Many people who suffer from a herniated disc are able to show signs of improvement thanks to a variety of nonsurgical back pain treatment options. What these options seek to do is to decrease the amount of irritation that is placed on the nerve in order to protect the spine and improve the function of the back. There are often two steps to this process for the herniated disc patient- pain control and the restoration of function.
Pain Control- The First Step toward Recovery
In order for the body to begin to heal, pain must be controlled. Decreased activity is encouraged as is a day or two spent in bed on a firm mattress. After that you must resume your daily activities but go about them slowly. This helps to maintain necessary muscle tone.
A doctor may prescribe medication for pain relief or may recommend that the patient purchase an over-the-counter remedy. This will be dependent on the severity of the problem and the patient’s past medical history. Some of the types of pain medication that can be taken include acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) which includes such things as aspirin and ibuprofen, tricyclic antidepressants, neuropathic pain meds, muscle relaxants, corticosteroids or in some instances, narcotics prescribed by a doctor, such as codeine or hydrocodone.
Electrical stimulation, also known scientifically as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is when a small electrical current is directed to areas on a nerve pathway. This form of therapy can stimulate endorphins to help block pain and is beneficial for herniated disc patients.
A doctor may recommend that a patient wear a corset or back brace for a specified period of time in order to encourage good posture and alignment, and to improve the patient’s level of comfort and mobility.
Hydrotherapy is a form of water therapy that can relieve pain in the back and help the muscles to relax. Hydrotherapy can be as simple as sitting in a whirlpool bath or it can involve walking, stretching and/or doing simple exercises in a pool.
Function Restoration- The Second Step in Recovery
Once pain is under control and is showing signs of improvement it is then time for function to be restored in the back. What this means is that exercise and physical therapy must be implemented in order to strengthen the back, as well as to stabilize it.
A variety of exercises can be put into play for this purpose. Stretching exercises are a good start. Dynamic lumbar stabilization exercises can be a part of the rehabilitation process, as can aerobic exercises such as biking, walking, swimming and using an elliptical machine.
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