Cervical disc herniation is a common condition that affects thousands of people. It occurs when the cushion-like discs between the vertebrae of the neck become damaged and rupture. This can result in pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the neck, arms and shoulders. The question many people with cervical disc herniation want to know is how long does it take to heal? It may seem like your cervical disc herniation is hard to heal, but with the right treatment, you can get back to doing what you love. In this blog post, we will explore the different treatments available and how they can help speed up the healing process.
Rest and physiotherapy
Resting your neck and avoiding any activities that exacerbate your symptoms can help reduce pain and inflammation. After a few days of rest, physiotherapy can be beneficial for strengthening and stretching the neck to improve mobility. Physiotherapy may include exercises, massage, heat or cold therapy, and electrical stimulation.
Chiropractic care for cervical disc herniation
Chiropractic care can help treat cervical disc herniation by realigning the spine and reducing pressure on the affected nerves. Chiropractors use spinal manipulation techniques and can also provide supplementary treatments like exercises and stretches to help strengthen the neck muscles.
Medications
Medications like painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxers can help manage the symptoms associated with cervical disc herniation. However, they do not treat the underlying condition. They are intended to provide temporary relief and are usually not recommended for long-term use.
Surgery
Surgery is typically considered a last resort when all other treatments have failed. It involves removing the damaged disc and replacing it with an artificial one or fusing the vertebrae together. Recovery time after surgery can vary from 4 to 6 weeks, and some people may require additional physiotherapy after the procedure.
Time
The most natural and fundamental aspect of healing is time. Cervical disc herniation can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to heal, depending on the severity of the condition and how well the patient responds to treatment. Most people can return to normal activities within a few weeks, but it is essential to continue following up with a healthcare provider, especially if any symptoms return.
Cervical disc herniation can be a painful and debilitating condition, but with the right treatment, it is entirely manageable. It is crucial to seek medical attention if you suspect you may have cervical disc herniation to get proper diagnosis and treatment since cervical disc herniation natural healing is hard to come by. With proper care, most people can recover fully and return to their daily activities in a relatively short amount of time. How long it takes to heal depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment you receive, but with the right support, you will be on the road to recovery.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Tyler Baron, BASc, DC or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
