Spinal discs help to provide flexibility to our spinal column, but if they are exposed to too much stress or strain over the years, the tough outer layer of the disc can weaken. Eventually, during a moment of intense stress, the gel-like center of the spinal disc can rupture through this outer wall, resulting in pain, numbness or other symptoms if this disc material ends up compressing a spinal nerve. When this happens, is surgery in your future, or can the disc heal on its own with conservative techniques? In today’s blog, we share some information on whether a herniated disc in your neck will require surgery or if you may be able to help it heal on its own.
Do Herniated Discs Require Surgery?
A disc herniation can be quite painful, and although the mechanism of injury sounds like it may be difficult for the ruptured disc nucleus to heal without surgery, the good news is that it is possible. In fact, the majority of herniated discs end up healing without surgical intervention, but that doesn’t mean that you can just lay in bed and allow healing to run its course. Short-term rest and activity avoidance will be part of the program, but you’ll also need to pursue some active treatments for best results. Here’s a look at how doctors oftentimes work to treat cervical herniated discs with conservative techniques:
- Bracing – We already mentioned that rest will be helpful in the immediate aftermath of the injury, but a cervical brace or collar can add another layer of protection. A brace is designed to help limit movement and prevent further herniation. Limiting additional damage is an important first step until the area is ready to take on some more active treatments.
- Physical Therapy – Physical therapy can be immensely helpful in strengthening supportive tissues in the neck so that your discs do not have to shoulder as much strain. By taking stress off the area and increasing spinal stability, you’ll be providing an ideal environment for disc healing to take place. PT exercises will also help to reestablish comfortable range of motion that may have been lost as a result of the herniation.
- Manual Therapy – A physical therapist may also perform some manual therapy exercises with you. This technique involves the PT manually moving your head and neck in certain directions to strengthen new structures, improve flexibility, reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Posture Improvements – Improving your posture will help with the recovery process by taking strain off of the cervical discs in your neck. If you are hunched forward or regularly looking down in your lap to play with your phone, your cervical discs will have to handle increased stress from the weight of your head. Working to improve your posture and keep your head positioned directly over your shoulders will limit strain on your cervical discs, providing an ideal environment for recovery to occur.
- Ice/Heat – Your spine specialist may also recommend a combination of heat or ice to help limit discomfort or increase circulation to the affected area. Cold therapy can help to limit swelling and inflammation in the neck, while a hot pack or a warm shower can help to open up blood vessels and increase healthy blood flow to the disc area, aiding in recovery.
By following the above techniques and avoiding strenuous activity that could put increased strain on the neck area while it’s working to recover, we’re confident that you’ll be able to give yourself a good chance of making a full recovery without the need for surgery. For more information about herniated cervical disc treatment, or to talk to a specialist about a different issue in your head or neck, reach out to Dr. Jackman and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
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