Are you suffering from lower back pain due to a herniated disc in your lumbar spine? A herniated disc occurs when one of the rubbery discs that lie between your vertebrae slips out of place and puts pressure on nearby nerves in your spine. This can result in chronic pain and discomfort.
Treatment for a herniated disc can be approached in several ways, including the methods below:
Staying Active
While you may find it hard to exercise when struggling with lower back pain, it is important to stay active when you have a herniated disc. Leading an active lifestyle and getting regular exercise can minimize inflammation and decrease your overall pain levels during movement.
Over-the-Counter Medication
When your lower back pain is mild to moderate, you may be able to find relief in over-the-counter medications. Anti-inflammatories and other pain relievers can help alleviate your discomfort temporarily, making it easier for you to navigate your daily activities until you seek a more long-term solution.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an effective way to reduce pain from a herniated disc in your lower back. When you work with a physical therapist, they will develop a unique treatment plan with personalized exercises to address pain and discomfort in the lumbar spine.
Reducing Inflammation
If you have mild pain from a herniated disc in your lower back, reducing inflammation can help relieve the discomfort. Ice packs, heating pads, and specialized exercises can all be used to decrease the inflammation in your spine and resolve your pain.
Avoid Painful Triggers
Certain movements and lifestyle factors can exacerbate herniated disc symptoms over time. These include sitting for prolonged periods, carrying heavy objects, and even walking in high heels. If you find that you have chronic lower back pain, try to avoid these potential triggers in the future.
Herniated Disc Surgery
If less invasive treatments have not worked, you may be in need of surgical intervention. A surgeon can repair or replace the affected disc and relieve your symptoms in a more lasting way. Herniated disc surgery is often used in conjunction with physical therapy in order to yield the best outcome.
Regenerative Medicine for Herniated Disc Pain
Regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy, involves stem cells which are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to transform into specialized cells that make up the different types of tissue in the body. In the case of herniated disc, stem cells are thought to help repair damaged disc tissue by differentiating into cells that can replace the damaged cells and promote the growth of new tissue.
The procedure typically involves harvesting sztem cells from the patient’s own bone marrow or adipose tissue (fat cells). The cells are then processed and injected into the damaged disc tissue. The hope is that the stem cells will promote the growth of new, healthy tissue, reducing pain and restoring function.
When you have chronic pain due to a herniated disc, it is important to seek prompt treatment. As with any medical treatment, it is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of stem cell therapy with a qualified healthcare provider.
This post was written by a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine. Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions. We also offer Regenerative Medicine for Herniated disc.
