Do herniated discs (in the lower back) heal on their own?

Question

I've been experiencing sciatica for the first time in my life (I'm 24), and my best educated guess so far of the cause is a herniated disc, and I was just wondering, if that's the cause, will the disc heal itself? If so, in what time frame? and what can I do to encourage that?

Or is this something that's just going to bug me off and on for the rest of my life?

I appreciate any insights

No, I'm not overweight, I'm actually relatively slender, but I'm definitely not as toned as I used to be.

Other points, I passed a kidney stone about 5 months ago (that was just unfortunate genetics - runs in the family) but since then, my back has really hurt with every mestration - what's different this time is the pain has continued past my menstration, and it's continued down into my leg.

Could this all be somehow connected to aggrevating the nerve?

I know, I need to see a doctor, I just like to go into an appointment with as much information as possibe, it really helps me to discuss my options.

thanks

Answer 1

You don't necessarily have a herniated disc. You could have a more minor problem that has put you in a cycle of pain. The pain makes you tense, which messes with the effected tissues and creates even more pain.

If you have insurance, it is probably worth it to get the thing diagnosed.

I have several herniated discs that don't really bother me. But I have some old scar tissue that inflames and almost cripples me with pain for days on end. I was taking very large amounts of Advil which would help a bit. Finally I went to a good back specialist, got an MRI, spent over $6k. And am taking a drug several times a month that has almost eliminated the pain.

If you don't have insurance you might try changing your activities and babying you back for a time. Take lots of Advil to break the cycle of pain. If it doesn't improve I think it would be worth it to go into debt and see if there is a fix for your problem. Years of constant pain kind of sucks.

Answer 2

I am a physician. Sciatica is not the same as a herniated nucleated disc.But let's review the history. Was there back trauma? Such as lifting a heavy object? Was the onset abrupt or slowly building? At your age such an injury is usually caused by trauma and sciatica is not so likely. In a herniated disc the pain is continuous and is relieved only by slight postural changes and relief is temporary at best. A disc is rather like a dense gelatinous bumper in the vertebral column to absorb shock and a hearniation is when the bumper develops a bulge that allows the gelatinous material to squeeze out and causes grating of the bones or pressure on the nerves...causing numbness or pain. I would examine other potential causes too...even new shoes can cause a shifting of your weight and strain on back muscles and give rise to pain. Obviously a physician is the best source of information because he will have the chance to examine the injured area and have x-rays or whatever studies are required. If indeed it is sciatica, then many drugs are suitable, but a herniated disc will eventually require surgery or at least a back brace (less effective) to reduce the discomfort.

Answer 3

Do Herniated Discs Heal

Answer 4

Hi there. I have had back surgery twice, once at 20 at L3/4, L4/5 and L5/S1 and then again at 30 (im now 31) at L4/5 for calcification and a protrusion that I coughed out the other side. Discs can't heal themselves as such, however dependant on the extent of damage you can work with a physio who can give you exercises to try and reduce the protrusion. They will also give you a series of exercised that wil strenthen your core muscles. Another option is to have an epidural, the theory being that the disc can be 'shrunk' so it does not press on any nerves which cause the pain. I can understand you being aprehensive about taking drugs and surgery and everything that goes with it, however, from experience, I think you will find that you are at the point of no return. Unfortunately once you have numbness it is time to take some serious action to correct the problem otherwise you will end up with permanent numbness, I permanently have numbness from my knee on the outside to my little toe. I would seriously talk with your specialist (Im assuming you have seen a neurosurgeon or orthopaedic surgeon) and see what they have to say about the options available to you. Most surgeons only operate on about 10% of patients with these symptoms, so they may try the epidural which has had a lot of successes. So you may not need to worry to much about the surgery. If you do have to go for surgery (which I hope you don't) don't panic about it, the procedure is a lot more developed than it used to be when I had my first lot done and recovery is much easier. I am proof that the surgery works together with working with my specialists and physion, I work a high pressure professional job, play tennis and snow ski... Good luck with it, talk to your specialist and work with your physio and you will get there.

For the best answers, search on this site https://smarturl.im/aDAlb

Answer 5

I first experienced lower back pain when I was 28 (from an industrial job that required twisting motion at the waist for the whole shift). I was diagnosed as having deteriorated discs between the 1st and 5th lumbar. I was given a prescription for pain killers and anti-inflammatories when ever necessary.

Once in awhile, in the following years, I would twist my back wrong, which would result in rapidly swelling discs, that would herniate and cause extreme pain radiating down my legs. Although I could USE my legs, I could not stand upright for long. Going to the bathroom would require crawling (not as much pressure on the back as standing). This happened to me four times, and I spent two weeks recovering each time. (Pain killers only ever dull the pain...never stop it.)

Nothing was ever done about this by my orthopaedic specialist. It wasn't until I got a new doctor last year, that I heard that once your discs start herniating, they recommend that fusing of the backbone be done to prevent further incidences. I elected not to do this. Mainly because age has slowed me down, and I can't do those unthinking twisting motions that cause the swelling of my discs. I haven't suffered from a herniated disc for over 6 years now.

Answer 6

A herniated disk must be diagnosed by a doctor. It is when the center of the spinal cord fluid/jell gets pushed out by an injury or degeneration. My guess is you are quite young for degeneration so unless you have had an injury herniation is most unlikely. A good neurologist can run test to see whats going on. If its not a herniation I suggest a really reputable chiropractor. If your into alternative med. I suggest a kenieseologist (not sure of the spelling)

Answer 7

they don't heal on their own. My ex husband had herniated disc and he had to have surgery, i also had another friend with the same thing and he had back surgery as well. They are both fine and work everyday and live normal lives. You are still very young so if you did need back surgery it would be easier for you to heal and get back on your feet. Good Luck

Answer 8

You should check this sciatica natural treatment http://cure-sciatica.info
Normally, I would not answer a question like this as my expertise is generally in medication but I had severe sciatica while I was pregnant with my 3rd child (after having had twins) and I had sciatica so bad that I was finding it difficult to walk. I tried massage therapy and physical therapy and could not take medication
I went to the chiropractor and the pain was instantly relieved. My hips and lower back were out of alignment because I had carried twins the year before. On occasion a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) can also work but they usually only work on one joint at a time - the chiropractor will do your whole back which works faster. Anyone who does not believe in chiropractors will tell you they are quacks - don't listen.
I don't necessarily believe that chiropractors can cure things like diabetes but they can definitely relieve some types of back pain especially if a pinched nerve is involved which is usually the cause of sciatica. Try a reputable chiropractor ASAP!

Answer 9

As far as I know, a herniated disc cannot heal on its own; after all, it is used to bear the weight of the torso as it is held upright.

Check this, please:
http://www.spine-health.com/topics/cd/d_sciatica/sc01.html

Speak with your specialist. There are new procedures and new treatments that are very effective. Do NOT let a chiropractor touch you!!! See an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible. Don't suffer needlessly, please! You might've hurt somethig by twisting or sleeping in an uncomfortable position or you might've just bruised it... see the specialist who'll X-ray it and tell you more. The options are YOURS in the final analysis.

Good luck and very best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.

Answer 10

No.
Sciatica and herniated discs are not the same.
Sciatica can just be irritation of the nerve at the butt cheek.
A disc should not be the problem in a 24 year old.
You should get get treatement to prevent chronic inflammation.