How to Tell if Your Herniated Disc Is Healing

A herniated disc is a common condition that occurs when the soft inner part of a spinal disc bulges out through a tear in the tough outer layer. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the back, neck, arms, or legs, depending on which part of the spine is affected. A herniated disc can heal on its own or with conservative treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, or injections. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove or repair the damaged disc.

But how do you know if your herniated disc is healing? What are the signs and symptoms of improvement? This article will answer these questions and provide you with some tips on how to speed up your recovery.

Reduced Pain and Inflammation

One of the most obvious signs of healing is a decrease in pain and inflammation in the affected area. Pain is usually the first symptom of a herniated disc, and it can range from mild to severe, depending on the location and severity of the disc injury. Inflammation is also common as the body tries to protect and repair the damaged tissue. 

As your herniated disc heals, you should notice less pain and inflammation, especially with rest and medication. You may also experience less pain when you change positions, such as standing up or sitting down. However, keep in mind that pain relief does not necessarily mean complete healing, and you should avoid activities that may aggravate your condition, such as lifting heavy objects or bending forward.

Improved Mobility and Function

Another sign of healing is an improvement in mobility and function. A herniated disc can limit your range of motion and affect your ability to perform daily activities, such as walking, driving, working, or exercising. You may also have difficulty moving your legs or feet, or you may feel tingling, numbness, or weakness in your lower extremities.

During the healing process, you should notice more flexibility and strength in your spine and legs. You may be able to resume some of your normal activities, as long as they do not cause pain or discomfort. You may also benefit from physical therapy, which can help you restore your mobility and function through exercises, stretches, and manual techniques.

Increased Comfort and a Higher Quality of Life

A third sign of healing is an increase in comfort and quality of life. A herniated disc can affect not only your physical health but also your mental and emotional wellbeing. You may feel frustrated, depressed, anxious, or stressed by your condition and its impact on your life. You may also have difficulty sleeping, concentrating, or enjoying your hobbies.

As your herniated disc continues to heal, you should notice more comfort and satisfaction in your life. You may feel more optimistic, confident, and hopeful about your recovery. You may also sleep better, focus better, have more energy and motivation, and find more joy and pleasure in your activities and relationships.

How to Speed Up Your Herniated Disc Recovery

• Follow your doctor’s advice – Take your prescribed medications as directed, and follow up with your doctor regularly. If your doctor recommends physical therapy or other treatments, stick to the plan and do not skip sessions.
• Rest when needed – Avoid activities that worsen your pain or cause more pressure on your spine. Rest when you feel tired or sore, but do not stay in bed for too long, as this can lead to stiffness and muscle weakness.
• Stay active as much as possible – Engage in low-impact exercises that strengthen your core muscles and improve your flexibility and posture. Examples include walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, and Pilates. Avoid high-impact exercises that involve twisting, bending, or lifting heavy objects.
• Apply heat or ice – Heat can relax tight muscles and increase blood flow to the affected area. Ice can reduce inflammation and numb pain. Apply heat or ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Maintain a healthy weight – Excess weight can put more stress on your spine and discs and slow down your healing process. Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods that are high in sugar, salt, or fat.
• Quit smoking – Smoking can impair blood circulation and delay tissue healing. It can also increase inflammation and weaken your bones and discs. Quitting smoking can boost your overall health and speed up your recovery.
• Seek help if needed – If your symptoms do not improve or worsen over time despite conservative treatment, you may need herniated disc surgery to remove or repair the herniated disc. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of surgery and whether it is suitable for you.
  
  A herniated disc is a condition that can cause pain and discomfort in various parts of the body. However, it can also heal with time and proper treatment. By knowing the signs and symptoms of herniated disc healing and following some tips to speed up your recovery, you can improve your condition and get back to your normal life.
  
  If you have a herniated disc that is not responding to conservative treatment, a discectomy or less invasive microdiscectomy may be discussed and potentially recommended. Discectomy recovery time varies among individuals and depends on factors such as whether the patient has a large hole in the outer ring of the disc after surgery. Although discectomy is generally a very successful procedure, having a large hole in the outer ring of the disc more than doubles the risk of needing another operation. A new treatment, Barricaid, is a bone-anchored device that closes this hole, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital. 
  
  If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment, ask your doctor or contact us at 844-288-7474.

For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.