How to Ease Pain from a Herniated Disc

A herniated disc occurs when the outer fibers of an intervertebral disk are damaged, causing the inner soft material to rupture out of its space. The ruptured material causes pressure and may push onto the spinal cord. Injuries can cause the disc to rupture or herniate, causing sudden and severe pain. Symptoms of a herniated disc include back pain, pain in one or both legs, tingling or numbness in your legs, muscle weakness and loss of leg reflexes. You need to get your herniated disc treated, because if you neglect it, you may risk permanent nerve damage and disability. There are steps you can take to ease pain from a herniated disc.

Things You'll Need

• Physical examination
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Prescription analgesics
• Epidural steroid injection
• Surgical procedure

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Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor. You will need a physical examination to determine the extent and cause of your herniated disc. Your doctor will test your strength and assess your pain. He may recommend further testing such as X-rays or an MRI. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon, for further evaluation.

• 2

  Try an anti-inflammatory medication. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may be effective in easing your pain from a herniated disc. They will relieve the swelling that contributes to your discomfort. According to mayoclinic.com, these medications may relieve pain and inflammation of nerve roots. Check with your doctor before taking anti-inflammatory medications because they may raise your risk of heart attack and stroke.

• 3

  Ask about prescription medication. If your herniated disc pain is severe, ask your doctor about prescribing a pain reliever. Prescription pain relievers are usually codeine-based and have side effects. Do not drive when taking these medications because they cause drowsiness. Only take prescription medications as ordered and only when your pain is severe.

• 4

  Consider steroid injections. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, epidural steroid injections are usually reserved for severe pain. Steroid injections may only be successful in easing herniated disc pain in approximately half of all cases. Talk to your doctor about possible side effects such as local irritation and tissue damage.

• 5

  Inquire about surgery. According to umm.edu, the University of Maryland Medical Center website, traditional herniated disc treatment involves a surgical procedure called a laminotomy and discectomy. This procedure makes an opening in the lamina part of the back, and removes the nucleus material inside the disc.