How to Relieve a Herniated Disc With Heat or Cold

A herniated disc causes pain as the weakened disc bulges into the space containing the nerve or spinal cord. Pain from a herniated disc pressing on the sciatic nerve can present as shooting or burning pain down either leg, for example. To relieve the discomfort of a bulging disc, both cold therapy and heat therapy can be used in conjunction with rest to improve symptoms.

Things You'll Need

• Ice pack or frozen vegetables
• Towel
• Heating pad or heat lamp
• Bathtub
• Warm water

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Instructions

How to Relive a Herniated Disc With Heat or Cold

• 1

  Wrap an ice pack in a towel to protect the skin. If an ice pack is not accessible, a bag of frozen vegetables may be used.

• 2

  Apply the ice for no longer than 20 minute intervals, several times a day. Cold therapy works best when started immediately after the pain begins.

• 3

  Apply a heating pad or heating lamp after two to three days of cold therapy.

• 4

  Take a warm bath to relieve back pain. Warmth applied to the back increases blood flow and relaxes muscles which in turn relieves pressure.