What other alternatives are there for the treatment of a herniated disk?

My lower back has been hurting for the past 8 months. I started going to a chiro thinking it was because of our mattress. Well the pain kept getting worse and I was bearly even able to walk. I finally went to the doctor. He told me I have a herniated disk. He said it was small so he wanted to treat it with physical therapy first. Are there any other options aside from surgery I mean?

Another alternative is to visit a respected interventional pain management specialist. He is trained to diagnose and treat lower back pain. He may want to do some injections into your back as well as physical therapy and medications.

This problem has been talked about alot, whether surgery is the answer or not. It is not always the way to go, I have had two neck surgeries where bone from my hips was fused in my neck. Yeah, I still have pain and have limited use of my left arm(can't lift things).I also have had two low back injuries causing herniation or bulging of the discs, I have not had surgery on my lower back, I have had years of physical therapy, take pain medications, get massage therapy occasionally, nothing has worked to keep the pain away and since my neck surgeries haven't fully worked and I have known many others that have had low back surgery,I will not go under the knife again. It basically is something that you will deal with for the rest of your life, you will suffer pain either daily or at least weekly, you will begin to stop doing things that are fun because you are hurting and it just isn't fun when you hurt. You must stay as active as possible, keep moving cause once you stop and give up, the pain will get worse, the muscle spasms will get worse, your life will get worse. So keep moving and try to think of beautiful places you have been to lessen your pain. Good luck.

Hi. I work for a chiro and going to one is the right choice. I'm not speaking for my chiro. Did the chiro you were going to treat your back with a table that stretches your lower back? If not, that is why you weren't seeing improvement. It's called the flex and distraction technique. It stretches your vertebrae while you lay on your stomach. This procedure creates a negative pressure within the disc space causing the disc to get sucked back into the disc space. You may not get fixed right away, but it sure beats surgery. Have you also heard of decompression therapy? It is the exact same thing. It just may cost you a little more money for treatment. I don't think you should go to physical therapy, because you could hurt yourself even more. If you didn't like your former chiropractor, find a new one. Go in for a consultation and tell him or her what your Dr. told you about your herniated disc. Just a hint: If he or she is uncomfortable treating you, find a new chiro. Remember--Flex and distraction or decompression therapy.

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Yes, there are a few options. I have a herniated disk in the thoracic area and have been treated using Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI) into my spine. It provides some relief general - usually enough so that you can beg inn healing. ESI usually comes in a series of 3 injections. You should ask your dr. about it.