Health and treatment: How to treat a slipped disc

 A slipped disc or a herniated disc can develop over time as a function of aging. This occurs when the spinal disc loses water, becomes brittle, and is displaced. When this happens, the nerves within the spinal column are subjected to significant amounts of pressure, creating sensations like pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. Here are some ways to treat a slipped disc:


Conservative treatment is a standard treatment which includes avoiding positions which put stress on the affected area. This is coupled with proper medication and exercise regimens that last anywhere from several days to weeks.

Several types of medication are prescribed depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. Over-the-counter pain medication is usually prescribed for people experiencing mild pain. However, if the pain persists, stronger narcotics may be prescribed. Do take note that such medications could come with side effects such as sedation, nausea, constipation, and confusion.

In rare occasions, anticonvulsants are prescribed for people who may suffer seizures during their treatment. This is to make sure that the slipped disc isn’t subjected to further stress. For patients experiencing muscle spasms, muscle relaxers are usually prescribed.

Physical therapy is another treatment patients seek when medication fails to improve their condition. This treatment shows patients proper positions and exercises that can minimize the pain of a slipped disc.

Lastly, there’s the surgical option. It is very rare for patients who suffer from slipped disc to undergo surgery. Those who do usually treat this method as a last resort. People undergo surgery if there is already a big risk of paralysis or nerve damage.

Dr. Joseph Yazdi specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques, motion preservation through total disc replacement, and chronic pain management by placement of dorsal column stimulator (DCS, or SCS)in selected patients. Over the years, he has also published several studies on neurosurgical best practice. For more updates on spine health, follow this Twitter account.