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Most herniated discs will heal within one to six months on there own. Treatment goals at this stage are to relieve pain and the weakness or numbness in the leg or lower back. During this period the patient is also educated on techniques and exercises that will help to prevent further injury and strengthen the back.
Nonsurgical treatment is usually attempted first because ninety percent of herniated disk patients will improve after six months of nonsurgical treatment. Some of the treatments involved are:
*Bed rest with a gradual increase in activity
*Anti-inflammatory and pain control medication
*Exercise to help strengthen muscles in the back and help to reduce pain
In the remaining 10% of herniated disk patients that have not shown improvement over six months surgery is often preformed. A Percutaneous Arthroscopic Discectomy can be preformed.
Percutaneous Arthroscopic Discectomy is a laser spine procedure which will remove the portion of the extruding or herniated disc that is now pressing against a nerve causing the symptoms. By removing or shrinking the herniated disc with the laser we can decompress the spinal cord or nerve root that is being impinged. At this point excess disc material is removed and the symptoms of a herniated disc generally disappear.