Heavier Hernia Treatments
If non-invasive methods did not cure it, then synthetic drugs with potentially detrimental side-effects are next:
- Anti-Inflammatory medications.
- Oral Steroid Medications reduce inflammation around the compressed nerves.
- Medications, such as muscle relaxers are used to treat spasm of spinal muscles. This spasm can be worse than the pain from the disc pressing on the nerves.
- Epidural steroid injections can be administered directly in the area of nerve compression.
Those of us who have evidence of cauda equina syndrome or similar symptoms, may require prompt surgical treatment:
The surgeon uses a small incision to see the actual herniated disc. He then dissects the muscles away from the bone of your spine, and removes a small amount of bone and ligament from the spine’s back. Then the disc fragment is removed.
A newer technique is endoscopic discectomy. With this, the surgeon uses special instruments, x-rays, and a camera to remove the herniated disc through very small incisions.
However, another fragment may herniate and cause similar symptoms over time. Other risks include spinal fluid leaks, bleeding, infection, or permanent paralysis of both legs.
Would a Back & Butt Ball Be a Better Option?
