2007-02-02 06:58:41 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
They dont heal, you just compensate and strengthen surrounding muscles. I had a slipped disc many years ago and from time to time it will go again and cause me problems;
2007-02-02 08:12:38 · answer #1 · answered by huggz 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
First off there is no such thing as a slipped disc. There are bulging and potruding discs. Both of which can impact the exiting neural roots in the intervertebral foramen. A bulge is much easier to mend. Extension exercises, proper retraining of muscle groups, and proper posture can heal this within a couple of weeks to many months. A protruded disc, or more accurately a protruded nucleus propulsus through the annulus fibrosis, can actually 'mend' but still cause problems. If the AF reseals with the NP still outside its fibers the NP can irritate the neural tissue and lead to severe pain that lasts for a very long time.
Also the location of the protrusion or bulge will effect the healing time. If given more information I can possibly tell you what to expect.
2007-02-02 10:00:28 · answer #2 · answered by Casey F 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
To fully mend, it takes years; most people never manage it.
The injury took a long time to happen. Your back was getting more and more susceptible to this type of damage long before you had any idea that there was a problem.
The good news is that the 'acute' damage (what is actually causing the pain now) can 'reduce' (repair itself) in days or weeks, with the right attention. A physiotherapist will be able to give you exercises that make it less likely that you'll repeat the rupture, but most people find it difficult to keep doing them, once the pain has disappeared.
Yoga will help to restore the health of your spine (once the physio, or your doctor, has given you clearance to use your spine in this way again). 'Gravity boots' (ankle clamps for hanging upside down) or an 'inversion table' can help to decompress your spine if you use them regularly. Alexander technique teaches you how to identify the postural habits that weakened your back, and replace them with the kind of movements that will improve the health of your damaged disc, as well as the health of the ones that aren't affecting you at the moment.
2007-02-02 07:24:31 · answer #3 · answered by Fitology 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Whatever you do, don't go to a chiropracter. I have had more patients messed up by their "manipulations" than you can shake a stick at. Unfortunately, healing a slipped disc can take years if at all. Sometimes surgery is needed to correct the disc, but before you go to that drastic of measures visit an interventional pain management specialist who can help treat your pain with with a combination of epidural steroid injections, medications, and physical therapy.
Good luck
2007-02-02 09:55:27 · answer #4 · answered by rwill54287 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Rocky you never get right after a slipped disc.I have 4 discs out of place over time at present .Back specialist will not operate no way .I lost my job because of this i was a bus driver .You must always be alert with this complaint .I cant lift ;drag pull or push .Basically i can do nothing that involves the back .Take my advice mind your back at all costs .CHeers
2007-02-02 10:09:30 · answer #5 · answered by not a mused 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It may never truly heal, you may always have some discomfort from it and depending on how herniated it is, different treatments would be done. If it is bulging and not pressing on nerves, you might be ready in six weeks. If it is herniated surgery may/may not be an option. Usually not, however your physical therapy work would be different and likely would include some form of traction. Again, depending on injury and your age,is there muscle/tendon damage,these are what we need to know to give any kind of educated guess. I will guess 60-90days,depending on your work,activities after work, etc,etc. Good luck.
2007-02-02 07:16:02 · answer #6 · answered by fisherwoman 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
quite a while. my mom just slipped hers....and she's been out of work for at least 3 weeks now.
2007-02-02 07:07:01 · answer #7 · answered by rubberducky42069 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Depends on how good your chiropractor is. What ever you do don't take any pain medicine. Pain meds will increase your chance of prolonging your injury.
2007-02-02 07:08:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