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Medication for Collapsed Discs

A collapsed disc occurs when an intervertebral disc loses height or becomes misshapen. This can occur as the result of a number of spinal conditions, including bulging or herniated discs and degenerative disc disease. When a disc loses height, the vertebrae (the bony structures in the neck and back) can shift out of place and a spinal nerve can become impinged.

When a spinal nerve is compressed, patients may experience pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the neck, back, or extremities. Many patients can find relief from these symptoms with medication and other conservative treatments.

Treatments

Most doctors begin treatment for collapsed discs with medication. This may include one or more of the following:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – These medications can provide relief by reducing inflammation, which can help to relieve the pressure that is being placed on a compressed spinal nerve.
• Corticosteroid Injections – Like NSAIDs, this medication helps to reduce the pressure placed on an impinged nerve by reducing inflammation. This approach, however, involves injecting the drug directly into the affected area, and often provides relief for weeks or even months.
• Antidepressants – Patients with a collapsed disc may become depressed because of the lifestyle changes that chronic pain may cause (such as the inability to work or a reduced sex drive). Some doctors may prescribe antidepressants to help patients cope with these changes.

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Prescription pain medications and other conservative treatments, such as hot and/or cold therapy, intermittent rest, and physical therapy, may also be prescribed.

Safe, Effective Outpatient Procedures

Patients who fail to respond to these non-invasive treatments may want to consider the minimally invasive procedures performed by the orthopedic surgeons at Laser Spine Institute. Our safe and effective endoscopic procedures can help to treat collapsed discs on an outpatient basis. Contact Laser Spine Institute for additional information and to schedule a complimentary MRI or CT scan review.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.