How to Treat a Ruptured Disk

Living with a ruptured disk can be very painful and debilitating. Seek help from a doctor before you begin any treatment on your own. To determine the severity of the ruptured disk, the doctor may order an MRI or X-Ray. When diagnosed with a herniated disk, there are many treatment options available that can help to alleviate the symptoms. Here are some good treatment options.

Instructions

1. Take some time to rest your body, as many ruptured disks heal on their own within one to six months. Use heat and ice on the area and take pain medication to help treat the pain.

2. Talk with your doctor about getting anti-inflammatory medication for the pain. If the pain is severe, the doctor could administer a steroid shot at the location of the ruptured disk.

3. Start with a slow introduction to physical therapy that can help strengthen the muscles that support the back. A physical therapist can also teach ways to prevent the ruptured disk from coming back.

4. Speak with your doctor if all non-surgical treatment options are used and there is still pain. When there are no further options and there is still pain, surgery is available. In most cases, nerve pain relief arrives immediately after surgery.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with different exercises after treatment of the herniated disk. Swimming, stationary bicycling and walking are good exercises that don't put extra stress on your back.

• Maintain correct posture when sitting, standing and exercising.

• Avoid lifting heavy objects and maintain a healthy weight to avoid strain on your back.