A spine doctor explains how to take Aleve for pain relief from a lumbar herniated disc.
After all, many people actually do wonder just how to take Aleve to combat the discomfort of a herniated (bulging disc).
The instructions on a bottle of Aleve state to take once every 12 hours; it’s a “12 hour relief” pain pill. This is commonly advertised in TV commercials.
Because Aleve is also an anti-inflammatory drug, a person with pain from a herniated or bulging disc may be advised to take this drug to reduce inflammation.
For how many days should a person be consistently on Aleve (or other similar NSAID) before it becomes effective for reducing pain from the inflammation of a herniated disc?
“Regular NSAIDS should be taken three times a day; a minimum of three days should be tried before the effects of the medication can be evaluated,” says Stephen T. Onesti, MD, a neurosurgeon specializing in the spine, with Neurological Surgery P.C. of Long Island.
Is three times a day safe, even though the directions for Aleve state take once every 12 hours?
Dr. Onesti explains, “Most regular NSAIDS are prescribed three times a day. Certain ones like Celebrex are indeed only used twice a day. It will be noted on the prescription.
“Also, patients with kidney problems may not be able to take NSAIDS at all.”
Causes and Risk Factors for a Herniated Disc
Source: myupchar. com
Degenerative disc disease is the most common cause of the gradual wear and tear that leads to pain.
The aging process makes the discs lose some water content, making them less flexible, more vulnerable to tearing or even rupturing — very painful. A minor twist or strain can be all it takes.
Most patients are not able to pinpoint a time and event that caused the herniation.
But some indeed recall an acute event, such as trying to move a heavy item.
Being overweight or lack of physical fitness are risk factors to a disc herniation.
So is an occupation that involves lots of lifting or twisting, along with a genetic predisposition.
Dr. Onesti is a board certified neurosurgeon specializing in spine surgery and surgical treatment of chronic pain. He has published many articles in peer-reviewed journals and has given numerous presentations at local and national meetings.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
.
