[kswr_dropcaps drpcp_letter_fstyle=”font-family:Inherit;font-weight:500;” drpcp_content_fstyle=”font-family:Default;font-weight:inherit;” drpcp_content_color=”#333333″ drpcp_letter_color=”{“type“:“color“,“color1“:“rgba(242, 101, 41, 1)“,“color2“:“#67b8c0“,“direction“:“to bottom right“}” drpcp_letter_bgsize=”58″ drpcp_letter_br_radius=”0″ drpcp_letter_bgcolor=”{“type“:“color“,“color1“:“#ffffff“,“color2“:“#fff“,“direction“:“to left“}” drpcp_letter=”D” drpcp_letter_font_def=”0″ drpcp_content=”isc herniation, or a herniated disc, occurs when the wall of a weakened spinal disc develops a tear and pushes inner disc material into the spinal canal. In and of itself, the tear is not necessarily painful. However, when disc material causes compression or irritation of a nearby spinal nerve, the patient may experience symptoms like pain, tingling or numbness that travel from the back and through the extremities.

If you have been diagnosed with this condition and are seeking therapy for your disc herniation to help you find relief and a return to normal activity, the following information can help you work with your doctor on a more informed basis.” drpcp_content_font_def=”0″ drpcp_content_fsize=”font-size:15px;” drpcp_letter_style_def=”0″ drpcp_letter_margins=”margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:6px;margin-right:13px;” drpcp_letter_br_advanced=”0″ drpcp_letter_br_normal=”{“borderwidth“:“2px“,“bordercolor1“:“rgba(242, 101, 41, 1)“,“borderstyle“:“solid“,“bordergradientdirection“:“none“,“bordercolor2“:“#67b8c0“}” drpcp_letter_fsize=”font-size:27px;”]

Holistic and traditional methods

Disc herniation therapy can take a variety of forms, including both conventional treatments as well as alternative, or holistic, methods that are outside the medical mainstream:

  • Conventional. Modern medicine offers many options for disc herniation therapy, including prescription or over-the-counter pain medication or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, epidural steroid injections and hot/cold therapy.
  • Holistic. These treatments are often based on traditional medicine from around the world and focus on the physical and mental aspects of healing. They may include yoga, acupuncture, acupressure, massage, herbal remedies, meditation or biofeedback.

As you attempt these methods, expect there to be some amount of trial and error as you find the right combination of therapies for you. Keep your doctor informed of any new therapies you attempt to make sure they are compatible with your existing treatment.

Considering disc herniation surgery

Nonsurgical treatment methods will not prove effective for every person. If you are someone who has tried weeks or months of conservative treatments without any noticeable improvement in your herniated disc pain, your doctor may suggest that you consider surgery.