Does a Herniated Disc Go Away on Its Own?

The slightest movement in your neck or lower back leads to shooting pain, thanks to a herniated disc, and you want to know how long you’re going to have to deal with the problem.

Each year in the United States, more than 3 million people develop a herniated disc. The good news is, most get through the ordeal within a few weeks to a few months.

At Neuropathy & Pain Centers of Texas, our team of back and neck pain experts are well-versed in the world of herniated discs. In our considerable experience, we’ve found that most herniated discs resolve themselves with time, but there are ways that you can speed up your recovery — and prevent the condition in the future. Let’s take a look.

How a disc herniates

Your spine is made up of 33 vertebrae that stretch from the base of your skull to your pelvis. These bony structures are separated by 23 intervertebral discs. These discs are made up of a tough outer layer — the annulus — which houses a gel-like substance called the nucleus pulposus. 

Healthy discs are malleable and provide cushioning and support along your spine. They also enable movement along your spine, especially in your lower back and neck, which is why most herniated discs develop in one of these two areas — these are areas that place the most pressure on your discs.

When a disc herniates or bulges, there’s a break in the outer casing and some of the nucleus pulposus leaks out and irritates nearby nerve roots. In your lower back, the nerve that’s usually irritated is the largest one in your body — your sciatic nerve.

Recovering from a herniated disc

If you have a herniated disc, the initial pain can be quite severe and also include numbness and tingling. All of these symptoms can extend into your arms and hands if the herniation is in your neck and into your legs if the herniation is in your lower back.

No matter the location of the herniated disc, the good news is that, in most cases, the issue will heal with time and without surgery. While there’s usually a light at the end of the herniated disc tunnel, getting through the first few weeks can be uncomfortable, to say the least.

One of the best approaches for herniated discs utilizes targeted exercises and stretches that give your nerves more space while encouraging better blood flow for healing. But the idea of stretching and exercising can seem impossible when you’re in pain. 

So, to get to those beneficial exercises, we can help you get through the pain first with some interventional therapies, such as pain-relieving injections. Once you’re more comfortable, you’re better able to do some physical therapy that will not only speed up your recovery now, but also help to prevent another herniated disc down the road if you continue to do them.

So, if you're dealing with a painful herniated disc, please come see us so we can set you on the right path forward. To get that ball rolling, please call or message us today to schedule an appointment. We have offices in Waco, Arlington, Wichita Falls, and Fort Worth, Texas.