When it comes to slipped disc treatment, many different options are at your disposal. However, before you begin any treatment approach, it is essential for you to receive an accurate diagnosis from your doctor and recommendations for treatment specific to your needs.

When your doctor diagnoses you, be sure to ask for clarification on what a slipped disc means. A slipped disc is a common nonmedical term that can refer to a bulging disc, herniated disc, or a condition called spondylolisthesis that describes slippage of the vertebrae. Each of these conditions can be treated differently, so be sure to ask for clarification from your doctor.

In many instances, your doctor will have you begin with a series of conservative treatments to help relieve your pain and symptoms. Many patients are able to find relief from chronic neck and back pain through conservative methods, though some patients may require spine surgery if other treatments aren’t effective.

The goal of conservative treatment

In many cases, a course of conservative nonsurgical treatment can help you find relief from chronic neck or back pain caused by a spine condition. The key to conservative slipped disc treatment is to find the right combination of methods for you that will:

• Provide pain relief
• Help strengthen the neck or back, reducing strain on the spinal column and the risk for future injury
• Increase or maintain spinal stability to help you remain active
• Temporarily decompress the spinal column

While specific treatments vary between patients, popular options include low-impact exercises or stretches, chiropractic care, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hot/cold compresses, healthy dieting and limited rest.

Though conservative treatment is often effective for pain relief, this approach can take several weeks or months before a patient gets the results he or she requires. If pain and other symptoms continue after several months of conservative therapy, spine surgery may be recommended.

When surgery is an option

Spine surgery becomes an option when all other nonsurgical treatments have been exhausted and the pain of the slipped disc is still chronic and debilitating.

At USA Spine Care, we offer patients an alternative to traditional open neck and back surgery. Our minimally invasive spine surgery allows patients to experience a shorter recovery time^ and lower risk of complication than traditional open spine procedures due to our surgeons using a less than 1-inch incision and muscle-sparing techniques.

Since 2005, we’ve helped more than 75,000 patients find relief from chronic neck and back pain. If you’d like to find out if you’re a potential candidate for our procedures, contact USA Spine Care today and request a no-cost MRI review.*

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