Slip disc pain
A slipped disc is an expression used to describe the displacement of the discs from their original location in between the vertebrae. It is also referred to a herniated disc or a bulging disc. Slipped disc back pain can be severe, if not crippling. A slipped disc can give you very bad back pain. You may feel you can’t do the things you usually do. Slipped discs can happen for many reasons. Many elderly people suffer from it as well as younger people through lifting incorrectly or from a trauma injury. Treatment methods depend on a variety of factors. For example, most doctors form a treatment plan based on each patient’s symptoms, age and activity level. Following are some treatment options for slip disc pain.
Drug Treatments
Medications
- Over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen
- Narcotics, such as codeine or a hydrocodone-acetaminophen combination
- Muscle relaxants such as diazepam or cyclobenzaprine
- Inflammation-suppressing corticosteroid injections
- Drugs such as gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, tramadol and amitriptyline help relieve nerve-damage pain.
Non- Drug Treatments
- Physical therapy – In physical therapy you can learn different positions and exercises designed to minimize the pain of a slipped disc. This will keep you active, minimize pain and help prevent any further damage to your back.
- Acupuncture & Acupressure – Acupuncture and acupressure are the most effective therapies for pain management. This gives almost immediate relief and results are very impressive.
- Exercises – There are low impact exercise routines which are geared towards reducing the slipped disc back into its correct location in between vertebrae. The exercises are a way to strengthen the muscles that support the spine.
- Massage – A physiotherapist or massage therapist rubs or kneads the skin and muscles of your back or leg to reduce pain or make it easier for you to move.
- Ice packs – Ice is very useful for relieving aggravated nerves and inflammation. Ice cools the area down and soothes the pain. For maximum effect, it needs to be repeated every hour.
- Heat packs – Heat applications can relieve muscle spasm and provide significant pain relief. This treatment helps a great deal when the disk has recently ruptured and swelling is at its greatest.
- Diet – Eat lot of vegetables and fruits. Also eat whole grains, fiber, lean protein, fish, and eggs.
- Chiropractic treatment – It involves spine manipulation and can sometimes ease the pressure caused by the slipped disc.
- Homeopathy – It is worldwide popular as safe natural and effective pain management remedy. There are a number of medicines for both acute and chronic pain and are used depending on the type of painful condition. It is very suitable for long term management.
Surgery
It should be considered only as the last option when every other method has failed. A very small number of people with slipped discs eventually need surgery. It can repair the damaged disc.
