Table of Contents
Can a herniated disk completely heal?
Usually a herniated disc will heal on its own over time. Be patient, and keep following your treatment plan. If your symptoms don’t get better in a few months, you may want to talk to your doctor about surgery.
What are the chances of a herniated disc healing?
The good news is that in most cases — 90\% of the time — pain caused by a herniated disc will go away on its own within six months. Initially, your doctor will likely recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever and limit activities that cause pain or discomfort.
Can you have a herniated disc for years?
Herniated discs are a common cause of chronic back pain, especially among people between the ages of 30-50 years. While many people with herniated discs suffer from chronic, unrelenting pain, others may find their symptoms come and go, or at least vary in their severity.
Can you live with a herniated disc?
Living with a herniated disc Most people who have a herniated disc are better in about 4 weeks. Sometimes it takes longer. If you still have pain or numbness after 4 to 6 weeks, or if you feel worse, talk with your doctor. Sometimes it takes surgery to relieve pain.
Can you become paralyzed from a herniated disc?
With a herniated disc, the capsule cracks or breaks, and the nucleus squeezes out. This can irritate the spinal cord or nearby nerves, causing weakness and numbness in the arms or legs. A severely herniated disc can cause paralysis.
What happens if you don’t fix herniated disc?
If a patient has a herniated disc and does nothing to treat it, severe nerve damage and pain can result. Some of the symptoms of untreated herniated discs include: Back/Neck pain. Nerve pain in the arms/legs.
What is a herniated disc and can a cure cure it?
Cure is a term used to describe a method of resolving a disease or an injury. Most patients view a herniated disc as an injury and in some instances, they are correct. However, in many cases, herniations occur due to the normal and expected spinal aging processes and are not inherently painful or problematic.
How long does it take to recover from a herniated disc?
Recovery can take up to six weeks and you may not return to full strength for up to one year. You will return to physical therapy during this time to work on strengthening your back muscles to further prevent herniated discs.
Can a herniated disc cause severe pain?
Severe chronic disc pain is not likely to come about from a herniation due to normal and expected spinal aging. Herniated discs due to traumatic injury might be very painful when they first occur. However, even these conditions will typically resolve within 2 to 8 weeks and should not create lasting disc pain syndromes.
Should you take opioids for herniated discs?
If the pain is severe, you may be prescribed opioid-based medication. The lumbar spine (lower back) is where herniated discs often occur. They’re caused by a combination of poor nutrition, improper form, and repetitive faulty movement (i.e. incorrect bending and lifting).