Oral steroids can be prescribed to reduce inflammation caused by the herniated disc. Epidural injection can also be employed. Other modalities including traction, accupunture can be helpful. Treatment program is highly individualized. Please discuss with your physician.
Conservative therapy enjoys the same successful outcome at one year as surgery.
Surgery offers faster pain relief. However, at one year, there is little difference in terms of pain relief and function between the non surgery and surgery groups. This service is provided for educational purposes only. In replying to the questions, we have consult sources believed to be reliable and try to provide information that is complete and in accord to accepted standards at the time of posting. However, we cannot warrant that this information is in every respect accurate or complete, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from its use.