Medication and Exercises
Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription-grade medications for herniated disc pain. If your pain is mild or bearable, they may recommend OTC medications to ease soreness after physical therapy or other herniated disc treatments. If your pain is severe, prescription medicine may serve as your first-order treatment. Some OTC medications for relieving the pain from herniated disc include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): examples of such drugs include ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetylsalicylic acid. They help reduce inflammation and pain, thereby preventing complications.
- Acetaminophen [1]: best known under the name Tylenol. It helps reduce pain but does not reduce inflammation.
- Antidepressants [2]: tricyclic antidepressants are commonly prescribed for chronic back pain. They help increase neurotransmitters in your spine that relieve pain.
- Anticonvulsants [3]: anticonvulsants are prescribed to help nerve pain. Your doctor will recommend it if you are experiencing sciatic pain.
There are certain exercises and stretches that can help reduce the pain that comes with herniated discs. A physical therapist can teach you those exercises which can help reduce pressure on the disc and improve strength and flexibility of the back muscles. The stronger your back muscles get the more the pressure decreases which further reduces pain.
You can discuss with a personal trainer or physical therapist to guide you in the best exercise for your condition. It is best that you get guidance to avoid worsening your condition.