Living with a herniated disc can test your patience and perseverance. Sometimes healing needs a more attentive and minimally invasive approach, from physical therapy to home exercises and over-the-counter medication. You deserve to live with less pain, and seeking professional help doesn’t have to be daunting.
According to double board-certified pain management specialist Dr. Brandon Claflin of Tulsa, OK, it is possible to manage herniated disk pain. “If a treatment isn’t working, we regroup and reevaluate so we can continue to move forward,” he explains. “Pain management is a process, not a single solution.” Constant assessment, preventative care, and evidence-based treatments can offer the comfortable and active life you’re after.
Understanding a herniated disk and the options for safe and targeted treatment can ease your nerves if you’re preparing to see a specialist for more effective spine pain relief. Here are four evidence-based treatment options to help you move toward lasting relief.
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A herniated or slipped disk occurs when the soft cushion between your spinal vertebrae tears or bulges, pressing on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in your neck, back, or limbs.
More than three million Americans experience herniated discs each year, making it one of the most common causes of back pain. Your doctor might suggest more intensive, specialized treatments to relieve pressure and restore function if home care or physical therapy falls short.
Dr. Claflin and his Oklahoma Interventional Spine & Pain team focus on minimally invasive, evidence-based treatments customized for each patient. Below are four of the most effective procedures for managing herniated disc pain:
ESI reduces inflammation around irritated spinal nerves caused by disc bulges or herniations. It’s a low-impact treatment involving your doctor injecting an anti-inflammatory medication called a glucocorticoid into the fatty tissue surrounding your spinal nerves. Pain relief from reducing the swelling may be long-lasting, sometimes for years.
A medial branch block is an anesthetic medical injection administered into the nerves transmitting pain (medial branch nerves). The spine injection relieves pain caused by the lower back or neck facet joints, making it suitable for patients with ruptured disks. A medial branch block injection can provide relief for at least six months after the injection.
SCS is a later-line therapy option, designed to treat chronic pain when other therapy or pharmacological options have not offered relief. It’s an implantable pulse generator (PG) device that sends low-level electrical impulses through wires to the spinal cord to interrupt pain signals to the brain. You’ll often receive a trial device and various stimulation settings before your specialist implants a permanent one.
RFA is a short 35-40 minute procedure that uses heated radio waves to limit the joint or medial branch nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. An injection is guided using an X-ray to ensure it hits the correct site. This treatment is helpful for facet joint pain, but studies have shown efficacy and safety for cervical disk herniation. This procedure is typically performed under X-ray guidance and can provide long-lasting pain relief.
While prescription pain medication can sometimes help with recovery, Dr. Claflin prioritizes non-opioid, noninvasive options first. He says prescription medication is often a last resort to “support recovery, not replace it.”
The native Oklahoman shares that his clinical practice at Oklahoma Interventional Spine & Pain focuses on therapies that support healing rather than masking symptoms, emphasizing long-term relief over temporary fixes. In addition to interventional care, these everyday habits can reduce pain and support spinal health:
Discuss complementary therapies, such as chiropractic care or acupuncture, with your doctor when used in conjunction with evidence-based treatments.
Recovery from a herniated disc isn’t always linear, but progress is possible with expert guidance, consistent effort, and evidence-based care. Dr. Brandon Claflin combines advanced interventional medical treatments with personalized strategies that fit your life.
An evidence-based approach ensures that each therapy is chosen for safety, precision, and long-term effectiveness. Customized, minimally invasive care can happen if you find the right doctor to help you on your journey to lasting relief.
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