The vertebrae in your spine are cushioned with rubbery discs that have a softer, jelly-like center. When a tear or leak occurs in one of those discs, it puts additional pressure on the spine, which can cause pain, numbness or tingling. This is known as a herniated disc, also called a slipped disc or ruptured disc.Â
For many people, herniated discs can heal within two to eight weeks if properly treated with rest and physical therapy. However, more severe cases can take up to six months for a full recovery and may require a higher level of treatment.Â
What affects recovery time for a herniated disc?
Here are four factors that can contribute to your herniated disc recovery:
Severity of injury — Your recovery time will be drastically affected by how serious your herniated disc is. If your injury is mild to moderate, it may only take two to three months to be fully recovered. But for severe herniations, it can take upwards of six months to heal and may require surgery.
Treatment type — How your doctor treats your herniated disc can also affect recovery time. Noninvasive treatments such as rest and physical therapy don’t require as much recovery time. However, for severe herniated discs, you may need surgery. In these cases, you will have to recover from the surgery as well as the injury itself, which can require more time to fully heal.
Treatment regimen — Following your health care provider’s treatment plan is vital to getting your body back to a healthy condition. If you adhere strictly to your physical therapy regimen and recovery exercises, you can help your body heal and strengthen faster than it would do on its own.
Other health conditions — Your overall health prior to your injury may also play a part in your recovery time. Habits such as regular sleep and exercise can positively impact how quickly your body bounces back after a herniated disc. Preexisting or chronic conditions may also mean that your body will heal more slowly than someone without any other health difficulties.
Recovery times for herniated discs can vary from person to person. It’s important to get diagnosed by your health care provider so they can help you come up with a treatment plan.
Treatments that can help you recover from a herniated disc
What’s the best treatment protocol for a herniated disc? There are a few different techniques that may help. Here are a few things you can do to help your body heal after a herniated disc:
Rest protocols — A balance of rest and exercise is important for your recovery. Rest is important to not aggravate your injury even further. However, long periods of rest can cause stiffness and slow the healing process. Periods of rest alternating with doctor-approved low-impact exercise can help you heal better and faster.
Medication — Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Depending on the severity of your herniated disc, they may also prescribe muscle relaxants to help with muscle spasms and steroids to reduce swelling and inflammation in the spine.Â
Ice and heat — These are two at-home remedies that can help you deal with day-to-day symptoms you may experience with a herniated disc. Heat therapy can soothe stiff, tight or painful muscles around your injury, while cold therapy can be used to combat inflammation and swelling.
Physical therapy — Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around your injury to reduce strain on the herniated disc. There are many different physical therapy treatments that address specific issues that may have contributed to your herniated disc. Your physical therapist can teach you how to lift objects properly and maintain better posture, which may prevent future problems with your spine.
Surgery — In severe cases, surgery may be the best treatment option for a herniated disc, though it’s not usually the first option. Your doctor may start you with more conservative treatments like physical therapy and then recommend surgery if there’s no marked improvement.Â
Recovering from a herniated disc takes time and effort, but it is possible. Getting the right treatment and following your doctor’s recommended protocol can help you recover faster and get back to doing what you love.
Our team at KC Rehab is here to help you recover faster and make your body stronger. Our experts are well versed in a variety of physical therapy techniques that can help you recover from your herniated disc. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.