How to Repair a Herniated Disk

The spine is comprised of 23 disks, six of which are in the neck. These disks are the cushioning between each vertebrae. Disks are sometimes damaged and get misaligned with the vertebrae, causing pain and discomfort. Repeated strain of the back or a hard fall can cause damage to a disk. When a disk is damaged and misaligned, it's known as a herniated disk. Herniated disks can happen anywhere in the spine, including the neck. With conservative treatment measures, most herniated disks will realign on their own.

Things You'll Need

• Cold pack
• Heating pad
• Anti-inflammatory medicine
• Muscle relaxants

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Instructions

• 1

  Ice and heat can help relieve pain from a herniated disk.

  Use cold packs and heating pads. Cold packs will reduce the swelling that can happen with a herniated disk. Heating pads can relieve herniated disk pain. Alternate between cold packs and heating pads throughout the day. Only leave the cold pack on the area for 20 minutes at a time.

• 2

  Anti-inflammatory medicine can reduce swelling around a herniated disk.

  Take anti-inflammatory medication. Medication such as ibuprofen or Tylenol can reduce swelling and provide some relief of pain caused by a herniated disk. If your pain is severe, stronger medication might be required and can be prescribed by a doctor.

• 3

  Take muscle relaxants. Muscle relaxants will relieve the stress and strain on the muscles surrounding the herniated disk. Prescription muscle relaxants can be given by a doctor. Alcohol functions as a muscle relaxant. One glass of wine can relax tension and stress in the muscles.

• 4

  Massage the area of the herniated disk. Have someone massage the area to relax the muscles around the disk. Herniated disks are easier to repair when the muscles are relaxed.

• 5

  Use traction therapy. Traction therapy is a way of stretching the spine to realign a herniated disk. This usually involves putting your head in a "sling" and having the other end weighted down with a large bag of water. Traction relieves tension and stress in the spine. Once the spine is relaxed and stretched, a herniated disk may realign on its own.