> Nonsurgical Treatments
- rest
- ice
- massage
- home exercise
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs)
- muscle relaxants
- pain management
- modifying your activities
- steroid medication
- epidural steroid injections
- physicial therapy

> Self Care
Using correct posture and keeping your spine in alignment are the most important things you can do for your back. The lower back (lumbar curve) bears most of your weight, so proper alignment of this section can prevent injury to your vertebrae, discs, and other portions of the spine. You may need to make adjustments to your daily standing, sitting, and sleeping habits and learn proper ways to lift and bend. Your workspace may need to be rearranged to keep your spine from slouching.

Because extra pounds can make back pain worse, you should maintain a weight that is appropriate for your height and body frame.

> Physical Therapy
The goal of physical therapy is to help you return to full activity as soon as possible. Exercise is very helpful for the pain of a herniated disc, and it can help you heal faster (see Exercise for a Healthy Back). Physical therapists can instruct you on proper lifting and walking techniques, and they'll work with you to strengthen your abdominal muscles and lower back (see Coping with Back Pain). Activity modification, rest, pain medication, muscle relaxants, and application of ice may be helpful in the acute stages. They'll also encourage you to increase the flexibility of your spine and legs. Although your physical therapist may show you strengthening exercises, it's your responsibility to follow them.

> Medications
Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and steroids. Sometimes muscle relaxers are prescribed for muscle spasms.

- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)–aspirin, naproxen (Naprosyn), ibuprofen (Motrin, Nuprin, Advil), Celebrex, and Vioxx are examples of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

- Analgesics, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) can relieve pain but don't have the anti-inflammatory effects of NSAIDs. Long-term use of analgesics and NSAIDs may cause stomach ulcers as well as kidney and liver problems.

- Steroids can be used to reduce the swelling and inflammation of the nerves. They are taken orally (as a Medrol dose pack) in a tapering dosage over a five-day period. They have the advantage of providing pain relief within a 24-hour period.

- Steroid injections into the area of your herniated disc may be prescribed if your pain is severe (see Epidural Steroid Injections). This procedure, performed under fluoroscopy, involves an injection of steroids into the epidural space of the spine to reduce the swelling and inflammation of the nerves. About 67% of patients will notice relief after an epidural injection. This procedure is usually done in a series of three, at 2-week intervals, to obtain the best results in the shortest time. If the injections are helpful, the series can be done up to three times a year.