Available Treatment Alternatives for a Herniated Disc

A herniated disc, or ruptured disc or slipped disc, occurs when a small part of the inner soft layer of cartilage between your vertebrae pushes outward through a small tear in the outer layer of the cartilage. When this occurs, the inner portion of the disc is forced into your spinal canal. The herniated disc then rubs against nerves in your spinal canal and causes numbness, sciatic pain, weakness and general pain in your arms, legs and back. There are numerous treatments that can help alleviate symptoms associated with a herniated disc.

Therapy

• Physical therapy may use ice, heat, ultrasound, electronic stimulation or muscle manipulation for relief of your pain. Your doctor may recommend one or more physical therapy sessions a week, which can last roughly 30 minutes. During that time, you might have ice applied to the sore parts of your back to help reduce swelling, inflammation and pain. Heat packs help to alleviate muscle tenderness and tension. Electrical stimulation is supplied through the use of a TENs unit, a small machine with electrodes that attach to your back. The muscles in your back are then electronically stimulated until they are fatigued and less tense. The therapist may provide educational information about exercises you can do at home.

Diazepam

• Diazepam is sold under the brand name Valium. This drug is used for the treatment of anxiety, rebalance brain chemicals, alleviate agitation and to treat the symptoms that accompany alcohol withdrawal, as well as to treat muscle spasms and insomnia. This medication should not be used by pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers, or people with liver disease, myasthenia gravis, glaucoma or respiratory issues. You cannot drink alcohol with Diazepam, since it intensifies the effect of the medication. This drug can be habit-forming and is only intended for short-term use. Take the medication precisely as described. Side effects include fatigue, dizziness, blurry vision, sleep disturbances, muscular weakness, hindered coordination, speech difficulties, nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, memory difficulties and a diminished interest in sex.

Cyclobenzaprine

• Cyclobenzaprine is sold under the brand names Fexmid, Amrix, Comfort Pac with Cyclobenzaprine and Flexeril. This medication is a muscle relaxer that blocks nerve impulses that are sent to your brain and cause pain. The medication should not be used by people who have used an MAO inhibitor like Marplan, Parnate, Nardil, Eldepryl or Emsam within the past two weeks. Avoid this product if you have congestive heart failure, a heart blockage, an overactive thyroid or a heart rhythm issue. Follow your doctor's dosing advice, and take the medication with 8 oz. of water, and never crush or break the pills before consuming. Side effects include dry throat and mouth, blurry vision, fatigue, a diminished appetite, nausea, diarrhea, gas, constipation and muscular weakness. Stop using the medication and get immediate medical assistance if you experience erratic heartbeat, chest discomfort, excessive sweating, fever or flu-like symptoms.

Microdiskectomy

• When those treatments have failed to provide relief, you may require microdiskectomy. This surgical procedure may require either general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The surgeon will cut an incision near the herniated disc, pull your back muscles away from the spinal column, and begin to remove small parts of the ligaments and bone to gain access to the herniated disc as well as the nerve root. The herniated disc is removed to relieve pressure on your spinal nerves. The incision is then stapled or sutured closed.