Treatments for degenerative spinal conditions are popular topics concerning spinal health. A search query like “herniated disc treatment near me” will bring dozens of listings to relevant treatment procedures.
Given the wide range of treatments for herniated discs, it can be difficult to choose an option appropriate for your needs. By understanding the risks and benefits of each option, you can make more informed choices about your spinal health. Take a deep dive into popular options for herniated disc treatment near you today!
Lifestyle Changes
Herniated discs cause pain by pinching on nerves and other delicate spinal structures. Through lifestyle changes, you can prevent further injury and reduce symptoms.
Usual lifestyle changes involve detecting and avoiding factors that trigger back pain. Your doctor may recommend the following, based on your situation:
- Avoid high-impact exercises, such as running and gymnastics
- Don’t over-stress your body
- Lose weight if you are overweight or obese
- More frequent bed rest
Lifestyle changes are some of the easiest things you can do to care of your spine. While it isn’t effortless, it requires less effort and resources than aggressive treatments. Many interventions require a minimal financial investment. For mild cases, lifestyle modifications are usually enough to address back pain and minimize further damage.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy involves exercises that target the supporting structures of the back. These movements strengthen various muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Thus, allowing them to do a better job at providing mechanical support to the spine.
Exercises also increase blood flow to the spine, bringing more nutrients to damaged tissue and facilitating healing. They also provide other benefits, such as:
- Improved overall fitness
- Greater core strength
- Complementing other treatments
Licensed therapists teach physical therapy exercises. You will work with them to ensure you maintain good form and practice safety during sessions.
One risk with physical therapy is performing the movements incorrectly. When you do, you may trigger pain and cause further damage. A therapy program with improper progression can also cause harm. Working with a competent therapist should minimize these risks.
Medications
Medications are another spinal pain treatment option. Medicines can:
- Block pain signals
- Reduce inflammation around the herniated disc
- Prevent uncomfortable muscle spasms
Initial treatments include over-the-counter pain relievers. More potent medications, such as opioids, can work on more severe cases. Your doctor may also administer cortisone injections into the spine for more potent relief.
Treatment options involving medications provide different levels of pain relief. They can give you and your doctors more flexibility for other back injury treatments. In some cases, medications can also eliminate the need for invasive procedures, such as surgery.
Medication costs can add up quickly if your insurance plan doesn’t cover the cost. Some drugs also have side effects, such as opioids and their tendency to trigger addictions.
Surgery
Doctors recommend surgical interventions for more severe cases of disc herniation. If your condition does not improve after other treatments, your doctor will likely recommend surgery. Neurological symptoms, such as numbness or loss of bladder control, indicate you need to undergo surgery. Your doctor may recommend disc replacement if the damaged disc is not responsive to other treatments. They may also opt for a minimally invasive approach, such as spinal fusion.
Surgery can provide lasting pain relief and eliminate the need for continuous medication use. However, surgery is riskier than other forms of treatment due to its invasive nature. The need for expertise and specialized equipment also make surgery significantly expensive. Recovery can take months, and you may need to wear a special brace as the surgical site heals. Surgery should only be considered for spinal pain treatment if other alternatives fail to work.
Herniated Disc Treatment In Plantation, Florida
There are many treatment options for herniated discs available to you. These options range from conservative lifestyle changes to surgery.
Your treatment plan may include one or more of these options, and being aware of the benefits and risks of each treatment can help you prepare. Make sure to work with a spine health professional, so you can access the best herniated disc treatments.
At Baylis and Brown Orthopedics, we seek to provide everyone with lasting orthopedic relief and optimal spinal health outcomes. Our doctors, Dr. Baylis and Dr. Brown, both specialize in sports medicine and orthopedic surgery. Aside from herniated discs, they address a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
Learn more by calling us at (954) 476-8800. If you need a consultation, consider setting up an appointment with us through our online form. We look forward to serving your needs!
