- Nonprescription pain medications: For mild to moderate pain, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen sodium (Aleve).
- Neuropathic drugs: These decrease pain by affecting the nerve impulse to the brain, and they include gabapentin (Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin), pregabalin (Lyrica), duloxetine (Cymbalta, Drizalma Sprinkle), venlafaxine (Effexor XR).
- Muscle relaxers: To reduce spasms.
- Opioids: May be considered if other medications do not work, because of the risk of addiction or side effects.
There are several types of surgery for herniated disk, Wang notes. They include:
- Microdiscectomy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove the part of the disk causing the pain; the disk may be repaired by reinflating it with hyaluronic acid and sealing it with collagen.
- Lumbar laminectomy: A minimally invasive or open surgery in which a portion of the vertebral bone (lamina) is removed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
- Spinal fusion: Surgeons fuse two or more bones in the spine; it can limit mobility but is effective at reducing painful motion of the spine.
- Artificial disk replacement, or artificial cervical disk replacement: The affected disk is replaced with one made of metal or plastic.
- Endoscopic foraminoplasty: Relieves pain by freeing the nerves inside the foramen (the hollow, bony tunnel where your spinal cord nerves exit to your arms or legs).
Living with a herniated disk
If you have symptoms, seek the advice of a healthcare provider. Early treatment may prevent more problems. Most people are better in about four weeks, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Herniated disk self-care
Self-care for a herniated disk includes some lifestyle changes:
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods
- Wear flat shoes, not high heels
- Carry objects close to your body