7 Home Remedies for Herniated Disc & Important Precautions to Avoid

Nowadays, many patients opt for home remedies to treat herniated discs rather than traditional medical treatment, often due to the hassle of visiting a doctor, lower costs, or the simplicity of at-home methods. However, according to many experts in the field of musculoskeletal health, self-treating herniated discs with unproven or unscientific tips can lead to numerous unforeseen risks. Below are some common home remedies for herniated discs and misconceptions you should be aware of.

1. Resting at Home to Treat Herniated Discs

Pain from a herniated disc is usually triggered by movement and tends to subside when resting. Therefore, patients are often advised to:

• Take a few days to rest and relax.
• Reduce or temporarily stop exercising.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects.
• Lie down for short periods if the pain becomes severe.

However, this method is only a temporary solution and doesn’t address the root cause of the herniated disc. Moreover, prolonged inactivity can cause joint stiffness and muscle weakness, making recovery more difficult.

Experts recommend limiting rest to only 1–2 days, after which light movement within a small range should resume.

Yoga can be beneficial for people with herniated discs, but not all poses are suitable for everyone—consult a specialist for guidance.

2. Taking Painkillers to Suppress Herniated Disc Pain

Many people in Vietnam commonly use over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol, aspirin, or ibuprofen to alleviate pain. In hopes of stopping the pain quickly, some increase the dosage or take the medication continuously.

However, this method does not eliminate the pain completely. Overuse of painkillers can severely affect your health, especially the liver, kidneys, and stomach—key organs vulnerable to drug side effects.

3. Using Acupressure Massage for Herniated Discs

Acupressure, a method from traditional medicine, is trusted by many to treat herniated discs. This approach helps improve blood circulation and relax tight muscles, providing temporary pain relief.

However, like painkillers, acupressure does not address the root cause of disc displacement.

Experts recommend seeking licensed medical centers for acupressure treatment. Incorrect pressure points or improper technique can worsen the condition.

4. Doing Exercises for Herniated Disc Patients

Some exercises can help strengthen the spine, reduce pain, and accelerate recovery. However, patients should:

• Adjust exercise intensity and frequency.
• Avoid overexertion, as this may worsen the pain.
• Stay away from bending, twisting, or strenuous movements that put pressure on the affected disc area.

5. Applying Prickly Pear Cactus Leaves – Does It Work?

Some people sensitive to painkillers resort to using prickly pear cactus as an alternative remedy. In traditional medicine, cactus has cooling properties and is believed to reduce pain and inflammation.

However, there is no strong scientific evidence supporting its pain-relief or anti-inflammatory benefits.

Effectiveness also varies based on the individual’s body. At best, it may relieve symptoms, but it doesn’t address the underlying cause of disc herniation.

6. Using Heat Therapy for Herniated Discs at Home

Heat therapy is another way to ease herniated disc pain, particularly for mild cases.

Heat helps relax muscles and reduce nerve pressure, but the effect is temporary. To avoid unintended side effects, remember:

• Limit each session to 15–20 minutes.
• Use a specialized heating pad.
• Avoid standing up abruptly after applying heat.

7. Using Traditional Herbal Medicine (Eastern Medicine)

Traditional herbal medicine is considered relatively safe due to its natural ingredients, thus lowering the risk of side effects compared to pharmaceuticals.

However, all herbal remedies must be prescribed and overseen by certified professionals from licensed traditional medicine hospitals or clinics. Avoid using unverified folk remedies of unknown origin, as they may cause serious complications to your health.

8. The Most Effective Solution for Treating Herniated Discs

In recent years, Chiropractic Treatment has emerged as a highly effective, drug-free, and non-surgical solution for herniated disc sufferers. It’s also proven beneficial for both acute and chronic spinal musculoskeletal conditions.

Unlike the home remedies mentioned above, chiropractic care addresses the root cause of herniated discs. The treatment process includes:

• Identifying the spinal structure that is misaligned.
• Using manual techniques to gently realign displaced vertebrae and relieve pressure on the nerves.

After the treatment, patients often feel less stiffness and heaviness in their body.

9. Where Should You Receive Chiropractic Treatment?

Due to the rising trust in chiropractic methods, many physical therapy and traditional medicine clinics claim to offer chiropractic services. However, most do not have properly trained chiropractors, which can lead to serious complications and worsen the condition.

Therefore, choosing a reputable clinic with qualified chiropractors is crucial.

As the first chiropractic clinic in Vietnam, with over 15 years of experience, ACC Clinic has a team of 100% foreign chiropractors from the US, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, etc.

At ACC, patients receive:

• A thorough assessment of their condition and disc herniation severity.
• A personalized treatment plan combining chiropractic care and physical therapy/rehabilitation.

A herniated disc is a physical injury—it cannot be fully treated with medication or home remedies.

Instead of wasting time, money, and energy on temporary solutions, consider receiving treatment from a reputable chiropractic specialist.

Visit ACC Clinic for Leading Spine Care Services in Vietnam

A herniated disc doesn’t mean surgery is inevitable!

Did you know? Discs can heal, as proven by before-and-after MRI scans shown by ACC.

One patient who had been bedridden due to severe back pain avoided surgery and returned to a normal life after consistent treatment at ACC.

Don’t let pain control your life.

Take action before it’s too late.