The Herniated Disc Treatment Option List

Herniated discs are a common spine condition in which one of the spine's discs ruptures in one or more places, causing it to become misshapen. Herniated discs can cause anywhere from no symptoms at all to severe pain and muscle weakness.

The appropriate treatment depends on the severity of the condition, and how you have responded to past treatments. Some possible treatment options include:

• Physical therapy - Physical therapy can  strengthen the core muscles and improve posture, thus reducing the amount of pressure placed on the discs
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs like ibuprofen help relieve inflammation. Don't take NSAIDs for an extended period of time without first consulting with your doctor
• Steroid injections - Steroid injections into the affected disc provide more dramatic reduction of inflammation. This is a minimally invasive treatment that often provides long-term relief
• Stem cell therapy - Stem cell therapy uses stem cells harvested from your own body, injected into the affected disc. This has a powerful ability to reduce inflammation in the affected disc.
• Weight loss - Excess weight places excess pressure on the disc. Weight loss can be helpful for managing current symptoms, and preventing new problems from emerging.
• Smoking cessation - The body is more prone to injury and inflammation when you smoke, and it can take longer to heal from injuries. Smoking cessation can promote overall back health
• Nerve stimulation - Nerve stimulation is a minimally invasive procedure in which a nerve stimulator is implanted near the affected disc. The nerve stimulator is used several times a day. It sends and electrical signal to the affected nerves, which interrupts the transmission of pain signals
• Laser spine surgery - During this minimally invasive procedure, a laser is inserted through a small incision in the spine, and is used to dissolve the herniated portion of the disc
• Open spine surgery - During open spine surgery, the doctor makes a large incision along the spine. The doctor can then remove the herniation, remove a small amount of bone, or make other changes as needed.

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