Dr. Warren J. Bleiweiss Blogs

Pain Management Strategies for a Herniated Disc

Man holding back from Herniated Disc Pain.

Each year, as many as 2% of all people develop a herniated disc. Since it can happen anywhere along the spine, It is a leading cause of neck, back, and/or leg pain. Therefore, understanding herniated discs is the first step toward managing the pain. It can also help inform your choice of treatment option for a faster recovery.

Let’s discuss some pain management strategies for a herniated disc.

What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc occurs when a spinal disc—one of the soft cushions between the vertebrae in your spine—slips out of place or ruptures. This can cause the disc to press against nearby nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness.

What Causes a Herniated Disc?

Several factors can be responsible for a herniated disc:

  • Aging: Discs lose water content and elasticity over time, making them more prone to rupture.
  • Injury: Sudden heavy lifting or twisting movements can cause a disc to herniate.
  • Repetitive Strain: Activities that involve repetitive motions can wear down the discs over time.
  • Genetics: Some individuals are genetically more susceptible to disc herniation.

Herniated Disc Symptoms

The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary depending on its location and the severity of the nerve compression. Common symptoms include:

  • Back or Neck Pain: Persistent pain in the back or neck is the most common symptom.
  • Radiating Pain: Discomfort that extends to your extremities, such as your arms or legs.
  • Numbness or Tingling: Affected nerves can cause numbness or tingling in the affected areas.
  • Weakness: Muscle weakness in the affected area can occur if the nerve compression is severe.

To diagnose a herniated disc, doctors typically perform a physical exam to assess your symptoms and review your medical history. In some cases, an imaging test, such as an MRI or CT scan, is necessary to get a detailed view of the spine. Also, nerve tests (aka electromyography) can measure electrical activity in muscles to see how well the nerves function.

How Do You Treat a Herniated Disc?

If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc, there are various treatment options. Depending on the location and severity of your herniated disc, these options include:

Non-Surgical Treatments

  • Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding tasks that only worsen your symptoms.
  • Physical Therapy: Exercising to strengthen the muscles around the spine.
  • Medications: Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Muscle Relaxants: These alleviate muscle spasms.
  • Steroid Injections: These reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
  • Heat/Ice Therapy: Applying heat or ice packs can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Surgical Treatment

In severe cases where other treatments fail, surgery may be necessary. Procedures like discectomy or laminectomy can help relieve pressure on the nerve.

Regenerative Procedures for Herniated Discs

Here are some innovative treatments for herniated discs pain management:

Oxygen-Ozone Injection for Herniated Disc Therapy

This is a minimally invasive procedure involves injecting a mixture of oxygen and ozone into the herniated disc. The medical grade oxygen-ozone shrinks the herniated portion of the disc, reducing pressure on the nerve and relieving pain. This therapy promotes healing and has the same success rate with fewer risks compared to traditional surgery.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

With PRP therapy, a patient’s own blood is used to promote healing. First, a small sample of blood is processed to concentrate platelets. It is then injected into the affected area of the herniated disc. There, the PRP stimulates tissue repair and reduces inflammation.

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy uses the patient’s own stem cells, harvested from bone marrow, to repair and regenerate damaged tissues. When injected into the affected area, stem cells promote healing and reduce inflammation.

There is no downtime. Once the treatment is complete, you can go home and resume your normal activities.

Herniated Disc Treatment in Caldwell, New Jersey

Understanding your options for managing herniated disc pain is crucial for effective treatment. Dr. Warren J. Bleiweiss at Alternative Disc Therapy is a leading expert in treating herniated disc pain. With decades of experience in regenerative medicine, Dr. Bleiweiss offers innovative treatments that focus on healing the root cause of pain rather than just managing symptoms. His holistic approach to pain management and personalized treatment plans have helped countless patients regain their quality of life.

With the expertise of Dr. Warren J. Bleiweiss and the advanced therapies offered at Alternative Disc Therapy, you can find relief and start your journey to recovery.

Don’t wait—reach out today and take control of your pain management. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Bleiweiss today by calling (973) 403-3334 or using our appointment request form.