Dealing with a lumbar herniated disc can feel overwhelming, especially when pain disrupts your daily life. While surgery is sometimes necessary, most people find relief through conservative care and lesser-known strategies that ease discomfort and support healing. Let’s explore how you can effectively manage symptoms and promote recovery.
Modify Movement and Manage Pain
One of the first and most effective ways to treat a herniated disc is by adjusting your activities. Avoid motions that aggravate your back and give your body time to heal. In many cases, simply changing how you move, rest, and lift can lead to noticeable improvement in just a few days or weeks.
To support this recovery process, over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium can help relieve mild to moderate pain. If nerve pain becomes an issue, healthcare providers may turn to neuropathic medications such as gabapentin, pregabalin, or certain antidepressants like duloxetine. For muscle spasms, muscle relaxants may be used—though they often come with side effects like drowsiness or dizziness.
When pain remains persistent, a short course of opioids may be considered. However, due to risks like dependency and side effects, these are usually a last resort. For more targeted relief, corticosteroid injections guided by imaging can reduce inflammation near affected nerves.
Soothe Pain at the Surface with Topical Relief
Another effective, often overlooked remedy is the use of topical pain relievers. Creams and gels that contain NSAIDs like diclofenac, or counterirritants such as menthol and capsaicin, can offer quick, localized relief. They’re ideal for flare-ups when you need fast comfort without systemic medication.
Sleep Smarter: Support Your Spine Overnight
Believe it or not, how you sleep can influence how your spine heals. Try laying on your back with a pillow under your knees, or sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs. These positions help maintain the spine’s natural curve and reduce pressure on your lower back—making it easier to get restorative rest.
Use Myofascial Release to Ease Tension
Tight muscles and connective tissue often add to the discomfort of a herniated disc. That’s where myofascial release comes in. This hands-on technique targets tension points and can be done through gentle massage or with tools like foam rollers. It’s best practiced under the guidance of a trained therapist to ensure safe and effective results.
Personalized Support Makes a Difference
Treatment really depends on the severity of your pain and how affected your movement is. The best first approach would be to rest and avoid further injury. If your movement has become limited due to the pain, physiotherapy is an option we can offer you.
Heal Smart, Stay Active and Listen to Your Body
By combining smart activity changes, medication, therapeutic movement, and holistic strategies, you can ease pain and support your spine’s recovery. If you’re experiencing disc pain, call us today! Our Chiropractors in Frisco, TX can help your overall health and help rejuvenate your body. Contact our highly skilled doctors here or call (214) 705-1833 to start your journey to a healthier, happier life.