Herniated discs can occur anywhere in your spine, but the lumbar region is the most commonly affected area. Lumbar disc herniation can lead to lower back pain, leg pain, and weakness in the legs, making it challenging to perform daily activities. Luckily, several treatment options can help you alleviate pain, improve mobility, and prevent further complications. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best ways to treat lumbar disc herniation, including physiotherapy and chiropractic care.
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy involves a range of techniques aimed at reducing pain, inflammation and improving mobility. Your physiotherapist may employ various methods such as massage, heat and ice, stretching, and exercise programs tailored to your specific needs. Strengthening exercises can help to improve the stability of your lumbar spine, releasing tension and pressure off the herniated disc. Aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming can also help in increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected area, speeding up recovery.
Chiropractic care: Chiropractors are trained professionals specializing in treating spine-related problems. Chiropractic adjustments can help to align your spine, reducing disc pressure, easing inflammation and facilitating healing. A chiropractor can use manual manipulation, traction, or soft tissue mobilization techniques to help you manage your symptoms. They may also recommend posture correction, stretching and strengthening exercises to help improve your spinal health.
Medication: Depending on the severity of pain you’re experiencing, your physician may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen to ease the pain and reduce inflammation. Oral steroids, muscle relaxants, and opioids may also be recommended in severe cases.
Epidural steroid injections: In severe cases of lumbar disc herniation, your physician may recommend injecting corticosteroids directly into the affected area to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. These injections are generally given in an outpatient setting and can provide temporary relief from pain.
Surgery: Surgery is usually the last resort if other treatments fail to relieve your pain and disability. In some cases, surgery may be recommended if you have persistent pain, progressive numbness, muscle weakness, or bowel and bladder problems. Your surgeon will discuss the most appropriate surgical option with you depending on your individual case.
Lumbar disc herniation can significantly affect your quality of life and productivity. However, there are various effective treatments available to alleviate your pain, improve spinal health, and speed recovery. Physiotherapy, chiropractic care, medication, epidural steroid injections, and surgery all have a role to play in treating lumbar disc herniation. Consult your physician or spinal specialist to determine the best treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
