Although a ruptured disc can be a painful and debilitating experience, most people who have one won’t require surgery — in fact, multiple non-surgical treatment options for ruptured discs do exist, and some are as simple as doing yoga. This article will go into a little more detail about non-surgical treatment methods you can try at home, as well as other non-surgical options such as medication and chiropractic care. However, you should not attempt any of the following treatment methods without first consulting a physician. Certain methods work better for some than others, and self-diagnosis and/or self-treatment may lead to injury and/or exacerbation of the underlying condition.

In certain individuals, exercise and weight training can help treat a ruptured disc

Intervertebral discs have a very important role to play in supporting our spine: not only do they provide a physical barrier between adjacent vertebrae, but they also act as critical shock absorbers for the spine, allowing us to enjoy the daily activities of life without our spines being so quickly worn down and degraded by the constant environmental stressors that we experience.

Because of this, any properly executed exercise or weight-training regimen which strengthens the muscles supporting the spine would be expected to slow the progression of a ruptured disc and perhaps even relieve the symptoms that are associated with it. The more of a load our muscles bear for our spines, the less load that is shouldered by the intervertebral discs, which are prone to degeneration and eventual collapse. However, please keep in mind that you should always contact a physician for a check-up before starting a new drug or exercise regimen.

Over-the-counter medications and other treatment options for ruptured discs

For dealing with the pain commonly associated with ruptured discs, most physicians will recommend either non-steroidal (over-the-counter) anti-inflammatory drugs or prescription steroids which are stronger but serve the same purpose. Some health care providers will also recommend physical therapy, yoga and chiropractic, especially when surgery is deemed unnecessary or unfeasible. In rare cases, surgery may be the only option, but most physicians will wait until all other methods are exhausted before making that call.

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