5 Ways to Manage Your Herniated Disc Symptoms

When spinal discs rupture, the deformed disc can place pressure on nerves, usually in the lower back or neck. Although you may be in severe pain, herniated discs usually resolve themselves. Here’s what you can do to help.

Without the spinal discs between the vertebrae, your back would be less mobile and unable to handle the shocks of daily movement. Usually, discs perform their job without trouble. However, when problems start, it’s usually a disc herniation.

While herniated discs don’t always cause symptoms, pain is often severe when they do. Fortunately, our team at Coast Neurosurgical Associates can help you with diagnosis and treatment.

There’s much you can do to both relieve pain and move toward recovery. Consider these five ways you can manage your herniated disc symptoms.

1. Initial rest

The first few days after a disc herniation can set the tone for your recovery. If your herniation starts with severe pain, count on resting for up to three days, initially controlling your pain with cold compresses on the point where pain originates.

Don’t opt for complete bed rest — some movement helps to keep muscles from cramping. After the first 24 hours, alternate cold and hot therapy to control pain and inflammation.

2. Pain medication

Over-the-counter medications can help to keep you comfortable. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provide a dual approach, relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Ask your pharmacist about topical products that may help without conflicting with other medications.

3. Body motion

After your initial resting period, it’s important to start moving again. You may still have pain associated with some movements or postures, and the idea of movement may seem counterintuitive.

However, gentle, low-impact activity may be the single most important step you can take for relieving pain and getting back to normal. Find a pain-free pace to walk or wade gently in a pool. Motion stimulates blood flow and eases muscle tightness — both factors that help to relieve pain.

4. Body mechanics

Managing posture and body mechanics can limit movement and positions that cause pain. Using lumbar support pillows, standing desks, and adaptive equipment, such as shelf reaching aids, can help you avoid positions and motions that aggravate neck or back pain.

5. Visit a back specialist

Our team at Coast Neurosurgical Associates works with you throughout your herniated disc injury, starting with conservative treatments and advancing through alternatives until your condition is under control. In the rare case when we recommend surgery, we offer several approaches to meet your needs.

Learn more in consultation with our team. You can reach our Long Beach, California, office by phone or you can book your appointment online. Schedule your visit right now and begin your journey toward healing.