Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Treatments for Herniated Discs

For many people, a herniated disc results in a lot of pain, and you are most likely to need to find some relief as soon as possible. A herniated disc can occur along any part of the spine, and it can happen very easily. As we grow older, a few things can cause a disc to rupture, including coughing a lot. 

However, there are many ways to approach non surgical herniated disc treatment, including both surgical and non-surgical options. Many people do what they can in order to avoid surgery. Let us take a look at what these options include. 

What is a Herniated Disc?

Our spine is made up of bones known as vertebrae as well as joints and cushioning discs between every vertebrae. When the disc cracks and the inner fluid seeps out, it has herniated. While the majority of these discs occur in the lower back, they can occur anywhere along the spine, even in the cervical vertebrae in the neck. The fluid that leaks results in the nerves being pinched, compressed, or irritated. The most commonly occurring symptoms of herniated discs are almost electrical and intense pain in the back. You might also feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs. If you are experiencing these symptoms, take it as your cue to seek herniated disc treatment NJ.

Non Surgical Treatment For Herniated Disc

For many, a herniated disc will repair itself with time and rest. However, because the pain can be quite intense, people usually seek help from a chiropractor. They are able to offer herniated disc treatment non surgical using spinal traction. This method reduces the pressure on the spinal discs by stretching the spine gently for 15 to 30 minutes at a time. 

At Jersey Joint, Spine, & Regen, the experts use modern technology. By increasing the space between the vertebrae it decreases the pressure on the disc, permitting it to start the healing process. Multiple visits are required to provide relief and a better opportunity to heal. For a lot of patients, it permits them to steer clear of surgery to repair the disc. 

Surgical Treatment For Herniated Disc

Sometimes, non-surgical herniated disc lower back treatment approaches might not work. This might need you to try another method of treatment. The type of surgery for herniated discs is known as microdiscectomy. It is a sort of minimally invasive surgery used to treat a herniated disc. In this laparoscopic surgery, the damaged parts of the disc are removed to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves. Usually, surgery is only used if there is a disc that would not repair itself with other methods and time. For this treatment method, you might need:

• Physical Therapy: It can help with lower back herniated disc treatment.

• Medications: They are used to manage the discomfort. Usually, you will be prescribed over-the-counter pain medications, opioids, neuropathic drugs, or steroid injections. 

Which Herniated Disc Treatment Option Is Better For You?

A lot of people question if non-surgical treatments for herniated discs are even worth the time and effort. The answer is, obviously, YES! Many patients want to avoid the surgery due to the relief that comes with the alternative option, non-surgical treatment. Surgery comes with risks and needs at least some recovery period. It can also be a lot more expensive compared to the non-surgical options, even with health insurance. If you can treat your discs with one of the non-surgical options, you will be able to save a lot of your precious time, money, and energy. Also, you will most likely place yourself at lower risks when going with a non-surgical approach to treatment. Typically, surgery is the last resort to treat a herniated disc since there are a lot of other herniated disc treatment lower back options. Always discuss with your doctor first to determine which treatment methods will work perfectly for you. 

Preventing Herniated Discs

If you have experienced a herniated disc in the past, you will want to take some precautions to prevent it from occurring in the future. To prevent it from happening, always ensure that you use the proper body mechanics while lifting heavy objects. Pay attention to your posture and ask for help when lifting heavy or large objects. If you have a job that often needs you to be on your feet, make sure to wear comfortable and well-fitting shoes. 

Certain lifestyle choices also help in preventing a herniated disc, such as avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy body weight. Exercising regularly and maintaining general health overall also helps to prevent back injuries, including herniated discs. 

Concluding Thoughts! 

If you are experiencing pain from a herniated or bulging disc, get yourself an appointment with herniated disc treatment near me. The experts at Jersey Joint, Spine, & Regen will assess your condition and make a personalized treatment plan for you to get relief quickly. In many cases, they might require some images to be able to see the rupture, so if you have those already, please take them along with you. These experts are on their feet to help you feel better by relieving your back pain.