treatment

Last reviewed 01/2018

The treatment of intervertebral disc prolapse involves:

  • rest, in bed, perhaps with traction and anti-inflammatory medication
  • reduction: continuous reduction is effective in 90% of cases, may be helped with epidural corticosteroid and local anaesthesia
  • removal, the indications for which are: - cauda equina compression syndrome - persistant pain and severely limited leg raise after two weeks conservative treatment - neurological deterioration - frequent recurrence
  • rehabilitation, eg, with the learning of isometric exercises and proper methods of lifting