Outside of surgery, what can be done for a herniated disk?

The doctor thinks I may have a herniated disk. I was given a 6 day regime of steroids, and back exercises. Some of the pain has lessened. Any other ideas?

Patience. Most go away on their own schedule, and barring unforseen emergencies what you're doing is appropriate. You may have to interact with your doctor more than you're used to for pain management, though.

Wait it out and don't do too much PT because many studies have shown that extensive PT can further hurt the back. I have the same issue and I was given a big shot in my spine, near the pain area. It took away the pain for many months.

Slowly strengthen it, lose some weight if you are carrying any extra weight, and don't push yourself too hard. Wear sensible shoes and dont strain the back more.

I have two herniated disks and did physical therapy for 6 months. My pain has greatly receeded and only comes back if I aggrevate my back- lifting something heavy, bending incorrectly. If that happnes I do some exersices at home (which were given to me by my therapist) and I take Aleve. When I was first diagnosed my doctor gave me 500 mg tablets of Naproxen and those helped through physical therapy. I very rarely take anything for the pain. Over time, if you're careful and learn how to move correctly, you should have less pain and resume normal activities. Good luck!

Walking. Walking has always been promoted as one of the best treatments for herniated disk. Isn't that amazing. Something as simple as that.

May have a back injury ? Have you had an MRI because I would not be taking steroids if they were not sure. I have been in the medical field for 10 1/2 years and have seen alot of back injuries. I suggest you research your alternatives and then use surgery as a last resort. Good luck

It will take time and patience for the pain to subside. And that is if you really take care of your back by doing all the right things for it. Walking is good. Keep doing the exercises too. Do not use a shoulder strap purse. Sleep with a pillow between your knees if you sleep on your side. If you have a desk job, make sure you take breaks from sitting too long - - - and have a good desk chair. Use your knees/legs when bending over or lifting. DO NOT lift anything heavy. You can use ice packs, on and off, for 20 minutes.

A good chiropractor can do wonders for your condition, but the treatment takes time too. When I had problems, I would also take 800 mg. of Advil for the pain. But ask your doctor if this is okay. When your back does eventually feel better, remember to always take care of it because you will always have a tendency to mess it up again.

My next to the lowest disc is also bad, surgeon said lets try physical therapy to reduce the pain going into the hip & leg if we can and perhaps avoid surgery....took one full week of PT then 3 days a week for a month.....solved pain, no surgery, and now can't tell I have the problem......go to the orthopedic doc and ask him about some PT for you to try to relieve the pain