The first form of treatment that is normally indicated for a herniated disc is the use of anti-inflammatory medications and physiotherapy, to relieve pain and reduce other symptoms, such as difficulty moving limbs or tingling.
Other alternative options, such as acupuncture, Pilates or the use of some teas, can also help to complement medical treatment, enhancing the effect of medications and further reducing discomfort.
However, as a herniated disc is a change that causes compression of the disc between the vertebrae, protruding it out of its space, sometimes these treatments are not enough to restore the person’s quality of life, and in this case , surgery for a herniated disc is indicated.
Physiotherapy for herniated disc
1. Remedies for herniated disc
The recommended treatment for a herniated disc includes the use of medications, such as:
- Anti-inflammatoriessuch as Ibuprofen, Diclofenac or Ketoprofen: help reduce inflammation and pain caused by compression of the intervertebral disc;
- Analgesicswhich can be weaker, such as Dipyrone or Paracetamol, or more powerful, such as Tramadol or Codeine: they help to relieve pain and discomfort caused by compression of the vertebral disc;
- Muscle relaxantssuch as Cyclobenzaprine or Baclofen: to reduce pain caused by muscle spasms in the back or legs;
- Anticonvulsant medicinessuch as Gabapentin or Pregabalin: they are used, in this case, to relieve pain caused by compression of nerves close to the hernia;
- Corticosteroid injections in the spine, such as Betamethasone or Prednisone: to reduce inflammation at the site of the herniated disc.
The use of anti-inflammatory medicines, despite having a good effect especially on pain attacks due to lumbar hernia, should not be used too frequently, as they cause many side effects, such as stomach irritation or changes in kidney function.
If you need to use medication for a long time, painkillers, muscle relaxants or anticonvulsants, prescribed by your doctor, are the best options.
2. Physical therapy for herniated disc
In addition to medications, the orthopedist can also advise physiotherapy sessions, where exercises are performed and positions are learned that are important to complete treatment with medications and reduce pain. See everything about how physiotherapy for herniated discs works.
The duration of physiotherapy treatment depends on the type of hernia and the intensity of the symptoms presented, but can vary from 1 month to 6 months, or more.
3. Natural treatment
There are ways to alleviate the pain caused by a herniated disc with home treatments, which can, in some cases, replace or reduce the dose of medication. The main ones are:
- Acupuncture: helps eliminate pain using small needles that are inserted into pressure points to cause an analgesic action;
- Pilates: Posture and stretching exercises performed in Pilates can help stabilize a herniated disc and reduce pain. It is important that Pilates classes are taught by a physiotherapist;
- Massage: if carried out by qualified professionals experienced in treating spinal diseases, it can alleviate symptoms due to muscle stretching and relaxation;
- Natural herbs: some plants can be used to make poultices, season food or make teas, such as cloves, ginger, cinnamon, fennel or cat’s claw bark, for example, which have anti-inflammatory action. Learn recipes for teas that are great natural anti-inflammatories.
In periods of crisis, you should rest for a few hours, but always prefer movement because this reduces muscle stiffness and helps control pain. But it is important to avoid making great efforts such as cleaning, or lifting heavy objects because this way the spine is better protected, avoiding manipulation or movements that can worsen the inflammation.
See, in the following video, tips from a physiotherapist that can help improve the symptoms of a herniated disc:
4. Surgery for herniated disc
Surgery to treat a herniated disc is indicated mainly if it is of the extruded or sequestered type, when there has been no improvement in symptoms with the use of medication and physiotherapy, or when the symptoms are so intense as to cause loss of strength and disability.
The procedure is carried out in a surgical center, with general anesthesia, removing the affected spinal disc with a small cut, followed by joining the vertebrae or replacing the disc with an artificial material. It can be performed by an orthopedist, but also by a neurosurgeon, as it affects important parts of the spinal nervous system.
Another surgery option is the endoscopic procedure, in which the affected disc is removed through a thin tube introduced through the skin, with a camera at the tip. Although simpler, this type of procedure is performed in specific cases, approved by the surgeon, depending on his experience and the location of the spine affected.
What is recovery like?
After the procedure, the person can be discharged in 1 or 2 days, but must rest at home for 1 week, doing simple tasks such as personal care and walking short distances. A collar or vest may be necessary for 2 weeks, to avoid forcing the area and provide the person with security.
Most activities, such as working, are permitted after this period, but physical activities that require effort are permitted after 1 month.
Signs of improvement
Signs of improvement in a herniated disc usually appear around 3 weeks after starting treatment and mainly include a reduction in pain and less difficulty in moving the limbs.
Signs of worsening
Signs of worsening disc herniation are more common when treatment is not working and include difficulty walking, standing or moving the body, as well as loss of sensitivity when urinating or having a bowel movement, for example.
