Medicine is often used to treat pain caused by a herniated disc. Although medicine does not cure a herniated disc, it may reduce inflammation and pain and allow you to begin an exercise program that can strengthen your stomach and back muscles.

Medication Choices

Medicines that may be used to relieve symptoms caused by a herniated disc include:

• Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin.
• Muscle relaxants.
• Oral and injected corticosteroids.
• Opioids.

Enzyme injection into the damaged disc (chemonucleolysis) can be done to dissolve a bulging disc. (An enzyme is a chemical or protein that is able to speed up a specific chemical reaction.) Although it is widely used in Europe, this procedure is rarely done in the United States.¹

What To Think About

The use of pain relievers or corticosteroid injections alone will not cure a herniated disc. It is important to take care of your back and exercise to increase strength and fitness in addition to using medicine to control your symptoms.

Some of the medicines used, such as opioid pain relievers and corticosteroid injections, can have serious side effects. Discuss this issue with your health professional before deciding to use a medicine.