Can herniated disc heal by itself? You often wonder this while suffering from this issue.
Considering that most cases of herniated discs are easily treatable and minor, it's understandable that people believe they don't need to take drastic measures to treat theirs.
Back pain and stiffness are the main issues caused due to a herniated disc. However, the pain sometimes becomes severe enough to hinder a person's daily life. In that case, treating it becomes imperative.
Yet, you may need clarification about does disc herniation heal itself or if it is just a myth. Let's end this confusion and have a detailed look at the herniated disc and its treatment options!
Here’s what you’ll learn in this article.
- What are Herniated Discs?
- Symptoms
- Treatments for Herniated Disc
- Non-Surgical Treatments
- Exercise
- Rest
- Painkillers
- Warm and Cold Compress
- Chiropractor
- All in One Solution-SUPMOGO RecoveryFlex System
- Surgical Treatments
- Microdiscectomy
- Laminotomy
- How Does a Herniated Disc Heal Itself?
What is Herniated Discs
Studies state that a herniated disc is caused when the nucleus inside the vertebrae bulges out. As a result, it may pinch or pressure the adjacent nerves, which then causes pain and stiffness. [1]
A herniated disc can happen anywhere in the spine, but the most common area is the lower back region.
Symptoms
Symptoms of herniated disc generally include:
- Lumbar pain
- Numbness
- Tingling sensation in the neck, shoulders, etc.,
- Spine stiffness
- Neck pain
- Muscle spas
Keep reading to know more about can disc herniation heal on its own.
Treatments for Herniated Disc
Treating herniated discs is not very hard in most cases. People with this issue don't usually require invasion or surgery. Non-surgical procedures help a great deal in treating herniated discs and pain in patients.
Mentioned below are a few examples of non-surgical and surgical procedures that aid herniated disc patients in living a stable life.
Non-Surgical
Can you heal herniated disc without surgery? Many people ask this question to their physicians.
In most cases of disc slip, patients are given conservative treatment, which means non-surgical procedures like exercise and therapy, etc., are utilized to deal with the issue.
Now that you know whether you can heal herniated disc without surgery let's move on to the vital part. How to heal disc herniation naturally? This is another 'most asked' question by herniated disc patients, and rightly so. Who wouldn't want to treat their condition naturally and without invasive procedures?
Will disc herniation heal itself? Let's see what the research says. According to a study, the disc is capable of 'self-maintenance,' which means it can heal itself and repair the damage.
After in-depth research, we've rounded down a few essential conservative methods to heal disc slips. Keep reading to know more.
1. Exercise
Can a lumbar herniated disc heal itself? This question may seem complex, but there's a simple answer; yes, it can. Though, the time required may be longer. So, to aid your spine, you can start regular exercises and stretches.
Lumbar stabilizing exercises are proven to improve herniated discs' patients' lifestyles and daily activities.[2]
Additionally, these workouts are beneficial in elongating and stretching the spine to suppress the pain. If you've suffered from a slipped disc, exercise and physiotherapy would be the best fix to regain body strength and suppress the pain.
One can't ignore the importance of relaxation in case of a slipped disc, but after the first few days, your doctor will advise light exercises and stretches. These will help in the healing process and strengthen the muscles. Besides, regular exercise will also decrease the pressure on your spinal column.
Here are a few popular and effective exercises for a herniated disc:
- Lumbar extension
- Cobra pose
- Backstretches
You can also walk or swim if you get bored doing stretches. It will keep you motivated to continue the routine daily.
2. Rest
We can't undermine the importance of relaxation for slipped disc patients. According to a study, adequate rest is usually enough to treat herniated discs in many cases. In addition, taking bed rest decreases the pain and stiffness in the spine and takes the pressure off it.[3]
You can also opt for various positions like stomach sleeping, sleeping on the back, etc., to further decrease the discomfort. Physical activities are essential to treating herniated discs, but complete and utter rest is imperative to regain strength and soothe the back in the initial stages.
3. Painkillers
Painkillers are another non-surgical option to deal with the pain and stiffness that comes with a slipped disc. If rest, relaxation, and exercises are not helping with the discomfort, your doctor may advise some OTC pain relief medications for a few weeks.
