The best painkiller for a herniated disc depends on pain severity, but often starts with over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) for mild-to-moderate inflammation, progressing to prescription muscle relaxers, nerve pain drugs (gabapentin, pregabalin), or short-term opioids for severe cases, with corticosteroid injections offering potent relief for persistent pain, though consulting a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment plan is crucial.
Options include acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). Neuropathic drugs. These drugs affect nerve impulses to decrease pain. They include gabapentin (Horizant, Neurontin), pregabalin (Lyrica), duloxetine (Cymbalta), or venlafaxine (Effexor XR).
Herniated Disc: A bulging or ruptured disc can press on nerves that connect to the stomach and digestive system, potentially leading to nausea. Degenerative Disc Disease: As discs deteriorate with age, pain and inflammation may contribute to feelings of nausea.
Having a history of poor spinal health or a herniated disc during pregnancy can make this special time particularly painful or worrisome for new and veteran mothers. Fortunately, most disc issues do not pose a threat to the health of the baby and they can be mitigated through lifestyle changes or minor procedures.
1. NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): These medications, like ibuprofen and naproxen, reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. They are often the first line of treatment for mild to moderate axial pain. Your doctor can prescribe stronger NSAIDs, like meloxicam or diclofenac, if needed.
Morphine. Morphine and similar drugs (like oxycodone, fentanyl, buprenorphine) are the strongest painkillers. Some come in patch form, but all work in similar ways and are used for severe pain only.
Rest for one to three days if the pain is severe. But it's important to avoid long periods of bed rest to prevent stiffness. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Apply heat or ice to the affected area.
Women often say that it is worse than childbirth and worse than kidney stones. The pain usually comes on suddenly which is when the disc herniation occurs. Some people report having back pain for hours or days prior to the onset of the leg pain, which is probably when the tear in the annulus of the disc occurs.
These scans reveal how your bones are aligned, as well as whether you have arthritis or damaged bones. These pictures will not reveal any issues with your spinal cord, muscles, nerves, or discs on their own.
How Are Slipped Discs Treated? In most cases, treatment is determined by how much pain you are experiencing and how much the disc has slipped. In many cases, pain relievers, simple chiropractic adjustments, and an exercise program aimed at strengthening the surrounding back muscles can solve the problem.
Seeking Medical Care for Herniated Discs
Emergency departments are equipped to handle acute symptoms and can facilitate urgent imaging and consultation with a spine specialist. For non-emergency symptoms, scheduling an appointment with a spine specialist can provide the necessary evaluation and treatment plan.
You may have heard people who have had a herniated disc describe the intense, burning pain in their back or leg that approaches a 10 on a scale of 1-10. If you experience this kind of pain, you need prompt treatment to alleviate pressure on the compressed nerve.
Treatment options
Simple painkillers (paracetamol / co-dydramol) and anti-inflammatory tablets (ibuprofen / naproxen) are the most commonly prescribed, though stronger, opioid-based painkillers may be required (codeine phosphate / dihydrocodeine / tramadol).
A slipped disc in the lumbar (lower back) region can cause spinal disc tissue to press on nerves. That can cause severe pain that sometimes spreads to the leg. The symptoms usually go away on their own after a few weeks. Until then, it's a good idea to treat the pain and stay as active as possible.
For severe and persistent pain, you may need stronger opioids, such as morphine. You might have this with or without paracetamol. Paracetamol works well for lower back pain when combined with other medicines.
Modern MRIs provide clear images of the human spine. Not only can doctors see which disc is affected, but they can also understand why it is causing you so much pain. This helps them develop a treatment plan to slow the progression of the slipped disc so your condition doesn't get worse.
The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae (L1-L5), separated by intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers and allow for flexibility. The L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels refer to the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, respectively, and the adjacent discs.
If an MRI or CT scan shows nothing after an accident, this does not mean you should dismiss your pain. You should continue to undergo any diagnostic procedures your doctor recommends. They may send you to pain specialists who can conduct further tests as well.
Compared with a bulging disk, a herniated disk is more likely to cause pain. The inner cartilage of the disk sticks out farther and is more likely to irritate nerve roots. The irritation can be from pushing on the nerve or, much more commonly, the herniation causes a painful inflammation of the nerve root.
9 – Excruciating pain. Unable to converse. Crying out and/or moaning uncontrollably. 10 – Unspeakable pain.
If you go to the ER for a herniated disc, the staff's main goal will be to manage your pain and rule out any emergencies. They might give you anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxers, or sometimes an injection to calm the nerve irritation.
However, vitamin deficiencies in B12, D, and magnesium play a key role in sciatic pain and relief. If you've tried stretches, painkillers, or even therapy and found little to no relief, this could be your answer. A B12 vitamin deficiency, for example, leads to increased nerve pain and sciatica symptoms.
When the lumbar disc herniation is in an acute or semi-acute phase, the inflammation of the sciatic nerve is likely to become so disabling that the person cannot walk, and even standing becomes quite painful. If this sounds like your situation, we recommend rest until the inflammation subsides.