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Finding the Best Herniated Disc Treatment for You

Doctor with a hernia in a skeleton to a patient.

A herniated disc can be painful and debilitating. It happens when a tear in the outer wall of the disc causes it to bulge and push against nerves, leading to pain and other symptoms. Finding the right treatment for a herniated disc can be hard. The good news is there are paths to choose from depending on your needs.

There is no fixed magic solution for this source of back pain. Here are some tips for finding the right treatment for you in Jacksonville, FL.

Consult Your Doctor

The first step is to visit your doctor. They will order tests such as an MRI or CT scan. These imaging exams can help them diagnose your condition and rule out other potential causes of pain.

An accurate diagnosis is key to finding the most effective treatment for your herniated disc.

Create a Treatment Plan with Your Doctor

Following your diagnosis, your doctor will create a treatment plan with you. To make sure the plan is suited to your needs, they will consider the following:

  • Your medical history
  • Your lifestyle habits, such as your diet and exercise routine
  • The nature and severity of your herniated disc
  • Your preferences and goals for treatment

Your doctor may recommend a treatment plan that includes the following:

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a common form of treatment for herniated discs. It can help:

  • Strengthen the muscles in the spine
  • Improve flexibility
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Relieve pain

Also, your physical therapist will work with you to create a tailored exercise plan for your injury.

These exercises can help strengthen your back and support the discs to prevent injuries.

In addition, your therapist may use other physical therapy modalities like:

  • Heat and cold therapy – This can be used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
  • Electrical stimulation – This therapy sends electric impulses to the affected area, helping relieve pain and muscle spasms.
  • Manual manipulation – A physical therapist may use their hands to manipulate the spine, helping to restore proper alignment and reduce pain.
  • Ultrasound – This therapy helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

These treatments can help improve blood circulation, reduce pain, and heal your body. Outpatient physical therapy often suffices for most cases of disc herniation.

Medications

Your doctor may also recommend medications such as NSAIDs or muscle relaxants. They can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with herniated discs.

Take only medications prescribed by your doctor. Dial your nearest healthcare provider if you experience adverse side effects.

Surgery

In some cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the herniated disc. Surgery may be necessary if your herniated disc is causing severe pain or other symptoms not relieved with conservative treatments.

Usually, your doctor will exhaust physical therapy, medications, and other treatments before considering surgery.

If you do need surgery, you may need to undergo either of these:

  • Discectomy – the removal of the herniated portion of the disc
  • Microdiscectomy – a minimally invasive procedure to remove the herniated disc
  • Laminectomy – a procedure to relieve pressure on the spinal cord
  • Artificial disc replacement – the replacement of the herniated disc with an artificial one
  • Spinal fusion – a procedure to join two or more vertebrae together

After surgery, you must follow your doctor’s instructions and participate in rehabilitation. Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles around your spine and speed up recovery.

Choosing the Best Herniated Disc Treatment

The right solution for your herniated disc depends on its severity, symptoms, and cause. Treatments that work for other patients may not be as effective for you. Consulting your doctor is the best approach. They can develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.

Also, update your doctor on the progress of your treatment. They can adjust the plan as needed and monitor for any changes in your condition.

Physical therapy can be an effective option if you are leaning toward conservative treatments.

Your physical therapist can help improve your strength and flexibility, reduce pain, and speed up the healing process.

Good lifestyle habits can also help to manage symptoms associated with herniated discs. Exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet and weight, and practice good posture.

Herniated Disc Treatment in Jacksonville, FL

Need the best-herniated disc treatment near you in Jacksonville, FL? Look no further than H2 Health, the leading physical therapy, and occupational therapy practice in the U.S. With more than 135 facilities in the country, we can help you wherever you are.

To know more about our comprehensive services or schedule a consultation, call us today at (800) 699-9395 or fill out our convenient appointment request form.

We look forward to helping you recover from your herniated disc!