Can lumbar disc herniation be cured?
Usually a herniated disc will heal on its own over time. Be patient, and keep following your treatment plan. If your symptoms don’t get better in a few months, you may want to talk to your doctor about surgery.
What is the treatment of choice for spinal disk herniation?
Herniated Disc Treatment Options Oral medications and/or steroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy to reduce stiffness and pressure on the nerves in the spine. Hot or cold packs for pain relief. Manual manipulation, such as massage or chiropractic care.
What is disc herniation in lumbar spine?
A herniated disc (also called bulged, slipped or ruptured) is a fragment of the disc nucleus that is pushed out of the annulus, into the spinal canal through a tear or rupture in the annulus. Discs that become herniated usually are in an early stage of degeneration.
Can you make a herniated disc worse?
The pain from a herniated disc usually is worse when you are active and gets better when you are resting. Coughing, sneezing, sitting, driving, and bending forward may make the pain worse. The pain gets worse when you make these movements because there is more pressure on the nerve.
Is a herniated disc a disability?
A severe herniated disc can be considered a disability and make you eligible for Social Security disability benefits if it meets the requirements in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book. The Blue Book is the official listing of all of the conditions that qualify a person to receive disability benefits.
How long can you live with herniated disc?
Living with a herniated disc Your chances of getting better are good. Most people who have a herniated disc are better in about 4 weeks. Sometimes it takes longer. If you still have pain or numbness after 4 to 6 weeks, or if you feel worse, talk with your doctor.
When do I need surgery for a herniated disk?
Surgery for a herniated disk would be considered if there is nerve damage, if pain and other symptoms are so severe that they interfere with daily activities, or if non-surgical treatment is not effective. Surgery often can resolve herniated disk symptoms more quickly than other treatments.
What is treatment for lumbar hernia?
Interventional treatments for lumbar herniated disc may include: Physical therapy and/or exercises canhelp relieve the symptoms. Medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ) to reduce swelling and pain and analgesics to relieve pain.
Is a herniated disc and pinched nerve the same thing?
While these terms are widely used, technically, a pinched nerve is not the same as a herniated disc. It is in fact the result of a herniation, which causes the nerve to become pinched. It is therefore important to distinguish the two, in order for the doctor to locate the actual source of the pain and to treat it properly.
Is surgery required for disc degeneration in the lumbar spine?
Surgical treatment is an option in cases of severe, debilitating lumbar degenerative disc disease, and is usually only recommended after at least 6 months of nonsurgical treatment. Most cases of degenerative disc disease can be managed using nonsurgical methods, and do not require surgery for effective pain relief.