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What Is The Main Treatment Of A Moderate To Severe Herniated Disc?
Question: What is the main treatment of a moderate to severe herniated disc (L5) when cortisone injections are no longer effective?
Brief Answer:
Other conservative managements,finally surgery
Detailed Answer:
Hello mam,
Welcome to healthcaremagic.
I understand your concern.For lumbar and cervical herniated discs, conservative (non-surgical) treatments can usually be applied for around four to six weeks to help reduce pain and discomfort. A process of trial and error is often necessary to find the right combination of treatments.
You might use over the counter pain medications,narcotics,nerve pain medications fro temporary relief.You can get help through physical therapist where they will show you positions and exercises designed to minimize the pain of a herniated disk.
Very less number of patients require surgery.You should go for surgery if you have other symptoms like numbness or weakness,difficulty standing or walking,loss of bladder or bowel control.
In the meantime avoid too much bed rest which can cause stiffening of joints and muscle weakness.Try to avoid activities that worsen your pain during the healing process.
Hope this helped.Feel free to ask any further queries.Thank you.
Other conservative managements,finally surgery
Detailed Answer:
Hello mam,
Welcome to healthcaremagic.
I understand your concern.For lumbar and cervical herniated discs, conservative (non-surgical) treatments can usually be applied for around four to six weeks to help reduce pain and discomfort. A process of trial and error is often necessary to find the right combination of treatments.
You might use over the counter pain medications,narcotics,nerve pain medications fro temporary relief.You can get help through physical therapist where they will show you positions and exercises designed to minimize the pain of a herniated disk.
Very less number of patients require surgery.You should go for surgery if you have other symptoms like numbness or weakness,difficulty standing or walking,loss of bladder or bowel control.
In the meantime avoid too much bed rest which can cause stiffening of joints and muscle weakness.Try to avoid activities that worsen your pain during the healing process.
Hope this helped.Feel free to ask any further queries.Thank you.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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