Herniated Disc Prognosis

A herniated disc occurs when a crack in the outer layer of the disc lets some of the soft inner material protrude out of the disk, possibly causing pain and other symptoms. According to Medline Plus, the herniated disc prognosis for most people is improvement with conservative treatment.

Conservative Treatment

Medline Plus reports that most people with herniated disk who rest for a short time and take pain and anti-inflammatory medications, then have physical therapy, recover and return to their normal activities.

Further Treatment

A few people may require steroid injections or surgery for a herniated disc.

Surgery

According to Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics, people who have surgery for a proven herniated disc improve more quickly than people treated without surgery.

Recovery Time

Recovery time for people with a herniated disc to return to all normal activities without pain may be from several months to a year or more, according to Medline Plus. Some people, such as those involved in heavy lifting, may need to permanently alter their activities.

Complications

According to Medline Plus, possible complications for people who do not improve are long-term back pain, loss of movement or sensation in the legs or feet, loss of bowel and bladder function or (rarely) permanent spinal cord injury.

References

• Medline Plus: Herniated Disc
• Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics: Disc Herniation