Best Ways to Treat a Slipped Disc

Slipped discs are a common problem that can occur when you’re doing any activity that puts pressure on your spine. Slipped discs can range from mild to severe, and can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Here are some best ways to treat a slipped disc:

A slipped disc, also known as a herniated disc, occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing. This condition can cause significant pain and discomfort, ranging from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the herniation and the pressure it places on surrounding nerves. The most common and initial treatment for a slipped disc involves rest and the application of ice to reduce inflammation and pain. If these conservative methods do not alleviate the symptoms, surgical intervention may be considered necessary, where a surgeon will relieve the pressure by removing or repairing the herniated portion of the disc.

Cost Ranges for Treatment

• Non-Surgical Treatment: Physical therapy sessions can range from $50 to $150 per session, while pain management through medication may cost between $20 and $200 depending on the prescription.
• Surgical Treatment: The cost of surgery for a slipped disc can vary widely, typically ranging from $20,000 to $50,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the healthcare facility.

Local Tips

• Seek a consultation with a board-certified orthopedic specialist or neurosurgeon for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Consider a second opinion before opting for surgery, as some conditions improve with less invasive treatments over time.
• Check local physical therapy clinics for specialized programs that focus on spine health and rehabilitation.

FAQs

• What activities should I avoid with a slipped disc?
  Avoid heavy lifting, twisting motions, and any high-impact activities that may exacerbate pain.
• How long does recovery from a slipped disc take?
  Recovery can vary; mild cases may improve in weeks, while more severe cases, especially those requiring surgery, may take several months.
• Are there any exercises I can do to help with a slipped disc?
  Yes, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help, but it is crucial to follow a program designed by a professional to avoid further injury.

1. Rest and Ice: This is the most common treatment for a slipped disc, and it’s definitely the easiest. Simply rest your injured back and apply ice to the area every few hours until the pain subsides.
2. Surgery: If resting and ice aren’t helping, surgery might be your best option. A surgeon will use special tools to remove the slipped disc from your spine, which will usually cure the problem.
3. Physical Therapy: If surgery isn’t an option or you have other health concerns that could complicate surgery, physical therapy may be your best bet. A therapist will help you regain movement and function in your lower back area, which can relieve much of the pain and discomfort caused by a slipped disc.

Identification

Slipped discs are often a result of overuse or improper biomechanics. Here are some tips on how to treat slips and disc injuries:

-Rest: The most important step in recovering from a slipped disc is to rest your back. This means avoiding any activity that aggravates the injury, whether it’s bending over, sitting for a long time, or lifting heavy weights.

-Ice: Apply ice to the area around the injury for at least 15 minutes every two hours. This will help reduce inflammation and pain, and speed the healing process.

-Compression Wear: If you’re unable to take ice baths or wear an ice pack, try using compression wear. These devices fit around the lower back and squeeze the area, helping to reduce swelling and pain.

-Exercise: Although it may be tempting to avoid strenuous activity while your back is healing, exercise can actually help increase range of motion and promote healing. Start with gentle exercises such as stretching or Pilates, and work your way up as your back becomes stronger.

Home Treatment

If you have a slipped disc, your doctor may recommend conservative home treatment. This includes rest, ice, and ibuprofen. If these measures don’t work, your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist or an orthopedic surgeon.

When taking ibuprofen for back pain, be sure to take it every four hours! Set your alarm clock so that you don’t miss a dosage time and can maintain the anti-inflammatory properties in your blood stream level. Continue to take ibuprofen as directed by your doctor or on the OTC bottle for 2 days after the pain is completely gone.

Treatment in a Health Care Facility

If you are experiencing acute back pain and have a slipped disc, your first step should be to seek medical attention. Slipped discs occur when the disc herniates ( slips out of its normal position) from the center of the spine. Herniation can cause intense back pain and muscle weakness. You may also experience difficulty in moving your lower extremities and difficulty in bearing weight.

If you are experiencing chronic back pain that is not relieved by conservative measures such as rest and ice, then an evaluation by a health care professional is warranted. A diagnosis of a slipped disc requires an MRI scan to confirm the existence of the herniated disk. If surgery is required, spinal fusion may be recommended to stabilize the disk and relieve pain.

Conclusion

Slipped discs are a common injury, and can be quite debilitating. If you have suffered a slipped disc, there are several things you can do to try and heal the damage and get your life back as normal as possible. In this article, we will discuss some of the best ways to treat a slipped disc, from exercises that can help strengthen your core muscles to methods of relief such as acupuncture and chiropractic care. Hopefully this will provide you with some insight into what might be happening inside your body and how best to address it.