How to Avoid Surgery if You Have a Herniated Disc

A herniated disc is a common problem that affects the spinal column.

It occurs when the outer layer of a spinal disc is damaged, causing the inner layer to protrude out and irritation on the surrounding nerve roots. This condition can be extremely painful and debilitating, making it difficult for patients to perform their daily activities. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to treat the condition.

However, too often surgery is prescribed but is not always necessary when it comes to treating a herniated disc. Many patients can recover from this condition with non-surgical treatments.

With years of experience in treating herniated discs, our Physio Bangkok team has led the way in Thailand in developing a comprehensive solution that can help patients recover from this condition quickly and effectively.

Non-surgical treatments for herniated discs may include:

Pain Management

Physio can develop exercises to help alleviate pain eg. gentle stretching, range-of-motion exercises, and specific corrective exercises to target the muscles that support your spine. This may include over-the-counter pain medications and specific hot/cold pack treatments may be recommended to help manage pain and inflammation.

Improve Flexibility and Mobility

A herniated disc can limit your range of motion and make it difficult to perform your daily activities. Physio can help you regain flexibility and mobility through targeted exercises and stretches.

Strengthen Core and Back Muscles

Weakness in the muscles that support the spine can contribute to a herniated disc. Physiotherapy can help you develop a targeted exercise program to strengthen your core and back muscles, which can help alleviate pain and prevent future injury.

Posture Correction

Poor posture can put added strain on your spine and exacerbate the symptoms of a herniated disc. A physiotherapist can help you improve your posture through exercises, stretches, and ergonomic adjustments.

Electrical stimulation

Electrical stimulation physiotherapy is a type of therapeutic intervention that uses electrical impulses to stimulate nerves and muscles to promote herniated disc healing and rehabilitation. Treatments such as TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) can help to reduce the pain signals being sent from the affected nerves and provide relief.

Physical therapy

A physical therapist can work with patients to develop an exercise and stretching routine that can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected area and alleviate pain.

Rest

Taking a break from strenuous activities and allowing the body time to heal can often help alleviate the symptoms of a herniated disc.

Dry needling

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used to relieve pain and tension in the muscles by inserting thin needles into specific points in the body. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine and uses specific meridians to target energy flow, dry needling is based on Western medicine principles and targets trigger points.

It’s important to note that the appropriate treatment for a herniated disc will depend on the severity of the condition and the individual needs of the patient. In some cases, surgery may be the best option for achieving relief from symptoms and preventing further damage to the affected area. 

However, many patients are able to recover without surgery and can achieve lasting relief from their symptoms through non-surgical treatments.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a herniated disc, it’s important to ask for a physio consultation and advice to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs before considering surgery.

At Physio Bangkok, we believe that a multidisciplinary approach is essential to treating herniated discs effectively. That’s why we work exclusively root-cause focussed to ensure that our patients receive the best possible and least invasive option.

If you are suffering from a herniated disc and are looking for a solution, Physio Bangkok has all the knowledge and tools in place. Our team of experts will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs, and help you get back to living your life pain-free.