Herniated Disc

Stretching and low-impact exercise

Participating in physical activity while dealing with back pain may seem counterintuitive, but too much rest can actually make you feel worse. By implementing a daily regimen of gentle stretching and low-impact exercises like walking in comfortable shoes or swimming, you can help elongate and strengthen the muscles that support the spine and promote proper spinal alignment.

Hot/cold therapy

Many people use alternating hot/cold therapy as at-home herniated disc treatment. Placing a heating pad on a sore area can soothe tensed muscles and improve circulation, while using an ice pack can help numb pain and reduce inflammation.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy is one of the most common and effective forms of herniated disc treatment. Facilitated by a physical therapist, this treatment uses strategic exercises and noninvasive techniques to improve range of motion, encourage proper spinal alignment, and relieve any nerve compression caused by disc herniation.

Anti-inflammatory injections

If prior treatments don’t relieve your symptoms, you may be a candidate for epidural injections to help reduce inflammation and nerve irritation.

Surgery

Surgical herniated disc treatment is not common. However, it may be a viable option if conservative methods prove ineffective. Surgery may be performed to repair the herniated disc or remove pressure on the spinal cord or surrounding nerves.

Orthopaedic Specialists provides a full spectrum of conservative and surgical herniated disc treatment in the Greater Pittsburgh Region. If you’d like to learn more about our approach to orthopedic care or schedule an appointment with a board-certified physician on our team, contact us today.