If you have been experiencing pain in your neck or lower back, you might be wondering how long it will take your herniated disc to heal. There are several things you can do to help your body heal. You can limit bed rest, make changes to your lifestyle, or get some steroid injections.
Steroid injections
If you’re suffering from pain in your back and legs, you may wonder how long it takes for herniated discs to heal without surgery. Fortunately, there are several treatments for herniated discs, and they can help you get relief.
First, you may want to consider a lumbar epidural steroid injection. This procedure will give you temporary relief, but you will have to be prepared for the risk of infection and other complications.
Unlike nerve root blocks, lumbar epidural steroid shots aren’t done under local anesthesia. Rather, they’re performed by a physiatrist. He will use an x-ray machine to guide the needle.
The doctor will then inject a combination of steroids and numbing medicine around the neural sheath of a painful nerve. While the drugs work to block pain signals, they also relax the muscles.
If the pain is still not alleviated after several weeks, you may need to have another lumbar epidural steroid shot. Alternatively, you can try physical therapy. Physical therapy helps you learn how to perform everyday activities in safer ways. Your provider can tell you if this is the best choice for you.
Ozone treatment
Ozone treatment for herniated discs is a promising alternative to conventional treatments. Several studies have shown that ozone therapy for herniated discs is effective in alleviating pain and pressure on the spinal nerve. The benefit of this treatment is that it does not involve surgery and does not change normal anatomy of the disc.
The initial treatment is typically performed with a single ozone injection. It is done with a local anesthetic instead of general anesthesia. In most cases, the treatment is completed in just ten to twelve sessions.
During the first ozone injection, a mixture of oxygen and ozone is injected into the herniated area of the disc. This causes the proteoglycans in the nucleus pulposus to oxidize. These proteoglycans are the proteins that make up the gel-like center of the disc.
After the first ozone injection, the patient experiences a dramatic reduction in pain. Some patients continue to receive ozone treatments for several months or even years.
Limiting bed rest
Limiting bed rest is the best way to get back on your feet. Prolonged bed rest can cause muscle loss, digestive issues and even blood clots in your legs and pelvic veins. It’s also a good idea to take a break from strenuous activities if you have had a herniated disc. A few days off work should be a good start. You can also visit a physical therapist to see if there are any exercises you can do at home to help you get back to normal.
Luckily, most people who suffer from a herniated disc will be able to walk out of the hospital within a few hours of being discharged. However, a few days off work may be in order to give your body a chance to heal itself. The most important thing is to remember that a herniated disc doesn’t always occur in one sitting. Some stretches and light exercise can go a long way in keeping your joints and muscles in tip top condition.
Lifestyle changes
When it comes to a herniated disc, the good news is that most cases can be treated without surgery. However, a small percentage may need surgery.
Symptoms of a herniated disc include pain, weakness, or numbness in the leg or arm. These symptoms are usually due to inflammation or pinched nerves. It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible so that you can prevent further damage.
Disc herniation can be diagnosed through a physical exam and imaging studies. The nerves in the spinal canal may also be affected. A physical therapist may help stretch muscles around the herniated disc, which will reduce the pressure on the nerves.
Nonsurgical treatment options for a herniated disc can include medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. Surgery may be needed for advanced stages of the disease. Before deciding on surgery, it is advisable to try nonsurgical treatment. Whether or not you need to have surgery depends on the condition and your overall health.
