A collapsed disc occurs when a spinal disc loses height or becomes misshapen. This deformity can occur as the result of a number of spinal conditions, including bulging or herniated discs and degenerative disc disease. When a disc loses height, the distance separating adjacent vertebrae (the bony structures in the neck and back) decreases, and a spinal nerve or the spinal cord may become compressed.

When neural tissue is compressed, you may experience pain, numbness, tingling and muscle weakness in the neck, back or extremities. Fortunately, you should be able to find relief from these symptoms with medication and other conservative treatments. To learn about the treatments available to relieve your collapsed disc symptoms, read the following article.

Medications for collapsed disc relief

Most doctors begin treatment of symptoms caused by a collapsed disc with medication. These may include one or more of the following:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications can provide relief by reducing inflammation, which may help to relieve pressure placed on a compressed spinal nerve.
• Corticosteroid injections. Like NSAIDs, these medications help to reduce the pressure placed on a pinched nerve by reducing inflammation. This approach, however, involves injecting the drug directly into the affected area. Steroid injections often provide relief for weeks or even months.
• Antidepressants. Patients with a collapsed disc may become depressed because of the lifestyle changes that chronic pain can cause, such as an inability to go about your daily routine. Some doctors may prescribe antidepressants to help patients cope with these changes. Some antidepressant medications are also believed to raise natural pain tolerance.

Prescription pain medications and other conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, range of motion exercises, chiropractic care, heat massage and acupuncture may also be prescribed. It’s always imperative that you consult your doctor before starting any new medication or treatment method.

Learn about the collapsed disc surgery offered at USA Spine Care

If you fail to respond to these noninvasive treatments, you may require surgery to treat your collapsed disc. However, you may not need to resort to a highly invasive open spine surgery. The minimally invasive decompression and stabilization procedures performed at USA Spine Care are a safer and effective alternative to traditional open spine surgery^ when treating collapsed discs.

These outpatient procedures offer many benefits, such as small incisions, no unnecessary muscle tearing and no lengthy recovery.^ Contact USA Spine Care today to learn what sets us apart as the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery. Since 2005, we have helped more than 75,000 patients find lasting relief from their spine conditions and we look forward to helping you on your road to recovery.

For additional information about our outpatient procedures, reach out to our dedicated team today. Through a free MRI review,* we can determine if you are a potential candidate for our collapsed disc surgery.

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