If you’ve been diagnosed with a prolapsed disc that is causing symptoms, your doctor will likely recommend you first try conservative treatments to manage your pain. These can include medication, physical therapy, alternating hot and cold compresses, exercise, better nutrition and posture improvement. Some patients will also seek out alternative methods that are considered to be outside of the medical mainstream such as chiropractic medicine or acupuncture.

While the effectiveness of alternative treatments for neck and back pain has not been proven, many people do report finding lasting relief with the help of one or more of these types of treatments. Those who do explore alternative medicine should still work closely with their doctor to ensure that any new therapies are compatible with your current state of health and any existing care you are receiving.

Specific alternative treatments for a prolapsed disc

You and your doctor can work together to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes methods like the following:

• Chiropractic medicine. A chiropractor can manually adjust the spine to restore natural alignment and functioning with the goal of relieving the nerve compression that conditions such as a prolapsed disc can cause.
• Acupuncture. This is a form of Eastern medicine that involves the insertion of small needles into strategic areas around the body. This is believed to help with pain relief by stimulating blood flow and releasing endorphins that ease symptoms.
• Massage. Therapeutic massage can help to relax sore and tense muscles in the neck, back or extremities of a patient with a prolapsed disc.
• Yoga. Restorative yoga involves gentle poses that help patients stretch and strengthen core muscles while focusing on body awareness and breathing. This can lead to better posture, which can help take pressure off the spinal discs.

Always seek treatment from a licensed, certified practitioner with a good reputation. Ask friends, family or your doctor if they can recommend a provider they trust.

Minimally invasive spine surgery

Surgery can start to become a viable option if you have been through weeks or months of conservative and alternative treatments and have not seen a reduction in your symptoms that allows you to engage in an active lifestyle. Before consenting to a highly invasive traditional open spine surgery, contact USA Spine Care today.

Since 2005 we have helped more than 75,000 patients find relief from neck and back pain with minimally invasive spine surgery performed on an outpatient basis. We offer a no-cost MRI review* to determine if you may be a candidate for one of our procedures.

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