• Conservative treatment for a herniated disc often starts with physical therapy. Our PT specialists help you identify positions that decrease your referred pain, and also help you develop a home program to prevent further damage or recurrence. 
• Occupational therapy may be prescribed to provide instructions on how to keep your back straight and aligned, particularly when sitting for long periods. 
• Pain management for a herniated disc depends on the location and severity of your condition. Our specialists may recommend techniques such as anti-inflammatory and pain medications, muscle relaxers and steroid injections. 
• Traditional medicine combined with holistic therapies such as yoga, healing touch and acupuncture. 

When symptoms related to a herniated disc don't improve with conservative treatment or if symptoms worsen, surgery may be recommended. Our spine specialists are skilled in the use of minimally invasive techniques that incorporate advanced navigation and robotics procedures, leading to faster recovery, less discomfort and shorter hospitalizations.

Treatment options include: 

• Laminectomy: Removal of fragments of bone and soft tissue, which are pushing on the nerves. Depending on certain factors, this may be performed as a minimally invasive procedure or an open procedure. 
• Laminectomy and Spinal Fusion: For more severe cases, a laminectomy may be combined with a fusion, a procedure that reduces the movement in the damaged spine segment by permanently connecting two or more vertebrae using screws and rods to stabilize the spine. A bone graft is also typically performed using additional bone to fill in gaps between the vertebrae and stimulate the healing process. 
• Discectomy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove the section of the disc that is irritating a nerve and causing pain. Depending on certain factors, this may be performed as a minimally invasive procedure or an open procedure.