Before you can decide which methods of herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) treatment is right for you, it’s important to understand the term. A herniated nucleus pulposus means the gel-like center of a disc has leaked through a tear in the tough outer disc wall. This can be a natural result of the aging process, but the condition often remains asymptomatic.

In fact, many people have a herniated disc and never even know it because the herniation can heal itself through a process known as resorption. However, when extruded inner nucleus material compresses an adjacent nerve root, symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness and muscle weakness can develop. In these cases, HNP treatment, such as the conservative and surgical options described below, becomes necessary.

Conservative forms of herniated nucleus pulposus treatment

More often than not, the symptoms associated with nerve compression produced by an HNP can be managed through the use of conservative treatment methods. These methods include:

• Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication
• Physical therapy
• Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming or biking
• Stretching
• Behavior modification
• HNP alternative treatments, such as chiropractic care and acupuncture
• Corticosteroid injections

If conservative HNP treatment proves ineffective after several weeks or months, a doctor might suggest surgery as an option.

Minimally invasive HNP treatment

If you require surgery for your herniated nucleus pulposus treatment, rather than settle for highly invasive traditional open neck or back surgery, contact USA Spine Care. We offer minimally invasive outpatient procedures that can help you find relief from your neck and back pain. In fact, our small incisions and muscle sparing techniques make our procedures the safer and effective alternative to traditional open spine surgery.^

USA Spine Care is the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery, having performed more than 100,000 patient procedures since 2005. To find out if you are a potential candidate for our herniated nucleus pulposus surgery, reach out to our dedicated team today and ask for a free MRI review.* We can help guide you on your road to recovery.

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