Ibuprofen or Naproxen are great painkillers that most doctors prescribe to patients. Besides, the physician might advise steroids or epidural injections to numb the pain in more severe cases.
4. Warm and Cold Compress
If you suffer from the issue of a lumbar herniated disc, cold and warm therapy will significantly benefit you. This method is beneficial in dealing with inflammation and muscle spasm in the initial stages.
Also, you will instantly feel relief once the hot and cold therapy is done. Therefore, many patients opt for this method for their condition.
Once the initial 48 hours have passed, you can take an ice pack and a hot water bottle and rub them on your back alternatively. The therapy suppresses and numbs the nerves in the area to decrease the discomfort that a herniated disc causes.
Besides, you can also use SUPMOGO RecoveryFlex System is best for getting instant relief against back discomfort.
5. Chiropractor
A chiropractor is a person to go to if you want to treat herniated discs non-surgically. On average, herniated discs take around six weeks to heal independently. While using conservative methods like therapy and cold compresses, you can decrease the time required for healing.
Similarly, chiropractic treatment can also fasten the recovery process. For example, a chiropractor might opt for spinal manipulation, adjustments, and other methods to fix your spine and take the pressure off the nerves.
6. All-in-One Solution-SUPMOGO RecoveryFlex System
The SUPMOGO RecoveryFlex System will quickly become your best friend if you suffer from a herniated disc. This 'magic potion' will help relax, repair, and soothe your lower back thanks to its Advanced Targeting Technology.
The best part? The belt is 100% risk-free and safe to use for everyone. Additionally, it's also lightweight and fits like a glove. You won't even feel like you're wearing anything, as the belt is like a second skin.
Besides, its travel-friendly design will ensure a hassle-free experience while moving out, so grab yours now. This belt has a user-friendly design, and you can set its rest time and intensity according to your requirements.
Now that the question of can a herniated disc heal itself without surgery is answered, let's move further. Surgeries are also available for the issue. Though rare in severe cases, your doctor may advise one of the various surgical procedures for herniated discs.
Head onto the next section to learn more about the different options.
Surgical
Now that you're aware of can herniated disk heal on its own let's move on to the surgical procedures done in severe cases. Below, we are mentioning two significant surgeries for herniated discs.
1. Microdiscectomy
Microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat herniated discs in patients. In this surgery, the doctor will remove a tiny part of your disc, bone, or ligament that was pressing on the nerve and causing pain. [4]
Microdiscectomy is a major surgery that requires general anesthesia and extensive aftercare before a patient is discharged. However, the healing time is relatively fast and less risky than other invasive surgeries.
2. Laminotomy
Laminotomy is another effective surgical procedure done to treat herniated discs. In this surgery, the doctor removes only a part of the lamina in the backbone. As a result, there's a hole created that's just enough to remove the pressure from the nerve and fix it.
Laminotomy is also a major surgery that's associated with a lot of risks and complications. Therefore, it's vital to consider other alternative treatment plans before opting for a surgical procedure.
How Does Herniated Disc Heal itself?
A herniated disc will heal on its own in around 9 out of 10 patients. It means that herniated part of the disc is shrunk over time. As a result, the pressure on the nerve is elevated, and the pain goes away.
Also Read: Tossing and Turning While Sleeping Due to Back Pain? Turn Your Pain into Power
Conclusion
Can you heal a herniated disc naturally? Well, now you know it's possible and how to treat your spine naturally. You must follow the non-surgical methods regularly to see the difference in a few weeks.
However, if non-surgical treatments don't work, then surgery becomes inevitable.
[1] Dydyk, A. M., & Mesfin, F. B. (2017). Disc herniation.
[2] Bakhtiary, A. H., Safavi-Farokhi, Z., & Rezasoltani, A. (2005). Lumbar stabilizing exercises improve activities of daily living in patients with lumbar disc herniation. Journal of Back and musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 18(3-4), 55-60.
[3] Weber, H. (1994). The natural history of disc herniation and the influence of intervention. Spine, 19(19), 2234-8.
[4] Dowling, T. J. (2020). Microdiscectomy.