Will a Herniated Disc Heal on Its Own?

Like gaskets, washers, and bushings in a car or other machine, the discs in your spine eventually succumb to constant pressure and use. They wear down over time, lose moisture and crack, or collapse after sudden impact. 

Not only does a herniated disc leave your vertebral bones to rub against one another, but the protruding parts can pinch or irritate the nerves running in and out of your spine. It’s easy to see why herniated discs are a leading cause of back pain. 

Fortunately, they’re also highly treatable.

In Chattanooga, Tennessee, David A. Wiles, MD, our board-certified neurosurgeon, specializes in minimally invasive spinal surgery but encourages you to hold off on scheduling surgery for a herniated disc — here’s why. 

Herniated disc 101

A herniated disc, some call it a slipped, bulging, or ruptured disk, is a fairly common problem. It happens when the soft center of a spinal disc nudges through a crack in its tough exterior.

Often, a herniated disc results from age-related wear and tear, known as disc degeneration. Other culprits could be improper lifting, repetitive strenuous activities, obesity, or even a traumatic injury.

Can a herniated disc heal on its own?

The main question is: Can a herniated disk heal on its own? 

Unfortunately, the answer isn’t straightforward. Research shows that in 90% of patients, herniated discs can shrink over time. But this doesn’t necessarily mean your disc has healed in the traditional sense; it just means the disc has shrunk, and your symptoms have subsided — maybe temporarily, maybe permanently.

Several factors influence whether your herniated disc will resolve on its own, such as the size and location of the herniation, your age, and overall health and lifestyle. For example, young people with a healthy lifestyle have a better shot at symptom relief without intervention than older folks with certain risk factors.

Your treatment options for a herniated disc

When treating a herniated disc, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Wiles develops your personalized treatment plan based on the severity of your condition and overall health. 

We start with conservative methods like physical therapy and medication and only move to surgical intervention when necessary.

Physical therapy is one of the best ways to encourage natural healing because it strengthens the muscles around your spine and takes the pressure off the disc. Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help you manage the pain and allow you to participate in physical therapy without discomfort. 

If your herniated disc is severe and not responding to medication and physical therapy, Dr. Wiles may recommend minimally invasive surgery to remove or repair the herniated disc.

Dealing with a herniated disc as it heals

If Dr. Wiles gives you the green light to take a wait-and-see approach and allow your disc to heal naturally, you may notice symptom relief right away. However, don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security. 

A herniated disc could cause permanent nerve damage. If you don’t manage it properly and seek professional medical assistance, your pain may become chronic and more complicated. Call us if you have persistent back or neck pain, numbness or tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs.

Meanwhile, try these at-home tips to relieve herniated disc pain:

• Apply cold packs during the first few days to reduce inflammation
• Apply warm packs to ease tight muscles
• Rest and avoid activities that worsen your pain
• Move often to increase your circulation and promote healing
• Use OTC NSAIDs to relieve pain and reduce inflammation

Even if your herniated disc shows signs of natural healing, it’s essential to seek Dr. Wiles’ advice to ensure you don’t face complications, such as bladder and bowel problems or loss of feeling in your back, legs, and bottom. 

Our office in Chattanooga serves patients throughout Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City, Tennessee. Request an appointment online or call David A. Wiles, MD, today.