Margo’s case was especially severe, but not all people with sciatica caused by a herniated disc have to undergo surgery. In many instances, a prolapsed disc responsible for sciatic pain may heal on its own. Doctors recommend bed rest, aspirin, and patience. With the nonsurgical method, however, it is necessary for your physician to treat the pain. Muscle relaxants such as Robaxin 500 taken three times a day can help relieve the pain. Valium can also be used; it will relieve painful back spasms as well as reduce your anxiety. An anti-inflammatory medication such as Naprosyn may be prescribed as long as you have no prior history of an ulcer. The drug will be injected near the ruptured disc and will ease the pain and decrease the swelling. Total recuperation might take up to two weeks when medication is combined with the bed rest
Most herniated discs do heal themselves, but that doesn’t mean you will be without pain. Unfortunately, after your first bout with a herniated disc, your back will never again be quite the same; however, surgeons today view surgery as the last resort, even though only surgery will completely ease the pain of a herniated disc. During the operation, the surgeon opens up the lower back and takes the pressure off the nerve by removing parts of the disc. The recovery period is usually one to three months; during this time, bed rest is about all you may be able to manage. After your back pain disappears, you will be able to do everything you did before.
How do you know when to wait out a ruptured disc and when to have an operation? Your doctor will describe the pros and cons of each, but, as a general rule, if the pain is localized in your back and you feel it gradually decreasing over the course of a couple of days, it’s a good idea to wait it out. If the pain starts to get worse and your leg and buttock begin to grow numb, or if your back still hurts while you’re resting and aspirin doesn’t help, you’re a good candidate for surgery.
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