A torn disc is a common degenerative spine condition that often leads to a herniated disc. If you have experienced — or know someone who has experienced — a torn disc, you know how much pain and discomfort this spinal condition can cause. Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, spasms and muscle weakness in the neck, back and extremities. These uncomfortable symptoms lead many to seek treatment from their doctor.

It’s important to know about the full range of treatment options, including alternative treatments, so you and your doctor can develop a care plan with the best chance of helping you find lasting relief.

What are the most common alternative treatments for a torn disc?

Most physicians begin treatment for a torn disc through conservative means, including over-the-counter pain medications, lifestyle changes, physical therapy and intermittent rest. Many patients choose to supplement these treatments with alternative therapies. Though some of these approaches are still outside the medical mainstream, there are a large number of patients who report finding some degree of relief from the following methods:

• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic adjustment
• Massage therapy
• Herbal supplements
• Yoga
• Pilates

Before attempting, discuss any new treatment options with your doctor before adding it to your treatment plan.

When to consider torn disc surgery

If conservative and alternative treatments have not brought you the desired return to a good quality of life after weeks or months, your doctor may recommend spine surgery. In order to avoid a hospital stay and lengthy recovery, you may want to consider the minimally invasive outpatient procedures performed at USA Spine Care. At USA Spine Care, we have developed a safer and effective alternative to traditional open back surgery^ through our minimally invasive decompression and minimally invasive stabilization procedures.

To date we have helped more than 75,000 patients with our procedures, helping to establish us as the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery. If you have not found lasting relief for your torn disc symptoms from conservative and alternative treatments, contact us today.

We can help you receive a no-cost MRI or CT scan review* to determine if you are a potential candidate for one of our procedures.

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