What Are The Most Reliable Treatment Options For a Herniated Disc

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If you suffer from a herniated disc, you are acutely aware of the effect this common condition can have on your health and quality of life. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of treatment options for a herniated disc, and relief can be found for the vast majority of patients. Below, we will explore some of the top treatment options for a herniated disc.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Non-surgical treatments are often sufficient to treat herniated discs. Non-surgical methods do not actually repair the herniation, but instead reduce inflammation, strengthen the support for the back, and improve spinal alignment in order to reduce symptoms. Top treatment options include:

• Chiropractic treatment - When used in conjunction with medical treatment, many patients find that the use of chiropractic treatment improves their alignment and reduces their symptoms.
• Physical therapy - Physical therapy strengthens the muscles that support the back and improves flexibility, thus relieving symptoms. After formal physical therapy ends, continuing to perform the exercises daily can help prevent symptoms from returning.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - Drugs like Aleve and Advil help reduce inflammation. It is important to consult with a doctor before you start to take NSAIDs on a long-term basis.
• Weight loss - Obesity places excess weight on the spine, which exacerbates the symptoms of a herniated disc. If you are obese, losing as little as 10% of your body weight can be beneficial.
• Smoking cessation - Smoking contributes to inflammation, so smoking cessation can help relieve some of the inflammation of a herniated disc.
• Steroid injections - Injecting steroid medication into the epidural space is a minimally invasive procedure with profound anti-inflammatory effects.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is used in cases where symptoms are severe or getting progressively worse, and when the patient does not respond to non-surgical treatments. There are a number of minimally invasive surgical treatment options for a herniated disc, and open spine surgery is rarely required thanks to these advances. 

Laser spine surgery is effective at treating many herniated discs. During laser spine surgery, the doctor creates tiny incisions in the spin and operates on the spine by using a camera to see the herniated disc and a laser to dissolve the affected portion of the disc. Laser spine surgery has no hospital stay and a shorter recovery time with less pain than open spine surgery.

If you are interested in treatment for your herniated disc, meeting with a skilled spine doctor is the first step. To schedule a consultation with New York City's top spine doctor, please click below and enter your information or call Dr. Sukdeb Datta at (212) 430-0312.