Herniated nucleus pulposus (slipped disk)

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Herniated disk repair	Herniated nucleus pulposus	Lumbar spinal surgery - series	Sciatic nerve
Skeletal spine

Lumbar radiculopathy; Cervical radiculopathy; Herniated intervertebral disk; Prolapsed intervertebral disk; Slipped disk; Ruptured disk

The main treatment for a herniated disk is a short period of rest with pain and anti-inflammatory medications, followed by physical therapy. Over 95% of people will follow these treatments will recover and return to their normal activities. A small percentage of people need to have further treatment, which may include steroid injections or surgery.

MEDICATIONS

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and narcotic pain killers will be given to people with a sudden herniated disk caused by some sort of trauma (like a car accident or lifting a very heavy object) that is immediately followed by severe pain in the back and leg.

If the patient has back spasms, muscle relaxants are usually given. On rare occasions, steroids may be given either by pill or directly into the blood with an intravenous line (IV).

NSAIDs are used for long-term pain control, but narcotics may be given if the pain does not respond to anti-inflammatory drugs.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Any extra weight being carried by an individual, especially up front in the stomach area, will make back pain worse. Diet and exercise are crucial to improving back pain in overweight patients.

Physical therapy is important for nearly everyone with disk disease. Therapists will tell you how to properly lift, dress, walk, and perform other activities. They will also work on strengthening the muscles of the abdomen and lower back to help support the spine. Flexibility of the spine and legs is taught in many therapy programs.

Some health care providers recommend the use of back braces to help support the spine. However, overuse of these devices can weaken the abdominal and back muscles leading to a worsening of the problem. Weight belts can be helpful in preventing injuries in those whose work requires lifting of heavy objects.

INJECTIONS

Steroid injections into the back in the area of the herniated disk can help control pain for several months. Such injections reduce swelling around the disk and relieve many symptoms. Spinal injections are usually done on an outpatient basis using x-ray or fluoroscopy to identify the area where the injection is needed.