How to Repair a Herniated Disc

This condition known as a herniated disc can be extremely painful. A herniated disc occurs when the central portion (nucleus pulposus) of an intervertebral disc protrudes out of the fibrous ring (annulus fibrosis) that surrounds the disc. A herniated disc is usually treated with supportive measures and surgery is normally considered only as a last resort.

Things You'll Need

• Pain medication
• Antidepressants
• Muscle relaxants
• Heating pad
• Back brace

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Instructions

• 1

  Engage in a physical therapy program. You may benefit from a day or two of rest after an acute episode of pain but you should start physical therapy as soon as your pain is manageable. This typically begins with stretching and mild exercise such as walking. Physical therapy for a herniated disc may also include hydrotherapy, which includes range-of-motion exercises in water.

• 2

  Take medication as prescribed by your doctor. This usually includes pain medication such as acetaminophen or Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Your doctor may also prescribe antidepressants or muscle relaxants for a herniated disc.

• 3

  Use hot and cold therapy. Apply an ice pack to the part of your back with the herniated disc several times each day. Each application should last for at least 15 minutes. You can also apply a heat pack or heating pad to the affected area.

• 4

  Wear a back brace to treat a herniated disc for short periods. A brace can provide temporary relief from pain but can allow your back muscles to atrophy in the long term. The use of a back brace will normally be supplemented with strengthening exercises.

• 5

  Consider surgical treatment when other options have failed. A surgeon can remove the portion of the herniated disc that's impinging upon the root of the spinal nerve. A newer option is to replace the entire herniated disc with an artificial disc.