Herniated Discs

Herniated disc or pinched nerve syndrome occurs when the patient has a symptomatic pain in the disc on the back or spine due to leakage from disc. This produces a radicular pain that spreads to the legs or arms. Most people with herniated discs do not need surgery to help ease the pain. A very helpful technique to treat the herniated disc is cortisone injections - inflammation-suppressing corticosteroids given around the spinal nerves. Oral steroids administered along with this help ease the pain to a large extent. Traction, heat therapy and electrical stimulation also help ease the pressure on the disc and induce relief. We do not advise bed rest for patients with a herniated disc as that leads to stiff joints and weak muscles. Movement and activity is very essential for the health of the disc and vertebrae.