Non-Surgical Treatment for Lumbar Herniated Disc in Vacaville

The thing about lumbar herniated disc is that it can resolve on its own within six weeks, so some patients are recommended to undergo non-surgical treatments in Vacaville. However, it can still depend on the nature and severity of the symptoms.

Initial pain control for lumbar herniated discs in Vacaville

• Heat and ice - Some people would find relief using hot and cold packs on the pained area.
• Ice application - Applying an ice or cold pack can help with the initial inflammation and muscle spasms caused by a lumbar herniated disc. It is most effective on the first 48 hours after the back pain has started.
• Muscle relaxants - Having a lumbar herniated disc can bring about muscle spasms, and taking some prescription medications can provide relief when the spasms become too painful.
• Pain medications - Doctors may recommend that you take non-prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen to treat inflammation and pain.
• Heat therapy - Heat application can provide relief on painful muscle spasms after the first 48 hours. A hot compress, heating pads, and adhesive heat wraps are good options.

For severe pain, a bed rest limited to one or two days is ideal because extended rest can lead to stiffness and more pain. After that, light activity and frequent movement should be followed by the patient. It is best to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for the meantime.

Additional therapies for lumbar herniated disc

For longer-term pain relief, it is advised that you undergo these therapies:

• Physical therapy - This is important in providing targeted stretching and exercises for rehabilitation. The program will also educate patients on safer ways to do ordinary activities like lifting and walking
• Spinal manipulation - You need to go to a chiropractor or osteopath to receive this treatment. It can help ease pain and provide a better healing environment as you recover from the condition.
• Epidural injections - Some doctors advise the use of steroid medications that can offer pain relief in certain cases. An epidural steroid injection is made to provide enough pain relief for the patient to make some progress with their rehabilitation.
• Massage therapy - This therapy can help relieve back pain by increasing blood circulation, relaxing muscles, and releasing the natural pain relievers of the body called endorphins.
• Acupuncture - Hair-thin needles are inserted into the skin near the location of the pain. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of this treatment for back pain.
• Cognitive behavior therapy - If you have sciatica pain, this can help manage the pain and symptoms that come with the condition. This therapy is meant to help people control and change self-defeating behaviors. A patient can receive this treatment either face-to-face or through online sessions. A therapist can also help in teaching techniques like mindful meditation and visualization to reduce the pain.

The treatment options for a lumbar herniated disc can depend on how long the patient has had symptoms and the severity of the pain. Specific symptoms and the patient's age are some of the factors to be considered on this condition.

If you need some professional help, you'd better call up Dr. Alex Tam by dialing (707) 474-5688. He's the lead chiropractor in Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine and he provides some of the best treatments for a condition like this one. So, make the phone call and start your treatment as soon as possible.