A herniated disc is caused by a fragment of the normal spinal disc becoming dislodged and this fragment pressing against the nerves surrounding the spinal cord, or against the spinal cord itself causing excruciating pain in the lumbar region of the back. When people talk of a ‘slipped disc’ they mean a herniated disc. This is the proper medical term.
Herniated disc treatment can depend on a number of factors such as the symptoms experienced by the patient, the age and activity level of the patient, and the presence of worsening symptoms experienced. This treatment begins conservatively at first and if symptoms persist more aggressive treatment can be tried. Once diagnosed, treatment such rest and lessening or modification of activities that will aggravate the affected area may be recommended. Some herniated discs resolve themselves over time, and in this case it is best to avoid strenuous activity which will aggravate the symptoms. Ice and heat applications applied to the back can be very helpful in relieving the pain and can help relieve muscle spasms by relaxing the muscles of the back. Physical therapy and lumbar stabilization can stabilize the lumbar spine muscles which decreases the load on the spinal column the disc and the vertebrae. If the muscles are strong and well balanced they help minimize the risk and injury to the disc and nerves.
Anti-inflammatory medications, non-steroidal (NSAIDs) are usually prescribed and can help relieve the pain that goes with disc herniation, by reducing inflammation the medication relieves me pressure on the compressed nerves. These should only be used when prescribed by a doctor. In an acute and sudden disc herniation, oral steroid medication can be a great help, and these medications such as Medrol and Prednisone. These work like non-steriodal anti-inflammatory medications by reducing inflammation around the compressed nerves. Muscle relaxants and narcotic pain medications are also used for severe and short term pain treatment. These tend to make you sleepy, plus they can be addictive, so should be used for only very short periods. Spinal muscle spasms can sometimes be far worse than the pain of the disc pressing on the nerves, so muscle relaxants are used to treat this. Epidural steroid injections of cortisone are sometimes injected directly into the compressed nerve area.
So herniated disc treatment can be varied and mild to strong measures can be taken according to the symptoms, but if there is significant neurological deficit with the symptoms, then surgery may be recommended, especially in patients with significant weaknesses and who show signs of cauda equine syndrome. Such a rapid progress of this problem may need urgent surgery. Surgery is only recommended if the more conservative treatments do not relieve the symptoms, and there are several techniques of surgery which can be done, such as microscopic excision or endoscopic surgery. This may not always be recommended and for some cases a more significant surgery might need to be performed.
Before using or trying any of the above treatments please make sure you discuss your symptoms with your doctor.