Treating Acute Disc Herniations
If you are diagnosed with an acute herniated disc, your Allina Medical Clinic
provider will follow established guidelines for treating your condition. An Adult
Spinal Pain Task Force within Allina Medical Clinic developed these guidelines.
They reflect the best practice (the best way) to treat spinal pain known today.
Here is what to expect:
Your provider will recommend a surgical referral right away if:
- a physical exam shows signs or symptoms of these conditons: progressive neurologic deficit, cauda equina syndrome or myelopathy and/or
- you report a new and associated history of bowel or bladder retention or incontinence.
If you do not need a surgical referral your provider will:
- Tell you about your diagnosis and what to expect.
- Tell you about signs that indicate your condition is getting worse.
- Describe the normal follow-up for your condition.
- Reassure you that most herniated disc cases heal without the need for surgery or imaging tests.
- Discuss signs and symptoms that may indicate the need for surgery or imaging
tests:
-dangerous nerve injuries that are getting worse
-leg pain (not back pain) that is hard to treat
-treatments that are not effective.
- Talk about methods to control pain:
-over-the-counter products
-prescription medicines or narcotics; narcotics would be used for a very short time
-injections if other treatments are not effective.
- Schedule a physical therapy consult if needed.
- Develop an activity plan for you that balances healing with staying active
(mobile) to keep your spine/disc functional.
-If you need bed rest, it should be for only a short time. Long-term bed rest will delay healing.
-Activity that causes some pain is okay as long as it doesn’t increase leg pain.
-Your activity level will increase gradually as your back improves. You will most likely reduce the amount of medicine you take.
-It may take six to eight weeks to get return to your full activity level.
-If you don’t make progress, your provider may refer you for a rehabilitation consult.