As one of the most common causes of lower back pain, hearing you have a herniated disc can be worrisome. While the condition isn’t dangerous, it can cause chronic pain if not treated properly, and many people will immediately wonder if surgery is necessary. While there are cases where surgical intervention is the best or only option, the majority of herniated discs can be treated with less invasive options. By working with chiropractors and orthopedic doctors, relief from the pain of a herniated disc and a plan to prevent future herniation is possible.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
Between each of the bones in your spine, or vertebrae, is a disc designed to absorb shock and help the spine move fluidly. Each disc is composed of a tough outer covering called annulus fibrosis, which holds an inner gel-like substance known as the nucleus pulposis. If the outer layer is torn or damaged, this inner gel can leak out, known as a herniation, and enter the surrounding cavity. This may cause swelling and place pressure onto the spinal nerves, leading to pain or sciatica.
Surgical Solutions
It used to be a common belief among orthopedic doctors that these injuries could not heal without intervention. Patients would usually undergo a few weeks of physical therapy before being offered high-dose steroid epidural injections to block pain. While these usually masked symptoms for some time, they would eventually wear off, and patients would be referred for surgery.
Surgery to treat a herniated disc can involve removing the herniated material (a discectomy) or even part of the vertebra (a laminectomy). These procedures are effective at eliminating symptoms, but due to the invasive and painful nature of the surgery, these are not the best method of healing. As time has gone on and other treatments have become more common and well understood, surgery has become a last resort rather than a common step.
The Body’s Natural Healing Ability
In order to heal a herniated disc, the material that has invaded the nerves’ space has to either be put back where it originated in the disc or someone removed from the spinal canal. The former is not possible, so the focus becomes on the reabsorption of the material into the body. Over time, this is the body’s natural reaction. The key to success with this approach will be to manage symptoms and stay comfortable, as well as to prevent any further damage from occurring.
A herniated disc is irritated by pressure, which increases with sitting. Avoiding prolonged periods of sitting can be a key to giving the disc space to heal without an extreme level of pain. Many people find it helpful to invest in a standing desk or attachment so that they can relieve this pressure. It’s also important to avoid lifting, bending, and twisting during this time, as well as any sports that result in blunt force.
Reducing inflammation is also thought to be important. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, which also addresses swelling, but these should not be relied on as a long-term solution. Supplements like fish oil and Bioperine can also be helpful as they modulate chronic inflammation.
When to Seek Care
The fact that herniated discs can heal naturally doesn’t mean you should avoid seeking medical care for the condition. Instead, seeking the right kind of care is critical. Rather than immediately finding a surgeon, herniated discs can often be diagnosed and treated by more holistic practitioners like chiropractors and physical therapists. These providers can help guide the body towards better alignment and proper function so that the disc is not inhibited by the surrounding tissue as it heals. You may also be able to learn stretches and adjustments that can help lessen your pain and prevent future injury.
It can be hard to know if your pain is a result of a disc herniation or other conditions, so it is always best to visit a provider in order to rule out more serious underlying causes of your pain. This way, anything time-sensitive can be addressed upfront. If it’s discovered that the herniated disc is the root cause, you can then determine what kind of care makes sense for you moving forward.
At AICA Tucker, our orthopedic doctors work closely with other providers in order to determine the best way to treat each case of herniated discs we see. Our goal is to offer you the most relief possible without relying on heavy interventions unless necessary, letting the body heal naturally. If you believe you have a herniated disc, contact us today for your consultation.