How do you treat a herniated disc in the middle of the back?
To help reduce inflammation in the herniated disc use of Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs or oral steroids can be used. If pain persists anti-inflammatory injections, such as an epidural steroid injection may be prescribed by the doctor. Ice therapy can be applied to the painful area for 15–20 minutes at a time.
How long does it take for a thoracic herniated disc to heal?
The patient’s activity levels should be progressed gradually over a 6 to 12 week period as symptoms improve. In the vast majority of cases, the natural history of thoracic disc herniation is one of improvement with one or a combination of the above conservative (non-operative) treatments.
What does a herniated thoracic disc feel like?
The symptoms of a herniated disc in the thoracic area usually include: Pain that travels around the body and into one or both legs. Numbness or tingling in areas of one or both legs. Muscle weakness in certain muscles of one or both legs.
Are herniated discs serious?
A herniated disc is a common spinal disorder, and it typically responds well to conservative treatment like gentle exercise or over-the-counter pain medication. But some ruptured disc symptoms warrant a trip to your doctor to prevent serious—and potentially permanent—nerve complications.
Can a herniated disc get worse over time?
Herniated discs can be extremely painful and grow progressively worse over time if left untreated. A herniated disc is a problem that affects the rubbery cushion or disc that is situated in between the vertebrae along the spine.
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.
Does a herniated disc always come with leg pain?
Nearly all herniated discs occur in the lower back and include symptoms such as leg and back pain. In fact, a herniated disc is one of the most common causes of back pain, as well as one of the most serious.
Can a herniated bulging disk heal on its own?
The average amount of time it takes for a herniated disk to heal is four to six weeks , but it can get better within a few days depending on how severe the herniation was and where it occurred. The biggest factor in healing a herniated disk is time, because most often it will resolve on its own.
Can hip pain be a symptom of herniated disc?
A herniated disk may cause pain in the lower back, legs, and hips. A herniated disk occurs when one of the cushioning disks between the vertebrae slips out of place. The disk can put pressure on a nearby nerve, which may cause tingling and burning pain in the lower back that extends to the hips and legs.