What can you do without surgery?

A slipped disc can be treated in different ways. The majority of herniated discs can be successfully treated without surgery. The consistent implementation of conservative therapy is essential for the optimal healing process of the disease.

The recommendations of the treating physicians as well as physiotherapists should therefore be taken very seriously, so that complications can be prevented and a quick healing can occur. Taking certain medications as well as consistent physiotherapy and rehabilitation can help to optimize the healing process. Especially pain and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used in the conservative therapy of herniated discs.

These take away the pain usually associated with the herniated disc and thus also enable the correct implementation of physiotherapy for a herniated disc. Physiotherapeutic exercises, back training and light muscle building in the back can also help to support the conservative healing of the herniated disc. It is especially important that shortly after the herniation, light exercises are performed and the spine is moved, as it has been found that the movement promotes healing of the herniation.

A conservative treatment of the herniated disc with injections is used as part of the injection treatment. In this form of therapy, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are injected directly at the affected nerve root. These injections are usually carried out under CT or MRI control, so that the syringe can be placed directly at the nerve root without damaging tissue. The injections are usually local anaesthetics to relieve pain and a cortisone preparation to inhibit inflammation. In technical terms, this treatment is known as periradicular therapy, or PRT for short.

What to do after surgery?

Not all herniated discs can be successfully treated with conservative therapy methods. Thus, it is sometimes necessary to perform a surgical intervention (surgery for a herniated disc) on the spine. After the operation, certain instructions should be followed to avoid complications and to achieve an ideal course of treatment.

The attending physician will point out after the operation which movements are allowed and which should be avoided. As a rule, movements after the operation on the intervertebral disc do not pose a problem. However, stressful movements such as jumps or twisting of the spine should be avoided.

In most cases, rehabilitation after a slipped disc or a follow-up treatment in a special clinic follows the operation. There, care by doctors and physiotherapists is guaranteed. Special questions often depend on the individually performed operation as well as the progress of healing and can therefore be best answered by the treating therapists on site.

What should I do if it’s acute?

An acutely occurring herniated disc usually makes itself felt through sudden onset of pain. Especially when pain radiates into the legs or arms or sensitivity disorders occur, it can be assumed that an acutely occurring herniated disc is the cause of the discomfort. If there is a suspicion that a herniated disc is present, a doctor should be consulted who can confirm the diagnosis.

It is also possible to visit an emergency room. This is especially advisable if suddenly acute paralysis or a reduction in strength, as well as problems with urination, occur. In the case of very severe pain that starts acutely, medical help should also be sought as soon as possible.