Treating your neck or back pain from a collapsed disc can be much more difficult at the office than it is from the comfort of your home. When you’re at home, it’s much easier to move around when your neck or back gets stiff, take prescription medication as needed or prop yourself on the couch with an icepack for a couple of hours. At the office, managing pain can be a little trickier, but there are steps you can take to treat your discomfort from your workspace.

What is a collapsed disc?

To understand how to best treat a collapsed disc requires a basic understanding of what a collapsed disc is, what caused the condition and what the goals of treatment are. In general terms, a collapsed disc refers to a spinal disc that has lost height. When this happens, disc material or the lining of the disc can push into the spinal column and may cause painful nerve compression. It is this nerve compression that leads to a patient’s symptoms.

Tips for treating pain

If you are experiencing the symptoms of a collapsed disc while working, there are a number of steps you can take throughout your day to limit the discomfort you are feeling. Some examples include:

• Take small breaks. If possible, take frequent, quick breaks throughout your day to keep from becoming sedentary. Taking a walk to the water cooler or down the hall can make a significant difference.
• Practice good posture. By keeping your feet flat, your knees in front, your chin level and your shoulders back, you take pressure off the spinal column and potentially limit pain.
• Avoid work-related stress. If you are feeling overwhelmed or overworked, take a moment to step away. Practice breathing exercises to release tension.
• Ask your physician about medication. Often there are over-the-counter or low-dose medications that can relieve pain, muscle tightness and swelling without causing drowsiness.

Learn more about collapsed discs

Chronic neck and back pain can have a real effect on your quality of life. If after several weeks of conservative treatment you continue to experience symptoms, contact USA Spine Care to learn about the benefits of our minimally invasive spine surgery.

We can help you receive a free MRI review* to determine if you are a potential candidate for one of our procedures.