What are the treatments for the condition?

A ruptured disk is generally treated conservatively at first. Initial treatments include:

If conservative treatment is not successful, the healthcare provider may recommend surgery. The following operations may be helpful for people with a ruptured disk:

Medicines may be prescribed to improve blood glucose control and help treat the nerve dysfunction if diabetes is the cause. In some cases, such as toxin exposure, nerve function cannot be restored.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects of medicines include allergic reactions and stomach upset. Surgery is associated with a risk of infection, bleeding, and allergic reaction to anesthesia.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

If the cause is reversible and is treated, no further treatment may be required. A person can often return to normal activities. Treatment may be prolonged if the underlying cause cannot be fixed. Such a cause would be diabetes.

After conservative treatment of a ruptured disk, a person can usually resume activity as tolerated. Symptoms may recur every now and then, requiring repeated treatment. After surgery, the signs and symptoms usually disappear, and a person will slowly resume normal activity after proper recovery. Physical therapy can be helpful to teach appropriate body mechanics and lifting techniques.

How is the condition monitored?

A person should be monitored if toxic causes, such as alcohol or lead, have been identified. If medical causes such as diabetes or poor blood supply played a role, proper treatment and follow-up for these conditions are needed. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.