Herniated disk pain doesn’t have to be the new norm

When you think of a person’s spine, you typically imagine the skeleton with 33 – 24 vertebrae in a curved line stretching from the neck to the hips.

Between these backbones are rubbery disks that cushion and absorb shock. When they’re damaged, they can end up causing pain and discomfort.

“I like to compare it to a jelly donut,” says Bloomington IU Health Neurosurgeon Jason Voorhies, MD. “There is a jelly filling in the middle, and if the outside of that disc is torn or injured, then the jelly in the middle can go through that outer layer and push outwards toward where the nerve is.”

That can cause the nerve to become inflamed or compressed, which can lead to symptoms including:

• Back pain that radiates down into the arm or leg
• Numbness in the area affected by the nerve
• Weakness in the muscles that connect to the nerve

Types of herniated disks

“The most common discs are going to occur in the lumbar or cervical spine,” says Dr. Voorhies. “You can also get them in the thoracic spine, although those are rarer.”

He explains that the location of the pain or weakness in the body depends on which disc is herniated and which nerve is affected by the herniated disc.

Herniated disks in the cervical spine affect the nerves that go toward your shoulders and arms. If the disk is in the lumbar spine, it can cause pain to shoot from your back down into different parts of the leg, depending on which nerve is pinched.

The good news is that treatments are available to help patients make a quick recovery, and most herniated disks don’t require surgical intervention.

Treatment options and pain relief

“Recovery from a herniated disc typically involves a combination of rest, activity modification, physical therapy, pain management and lifestyle changes,” says Dr. Voorhies. “Some of these methods may sound simple, but they can make a world of difference.”

For newly herniated discs, the first line of treatment is activity modification, pain management and rest. Stage two typically includes prescription medications and physical therapy. If those options don’t work, interventional pain doctors can inject steroids into the spine to help alleviate the pain.

It’s always best to discuss your pain relief methods with your doctor to ensure you’re trying the best options in the correct manner for your particular case.

For instance, physical therapy and exercise can be great for reducing pain since they can improve strength, enhance flexibility and help you learn proper body mechanics. The issue is that some exercises are better for herniated disks than others, and some higher-impact activities can make the injury worse.

Speaking with your doctor about the best physical therapy and exercise regimen will help you find the right fit for your needs.

Rest and activity modification are other ways to reduce pain. For instance, switching from running to swimming or walking, which have gentler movements.

“Heavy lifting and prolonged sitting are two very common activities that contribute to herniated disk pain,” says Dr. Voorhies. “Helping my patients identify opportunities to modify their typical days—like using a standing desk instead of a chair at work—may seem simple, but they can make a huge difference in their daily lives.”

Lifestyle modifications for nutrition and stress management, like those listed below, can also be excellent options for working toward more long-term pain relief:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Practicing good posture
• Engaging in low-impact exercises
• Using relaxation techniques (deep breathing, meditation, yoga, etc.)

There are also options for more immediate pain relief results.

Ice and heat therapy, which involves alternately applying heat and cold packs to the affected area, can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

Pain management through over-the-counter options medications (NSAIDs, acetaminophen, etc.) and prescription medications for severe pain (muscle relaxants, opioids, etc.) as directed by your doctor is another option that can be used in addition to the longer-term pain relief methods listed above.

In conclusion

Not everyone with a herniated disk will feel discomfort, while others have sharp, intense pain or unusual weakness that can make it hard to go about their regular lives.

Either way, the correct treatments can help with:

• Making the hernia heal better
• Ensuring the issue doesn’t become worse
• Reducing the risk of future herniated disks
• Reducing pain
• Maximizing healing time

“80% of patients will get better with measures mentioned above,” says Dr. Voorhies. “Talking to your primary care provider about any changes in your body is important because early detection and following a treatment plan created with your provider can save you a lot of pain and get you back to doing the things you love.”

And, if surgical intervention is the best option for your individual case, Dr. Voorhies and his expert team are here to help. Learn more about the Bloomington IU Health Neurosurgery team online.