What Are the Treatments for a Herniated Lumbar Disc?

A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a vertebral disc protrudes through the hard outer covering of the disc. Initial treatments for a herniated lumbar disc are generally conservative and aimed at alleviating the pain.

Rest and Medications

• You doctor will probably recommend rest to start the healing process. Your doctor may also give you medications to reduce inflammation, control pain and relax muscles.

Physical Therapy

• Physical therapy treatment for a herniated lumbar disc may include ultrasound, massage and exercise. A physical therapist can also show you different ways to use your body (body mechanics) to take pressure off the lower back.

Other Treatments

• You doctor may recommend losing weight or using a lumbosacral back support to relieve pressure on your lower back.

Epidural Steroid Injection

• In an epidural steroid injection (or nerve block), the doctor injects a steroid medication directly around the nerve roots to block pain. These injections do not always work and are often used only to postpone surgery.

Surgery

• If conservative treatments fail, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the herniated disc.