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Herniated Disc - Topic Overview

(continued)

Usually a herniated disc will heal on its own over time. About half of people with a herniated disc get better within 1 month, and most are better within 6 months. Only about 1 person in 10 eventually has surgery.¹

Be patient, and stay with your treatment. If your symptoms don't get better in a few months, you may want to talk to your doctor about surgery.

Can a herniated disc be prevented?

After you have hurt your back, you are more likely to have back problems in the future. To help keep your back healthy:

Protect your back when you lift. For example, lift with your legs, not your back. Don't bend forward at the waist when you lift. Bend your knees and squat.
Use good posture. When you stand or walk, keep your shoulders back and down, your chin back, and your belly in. This will help support your lower back.
Get regular exercise.
Stay at a healthy weight. This may reduce the load on your lower back.
Don't smoke. Smoking increases the risk of a disc injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about herniated disc:	What is a herniated disc? What causes a herniated disc? How common is a herniated disc? What are the symptoms of a herniated disc? What increases my risk of developing a herniated disc? When should I see a doctor about herniated disc symptoms?
Being diagnosed:	How is a herniated disc diagnosed?
Getting treatment:	How is a herniated disc treated? What can I do to treat a herniated disc at home? What kinds of pain medicine can I use? When is surgery needed? Should I have surgery for a herniated disc? What other treatments can I try? Should I try physical therapy?
Ongoing concerns:	How can I prevent a herniated disc from occurring or coming back? What exercises can I do to prevent back problems in the future? How do I lift properly to prevent a back injury?

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 21, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.