Each disc contains a tough outer membrane and a gel-like center portion. Under normal, healthy conditions, your discs are contained within the perimeter of your spine bones.

But sometimes, a disc can slip out of its normal position and extend beyond the edges of the vertebrae it’s protecting. When you move your back, the bulging part of the disc can become “pinched” or herniated, causing pain and irritation of the surrounding tissue and the nerves that exit the spine in that area. Herniated discs can cause a lot of discomfort, but the good news is, in most cases, those symptoms can be relieved without surgery, using conservative approaches — and a little common sense.

 

Three non-surgical ways to prevent herniated disc pain

Most people begin their treatment with medication aimed at reducing both pain and swelling. Therapy typically begins with oral medication — pills — to see if they offer the relief you’re looking for. If they don’t, the doctor might recommend injections of corticosteroids and numbing anesthetics to help relieve symptoms and inflammation. Often, medication is combined with the second nonsurgical option: physical therapy.

For herniated disc treatment, most physical therapy focuses on gentle stretches to help improve circulation in the area. Circulation is very important for healing, helping both to infuse the area with oxygen and other nutrients essential for tissue healing and to carry away toxins and other byproducts of inflammation. Physical therapy can also help strengthen the muscles that support your back, reducing strain on the area of your spine where the damaged disc is located. In addition to the care and treatment you receive during your therapy sessions, you’ll also learn exercises you can do at home. Most importantly, your course of therapy will be customized for your symptoms, your medical profile and your lifestyle.

Now for the common sense — combined with a little DIY TLC. First, don’t overstrain your back. Avoid activities that cause pain, like lifting, repetitive bending or climbing, if you can. At the same time, don’t just lie around. Bedrest can actually make your symptoms worse. Stay active around the house and take short walks every day. Use ice packs for 15- to 20-minutes at two-hour intervals to relieve pain and swelling. Skip lounging in those soft, comfy chairs, and opt for a firm chair that offers lots of support for your back. And finally, remember what your mom said and sit up straight. Slouching — whether you're standing or sitting — can put a surprising amount of uneven strain on your back, which is only going to cause your symptoms to get worse. 

I still have pain!

Although most herniated discs can be treated with the above methods, sometimes you need more than conservative treatment to get rid of your painful symptoms. In those instances, you might benefit from surgery to remove the damaged disc. At Advanced Spine and Pain, we offer two types of surgery for herniated discs: microdiscectomy and laser endoscopic discectomy. Both techniques use tiny incisions and they’re performed on an outpatient basis. Afterward, the incisions are closed with bandages. Recovery is quick and most people experience significant pain relief within a few days to a week of their procedure.

 

Learn what’s causing your back pain — and how to treat it

At Advanced Spine and Pain, we use the most advanced techniques to diagnose and treat spine pain so you can get back to the activities you enjoy — without pain and other symptoms. To learn more about the options we offer or to find out what's causing your back pain, book an appointment online today.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Is PRP Right for Me?

Imagine if there were a treatment that supercharged your healing from many injuries and conditions that enlisted your body’s own healing capabilities. Believe it or not, it exists! It’s called platelet-rich plasma therapy, or PRP. Learn more here.
Consider These Risks When You Have a Microdiscectomy

Consider These Risks When You Have a Microdiscectomy

A herniated disc can cause severe pain, numbness, and weakness in more places than your spine and impair movement. When conservative treatments fail, microdiscectomy surgery is a viable solution — but it’s not without risks. Learn more here.
Will My Child Outgrow Scoliosis?

Will My Child Outgrow Scoliosis?

Scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, affects 100,000 children every year. Learn about symptoms, how to identify the condition in your child, what treatments are available for scoliosis, and if your child may simply outgrow it here.
Is Working From Home a Pain in Your Neck?

Is Working From Home a Pain in Your Neck?

Scores of people work from home now, but many experience “tech neck” stiffness and pain due to nonstop standing or sitting in front of a computer screen. Learn about tech neck symptoms and how to get relief here.
Why PRP Has Become a Popular Method of Treatment

Why PRP Has Become a Popular Method of Treatment

Chronic pain and inflammation from musculoskeletal injuries and conditions plague millions. Keep reading to learn how a game-changing treatment relieves pain and restores mobility for patients suffering from long-term discomfort.
Am I a Candidate for Epidural Steroid Injections?

Am I a Candidate for Epidural Steroid Injections?

Chronic pain, inflammation, and numbness from conditions like spinal stenosis, sciatica, and more can stop you in your tracks, lowering your quality of life. Learn about the advantages of epidural steroid injections and who they benefit most here.