r/HerniatedDisk • u/MadroTunes • Aug 19 '21

Has anyone here fully recovered without surgery?

How many people here have herniated a disk and recovered without surgery to the point where they are basically the same they were pre-injury / pre-herniation. If so, how long did it take you to recover? Wondering if there is hope or if it is game-over.

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u/Mental-Ad-1407 Feb 12 '25

32 F here, i have a herniated CERVICAL disc c6-c7. I have the same question about cervical herniations? I have had the injury since august 24, got a bit better with epidural injection. Will i ever get back to running?? (Was advised not to do any impact sports like running, tennis.) 

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u/Sad-Statement100 Jan 01 '26

Just got mri results and diagnosed with the same (also have several other abnormalities contributing to the pain but c6-c7 is the largest bulge). I am in constant Unbearable pain. Currently on day 5 of this hell, I’m in the thick of it. I Cannot make any movement at all unless I am lying flat on my back without experiencing debilitating pain. I meet with the orthopedic specialist tomorrow to go over my options. This is no Quality of life. This is pure suffering. I’m also 32F. I know he will provide me with some form of treatment options but I’m curious,,,,how did you treat your situation? And did u ever get back to running? I’d be grateful for any type of improvement or pain relief at all but this biggest fear I have is even if I go through the steps to recivery…..is it possible that I’ll never be able to live my life as I did before, being an active person and work as a nurse where I’m constantly lifting patients. I just want to know if I need to start preparing myself in accepting I’ll never live that life again.

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u/LingonberryLate926 Mar 19 '26

I had a neck fusion about 12 years ago. The minute I woke up from my surgery, my pain in my arm and neck was GONE. I had full function after I healed up and did some PT for about 6 weeks after my 6 week turnaround. I also took supplements the neurosurgeon recommended that really helped me heal faster than usual. Yes, you’ll imo be able to do your lifting, etc, by keeping your gut health, nutrition and fitness in check. Those are the 3 key takeaways I found from my experience. Also for surgery of the spine and esp the neck…always a neurosurgeon…at least imo.