Herniated disc or sciatica treatment greatly varies from patient to patient and on a case to case basis. Treatments may either be aggressive or conservative, depending whether the pain came suddenly or became progressively worse. The usual approach of a herniated disc treatment is to have it the moderate, natural and non-invasive way.

After the problem is diagnosed, usually, the patient will be advised to take on some rest. And eventually can return to normal routines. A few days off are much help already. The period of rest is to deflate the sciatic disc inflammation. But if it does not get any better with the non-invasive approach, then more advanced treatments will be administered.

A herniated disc treatment is basically to reduce the bulging disc and minimize the pain. Common practices of treatments are epidural steroid injections, physical therapies, muscle strengthening exercises, medications or prescriptive drugs, and surgery.

Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications  is considered to be relatively safe and done orally to alleviate the pain but natural treatments are preferable. Such drugs include Medrol Dose Pack, among others. The epidural injection is another direct approach. Some patients also are under the influence of muscle relaxant to help them control muscle spasms on the course of their treatment. For extreme pain, narcotics are prescribed. In whatever form of drugs you are taking, extra care is essential.

Another substantial herniated disc and sciatica treatment is physical therapy. This may not directly affect the afflicted disc but it sure can brace the muscles of the lumbar spine. This will significantly decrease the load and pressure suffered by the vertebrae, nerves and disc. Stronger muscles are needed to get hold of the lumbar spine and decreases nerve and disc injuries and sensitivity.

For neurologic components such as numbness and weakness, one treatment needed may be surgery. Actually, surgery is preferred as the last resort if no other treatments work. But surgery is calculated depending on the condition and the patient’s health. Not all patients with herniated disc get to be advised for surgery.

Generally the aim is to provide comfort and ease despite the pain associated with a ruptured disc. Treatments are means to relieve the pain, numbness and weakness in the lower back and legs due to the compressed nerve root; to prevent recurrence of injury; to reduce the chances of disability; and to enhance the chances of resuming normal life and activities.

Since the disc inflammation eventually returns to its normal state, herniated disc patients recover in less than a month or for more serious conditions, after six months. Only 10% of patients exhibiting unchanged symptoms after six weeks are considered to undergo surgery treatment.

Author: Adam Webster

Adam Webster is the author of numerous health related articles and books. His latest back related articles can be found here: http://www.squidoo.com/InversionTables

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