Over-the-counter OTC pain relievers can help to reduce pain and inflammation. These may include:. Take the recommended dosage. Extended bed rest is not recommended for back pain, though taking it easy for a few hours at a time is fine. Otherwise, try to walk around a bit throughout the day and stick to normal daily activities as much as possible, even if it hurts a little. When your pain starts to subside, gentle exercise and stretches can help you return to normal activities, including work.
But make sure to get instructions from your doctor or see a physical therapist to show you safe exercises and stretches for back pain. Spinal manipulation chiropractic , massage, and acupuncture may help relieve pain and discomfort while your back is healing. Make sure the person who provides these services is a licensed professional. Tell them about your ruptured disc so that they can properly treat your condition.
Many people at this stage start thinking about surgery. Injections can provide relief for up to a few months, but the relief will wear off. There are limits on how many injections you can safely have in a given year. Deciding to move forward with surgery is an individual decision. Your doctor should explain all the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle.
The most common surgery is called diskectomy. In many cases, it can be done as an outpatient procedure. Disc surgery is not guaranteed to work, and the pain might get worse. The disc may rupture again later, or a different disc may fail. Most disc pain substantially improves within a month.
Expect gradual improvement after the early, acute stage right after the flare-up. Going forward, exercise can help to prevent future flare-ups of disc pain. Traditional exercises as well as yoga and tai chi can help to tone and strengthen the core muscles, which support your spine. Disc wear and tear tends to worsen over time, so you should be prepared for occasional flare-ups. Your best bet is to maintain your back health. You can do that by:. Bulging Disc? Slipped Disc?
A Discussion of Disc Degeneration Types. Same Day Appointments Available. Comprehensive treatment plans for disc pain are usually done in phases, such as: Pain intervention to reduce any debilitating pain that may interfere with your range of motion or quality of life Rehab and exercise coaching to correct mechanical or postural issues that may have contributed to the condition Follow-ups and ongoing counseling to continue long-term spine health. Ready to Get Started? Related Posts.
October 21st, September 10th, Mechanical Pain vs. Chemical Pain — Which do I Have? August 10th, Although herniated discs can occur in any area of the spine, they are more common in the lumbar region. Other terms used describe herniated discs include disc extrusion , slipped disc , or ruptured disc. In some cases a piece or pieces of the herniated disc might break off, these are called free fragments.
A free fragment, also known as a sequestered disc , can break off in the spinal canal and apply pressure on the spinal cord which can result in severe pain and injury. Herniated and Bulging discs can also be classified by the area of the disc they protrude into herniation zone. Circumferential disc bulge Diffuse disc bulge : The bulge extends beyond the entire disc circumference.
Overall, symptoms of a herniated disc include: pain throughout an arm or leg, burning or tingling sensations in the affected area, muscle weakness, pain that worsens after pronlonged sitting or standing, pain or numbness that radiates down one side of the body, pain that becomes more severe during the night or Imparied ankle or knee reflexes. Herniated disc pain may be mild to severe. Herniated Cervical Disc neck : Pain shooting down the arm to the fingertips, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the shoulder, arm or hand, difficulty walking or maintaining balance or problems gripping or handling things.
Herniated Thoracic Disc upper and mid-back : Pain from the lower neck to the mid-back, chest pain, headaches when lying down, difficulty walking, tingling, numbness, or burning sensation in the legs, weakness in the legs or problems with the bladder or bowels. Herniated Lumbar Disc lower back : Pain in your lower back, buttocks, hamstring, calf, or feet, numbness or tingling in the affected leg, shooting pain down you leg, weakened leg muscles, burning or sharp pain in your leg that worsens when standing long periods of time, difficulty controlling the bladder or bowels, difficulty walking, abnormal ankle and knee reflexes, poor coordination, difficulty lifting the feet or cramping in the lower back or legs.
The most common cause of disc herniation is age-related wear and tear. This is known as disc degeneration. As your body ages, the amount of water in your vertebral discs decreases, making them less flexible and more prone to tearing. Certain motions, such as twisting, turning, or lifting can also cause a herniated disc. Although less common, an injury such as a car accident or a blow to the back can cause a herniated disc.
Like a herniated disc, the most common cause of a bulging disc is degenerative disc disease. A bulging disc may also be caused by neck or back strain brought on by repetitive movements, lifting heavy objects, and poor posture.
This condition can also be caused by trauma such as a blow to the back, although this is rare. At the Miami Neouroscience Center we help patients with Herniated and Bulging Discs using the latest techiques and treatments, contact us today.
It can be difficult to recognize a herniated disc from other causes of back pain. Herniated discs most commonly occur in the lumbar region the lower back. In this case, you will feel pain radiating through your lower back, buttocks, and legs.
Tingling, numbness, and weakness in the legs are also common signs of a lumbar herniated disc. Pain that shoots down your leg could be an indication of Sciatica which can be caused by a pinched nerve roots in the discs L4 to S3.
To learn more about Sciatica, click here. You should avoid poses that put excessive pressure on your spine or cause pinching pain.
Slowly stretching and improving flexibility, practicing proper form and posture, strengthening back and core muscles, and muscle relaxation are all benefits of yoga during your recovery. However, if recovering from a herniated or bulging disc, it is important not to overextend yourself in either motion even with a low load.
Because tai chi involves very slow and gentle movements, it can provide temporary pain relief when recovering from a herniated or bulging disc.
As well as helping to relax the body and ease tension and anxiety, tai chi also improves blood circulation, which helps the body to release endorphins — natural painkillers. Yes, a bulging disc can become a herniated disc.
If you have a bulging disc, you may experience few or no symptoms. However, if the bulge worsens symptoms will become more noticeable as it reaches the stage where it is near or at herniation.
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