Treatments for Disc Herniation

Pittsburgh is one of the largest cities in Pennsylvania. It is famous for being ‘The Steel City’ as it has more than 300 steel-related businesses. Many people living and working in Pittsburg suffer from disc herniation. Pittsburgh disc herniation is a condition where the cushioning disc between two bones in the spine bulges out. One of the most significant challenges that people face when treating back pain is deciding which treatment option is best for them. There are various treatments for disc herniation, including:

Taking Painkillers

Doctors, surgeons, and other health professionals recommend taking painkillers to ease the back pain until the herniated disc recovers. There are many types of painkillers, and they include over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen.

Painkillers that have to be prescribed by a doctor include codeine, morphine, and oxycodone.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese treatment where sterile needles stimulate specific points all over the body. Acupuncture has proven to be effective in alleviating back pain. Acupuncture for herniated disks can provide relief from discomfort caused by the herniated disk.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is performed by a massage therapist who uses their hands and elbows to apply pressure to the back muscles to relieve pain. Massages can be done by a massage therapist, a partner, or even a family member.

Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation is a treatment that involves adjusting the joints and ligaments to relieve pain. People suffering from herniated disks usually receive chiropractic care or osteopathic medicine treatment. Spinal manipulation can also help remove pressure from the spine that has been put on the disks.

Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic treatment for a herniated disk is performed by a chiropractor using their hands to adjust the spine. This treatment is usually offered with spinal manipulation, massage therapy, and other treatments for herniated disks.

Laser Therapies

Laser therapies involve destroying a part of the herniated disc through lasers that are aimed at it. For laser therapies, doctors use endoscopic techniques that allow them to see inside the herniated disc.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy for a herniated disk is usually recommended by doctors who believe that physical therapy can strengthen back muscles and relieve pain. Physical therapists work on developing strength, endurance, posture, and flexibility of the patient’s muscles through various exercises.

Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery involves the implantation of an artificial disc with metal and plastic parts that can replace a damaged natural disk in the spine. Disc replacement is only performed on patients with less than 50% of their normal disc height. The procedure aims to reduce the patient’s symptoms by providing immediate relief to the spine and restoring the back’s regular movements. Surgery for a herniated disk can be open surgery where large incisions are made or endoscopic surgery that uses small incisions and special instruments.

You must choose a treatment option that best suits your condition. If you need help selecting the right treatment option for your herniated disk, talk to your doctor. The above are various treatments for herniated disks. Therefore, performing the right thing is of importance to minimize the trauma that one might experience at any given time.