|  | Conditions Treatments | Back Pain

Anti-Inflammatory Treatments for a Herniated Disc

Four out of five people will experience pain in their lower backs. If you have back pain caused by a herniated disc, your doctor will recommend treatment options, including anti-inflammatory medication.

  1. Herniated Disc

    • A herniated disc occurs when one of the soft, round discs that act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine slips out of place. It can press down on nerves near your spine, causing pain.

    Over the Counter

    • One treatment for a herniated disc is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. These drugs are available over the counter and can help relieve inflammation and pain.

    Injections

    • Injections of corticosteroids into your back near the herniated disk can provide pain relief and reduce inflammation in your back for a few months at a time.

    Complications

    • While NSAIDs can be used to control inflammation and pain over the long term, anti-inflammatory injections can cause side effects like a decrease in bone density and weakened muscles.

    Considerations

    • If anti-inflammatory treatments are not bringing relief for the pain of your herniated disc, you could need to consider other treatments including physical therapy or surgery.

Back Pain - Related Articles