What to do?

Pain in the intervertebral disc does not have to be treated surgically in every case.The need for surgical intervention in the presence of a herniated disc depends on several factors. But what can the affected patient do against severe pain if no surgery is induced? First and foremost, it is necessary to relieve the perceived pain of the disc.

For this purpose painkillers (analgesics) can be taken. Usually the attending physician prescribes painkillers such as Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drug. In addition to its analgesic effect, Diclofenac has anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties.

Since this analgesic bears the risk of damage to the mucous membrane in the stomach, an additional stomach acid inhibitor should be taken. Another possibility to do something against the pain of the intervertebral disc is the drug therapy with light muscle relaxants (muscle relaxants), which should be taken before going to bed. All these measures, however, primarily serve the symptomatic treatment without treating the actual herniated disc.

In addition to fighting the disc pain, ideally a change of certain habits must be made. Through targeted physiotherapy, for example, the back muscles can be strengthened to such an extent that the spine is relieved. Especially at the time when the pain in the intervertebral disc occurs for the first time, many affected people ask themselves what they can do as first aid measures until they see their doctor.

In general, a relief of the spinal column is recommended before consulting a suitable physician. Many patients feel an enormous relief of pain when lying down with their lower legs elevated. Intervertebral disc Pain in the area of the cervical spine (cervical spine) can be relieved by applying a stabilizing cervical collar. In addition, many patients describe the application of heat in the area of the aching intervertebral disc as pleasant. This fact can be explained by the fact that heat in the form of ointment, heating pad, hot water bottle or heat plaster, such as ThermaCare®, provides relaxation of the muscles.