A herniated disc may end up causing severe pain, numbness, and possibly weakness over time. For some individuals, these symptoms of a herniated disc may end up lingering for far longer than expected. If you’ve been experiencing painful symptoms from a herniated disc for longer than a year, there are steps you can take to finally find the relief you need to live a better life.
Why Your Herniated Disc May Still Hurt, Even After a Full Year
In many cases, herniated discs may end up healing within a few months after resting and recovering, physical therapy, and improved lifestyle changes. However, if the pain from your herniated disc persists beyond a year, it may be due to the following issues:
- Incomplete healing of the herniation: The disc material could still be pressing on your nerve, resulting in continuing issues
- Nerve damage from prolonged inflammation: Long-term compression may end up causing ongoing irritation or sensitivity, leading to persistent pain and discomfort
- Scar tissue affecting the nerve root: Scar tissue may end up forming around the affected nerve root, leading to chronic discomfort and painful symptoms over time
- Other undiagnosed spinal issues: You may have undiagnosed conditions such as degenerative disc disease, arthritis, or spinal instability which may be contributing to your ongoing symptoms
When Conservative Treatments Aren’t Enough
Here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants, we believe surgery is the last resort option. We always promote more conservative treatment options prior to considering surgery. With this being said, there are cases where every other option is utilized and the anticipated results of healing and wellness are still not there. If you’ve already tried medications, physical therapy, injections, etc… With limited or no relief of your symptoms, it may be time to explore more advanced options with surgical intervention. We use advanced imaging and diagnostic tools to best diagnose the exact underlying issues at hand and recommend the next best step of action. Whether that’s minimally invasive surgery or other targeted treatment options.
What You Can Do Right Now to Possibly Help Your Herniated Disc Condition
- Stay active (safely): Daily, gentle movement helps to maintain flexibility and spinal health. Examples of this can include walking, yoga, swimming, etc…
- Work on your posture throughout the day: Proper spinal alignment ultimately reduces stress on your neck, back, and spine; possibly leading to improved outcomes with your herniated disc symptoms.
- Manage inflammation through hydration & diet: Consuming a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet through eating fresh, organic, healthy foods for every meal and consuming enough water throughout the day to stay adequately hydrated can do wonders for all aspects of your overall health
- Consult a spine specialist: If you’re experiencing persistent pain, it should not be ignored, as it’s often a sign the nerve is still being affected by your herniated disc.
You Don’t Have to Live with Chronic Herniated Disc Pain
If your herniated disc pain is not improving, even after a full year, it’s time to see a specialist. With the right treatment plan, long-term relief is finally possible. Our team of experienced neurosurgeons and spine specialists will help you better understand your options and create a customized treatment plan catered toward your specific condition. Schedule your initial consultation today using the form below and we’ll be sure to have you seen by one of our amazing medical providers as soon as possible. We look forward to working with you soon to achieve long-term pain relief and an overall improvement in your health and wellness.
DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.