Herniated disc treatment options
It has been proven via several researches that herniated disc problems could be resolved within six weeks even without the need of exercises and the treatment. An appropriate rest could resolve the problems in the majority of the cases even without treatment or surgery. Although in a number of cases, NSAIDs or conventional painkillers are prescribed in order to resolve the pain due to herniated disc, however; long term use of NSAIDs could develop a lot of problems related to the heart and stomach.
There are different modes of treatment that are provided to the patients suffering from herniated disc problems. Some of these treatment modalities are as follows:
Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These drugs are given in the majority of cases in order to decrease the symptoms and pain due to herniated disc. These drugs not only decrease the pain, but also reduce the swelling, inflammation and disability. Besides these advantages, there are many side effects to use these drugs. A patient may develop injuries in the liver and kidneys if these drugs are used for long term. Some of the patients may develop allergic reactions due to continuous use of NSAIDs and hence care should be taken if the patient is known allergic to these drugs.
Steroid Injections: Steroids are commonly used in painful conditions related to bones and joints. In herniated disc problems, steroid injections are directly given in the sheath of spinal cord, which is called as epidural space. Hence a patient finds immediate relief from pain and restlessness. These injections act rapidly in decreasing pain and inflammation at the site of injection. Hence they are considered main treatment for these conditions. Steroid injections, however; may produce several side effects. If steroids are used on a long term basis, a patient may develop psychological problems, constipation, brittle bone disease (osteoporosis) and decrease in immunity.
Spinal Decompression: This is one of the important treatments, which are given to the patients of herniated disc problems. Spinal decompression provides early relief from pain that develops not only due to herniated disc prolapse, but also due to some other problems related to the spine. During this procedure, a negative pressure is generated inside the spine due to which, the protruded portion of the spine which has been herniated is retracted back to its original place.
Surgery: There are different surgical options for herniated disc problems. Surgery is performed in those cases in which a patient does not get relief from non-surgical methods, and he gets continuous pain and discomfort. The outcome of surgery depends upon the severity of illness and associated problems possessed by the patient.
This article is provided for information purposes only. Please consult a doctor for treatment options. This article is not written by a doctor or checked for accuracy by a physician.
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