Can A Slipped Disc Be Fixed Without Surgery? Non-Surgical Treatment For Back Pain

Back Pain From Slipped Discs

The spinal column has vertebrae bones that are protected by discs, comprised of an inner part and an outer ring. During an injury, the inner part of the disc protrudes out of the outer ring, resulting in a slipped disc. A slipped disc results in back pain which can be managed with various non-surgical treatments. Sometimes, a slipped disc can resolve without treatment.

Non-surgical treatments for back pain

Physical therapy, meditation, medications, injections, alternative treatments, and lifestyle changes are options for solving back pain. Each of the treatments provides back pain relief and the effectiveness varies from person to person. Surgery is needed if non-surgical treatments fail to relieve pain and impact a person’s daily life activities.

Fixing a slipped disc without surgery

The majority of people with a slipped disc are treated conservatively. A slipped disc can be recovered within 6 weeks with or without treatment. Solutions such as physical therapy, regenerative medicine, exercise, relaxation techniques, medications and injections may relieve the pain. Getting some exercise and maintaining a good posture has shown to be effective in relieving back pain. Applying a heating or cooling pack can ease the pain and massage helps to relax the muscles.

The use of medications and injections

There are many different kinds of medications and injections available to alleviate back pain. The doctor will recommend the proper medication or injection based on the patient’s severity. Some medications that are available over the counter (OTC) include analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Medications that require a prescription are steroids, regenerative medicine, muscle relaxants, antidepressants and anticonvulsants. An injection such as steroid injections or some types of regenerative therapy often helps to reduce the pain.

Physical therapy

Depending on the severity, various physical therapy and stretching routines may be one of the most effective, non-surgical treatments for a slipped disc. Physical therapy often plays a major role in herniated disc recovery. Some of the most common exercises for herniated disc pain include standing lumbar extension, standing row with resistance bands and cobra pose.

Taking precautions

Taking the necessary precautions is important to protect and prevent one from experiencing another slipped disc. For example, using proper and safe techniques to lift objects or maintaining a healthy weight helps protect the back. Maintaining an upright posture and getting up from a seated position a few times is also imperative.

Repairing your slipped disc

Often a slipped disc can be managed without surgery. Many orthopedic surgeons will recommend a combination of physical therapy and regenerative medicine as a first approach. Most patients respond well to non-surgical treatments within 6 weeks. If pain continues, surgery may be the best option.