Most lumbar and cervical herniated discs can be treated without surgery. Thanks to modern medical techniques such as ozone, radiofrequency, or laser discectomy, a fine needle is inserted into the herniation and the disc is reduced. This procedure is known as pharmacothermal regression therapy and relieves pressure on the nerve, improving symptoms within approximately three months.
Patients can complete this treatment while awake in just half an hour. Rarely, a second session may be required. These methods help patients avoid the risks of surgery and prolonged work absence.
However, in 30% of cases the response may be insufficient.
Success rates are lower in patients who are severely overweight, have advanced spinal canal stenosis, or significant spondylolisthesis.
During the procedure, sedatives are given and intravenous antibiotics are administered to reduce infection risk.
Since a low-dose corticosteroid with minimal systemic effect may be used to reduce edema, a carbohydrate- and salt-restricted diet is recommended for about 10 days post‑procedure.
Prof. Dr. Özgür KILIÇKESMEZ
Interventional Radiology / Interventional Neuroradiology
Non‑Surgical Solutions for Lumbar Herniated Discs: Effective Treatment Methods
Lumbar herniated disc is a common condition that reduces quality of life and can seriously impact work and social activities. Non‑surgical treatments have been developed to provide faster, safer recovery. Today’s medicine offers various alternatives to help patients return to normal life quickly:
- Ozone therapy: Ozone gas is injected into the herniation to control inflammation and pain.
- Radiofrequency discectomy: Radio waves generate heat to shrink herniated tissue and relieve nerve pressure.
- Laser discectomy: A laser fiber is inserted into the disc to deliver heat energy and cause disc shrinkage.
These methods offer effective solutions for patients who do not require open surgery, especially when applied early, significantly improving quality of life and speeding return to daily activities.
Radiofrequency Treatment for Non‑Surgical Lumbar Herniated Discs
Radiofrequency therapy is offered as an alternative to surgery for many patients with lumbar or cervical herniations. It is performed without general anesthesia and with minimal side effects, aiming to reduce pain and directly treat the affected area.
There are two types of radiofrequency application:
Continuous Radiofrequency:
- Continuous current is applied.
- Temperature is set between 60 °C and 80 °C.
Pulsed Radiofrequency:
- Intermittent current is applied.
- A lower temperature of around 42 °C is used.
Both methods yield effective results; the best option is chosen based on the patient’s condition. Patients often experience significant relief and can return to normal life quickly. *We recommend filling out all fields so we can respond in the best possible way.
Recovery Timeline with Radiofrequency for Lumbar and Cervical Herniated Discs
Patients treated with radiofrequency typically begin to feel relief within one week. Regular medication use and recommended exercises enhance treatment efficacy. Recovery varies according to overall health and lifestyle:
- Improvement often begins within one week post‑treatment.
- Consistent medication use supports recovery.
- Adherence to exercise programs boosts success.
If symptoms persist, a second radiofrequency session may be performed. Treatment outcomes differ per patient, so comparisons between sessions are not advised.
Benefits of Radiofrequency in Herniated Disc Treatment
Unlike open surgery, radiofrequency treatment is completed much faster and accelerates recovery. It is performed under local anesthesia, preventing pain during the procedure and allowing immediate return to normal activities. Guided by fluoroscopy, the needle targets the precise disc level.
Key advantages:
- Short procedure and rapid recovery
- Low complication risk
- Minimal infection and bleeding risk (≈1% infection risk in intradiscal applications)
- Minimal anesthesia requirement
Patients can ambulate soon after treatment and resume daily activities, making radiofrequency an attractive option.
Radiofrequency Discectomy Procedure
Performed in an angiography suite under physician control, fluoroscopy ensures accurate needle placement. No general anesthesia is required; sedatives may be given for comfort. Using a specialized cannula and electrodes:
- Cannula Placement: The cannula is precisely positioned at the target site.
- Electrode Application: Radiofrequency waves are delivered to the nerve, reducing pressure and alleviating pain.
The procedure lasts about 15–20 minutes. Patients remain comfortable and experience no pain during treatment.
Is Radiofrequency Painful?
Patients are awake during radiofrequency discectomy but receive sedatives for comfort. They feel mild sensations rather than pain, which help the physician confirm correct targeting:
- Patients typically do not experience significant pain.
- Mild sensations guide accurate treatment delivery.
- Sedated patients complete the procedure comfortably.
Thus, pain during radiofrequency discectomy is minimal, and sedation ensures a pleasant experience.
When Can Patients Resume Normal Activities?
Patients treated with radiofrequency for lumbar or cervical herniations can return to daily life shortly after the procedure. Lasting 15–30 minutes, the treatment allows same‑day discharge:
- Procedure time: 15–30 minutes
- Discharge: 1–2 hours post‑procedure
- Return to daily activities: Next day
- Physical activity: No restrictions
For long trips, a one‑week wait is recommended to monitor for side effects and ensure comfort. Rest and supportive measures aid recovery.
Ozone Therapy for Non‑Surgical Lumbar and Cervical Herniated Discs
Ozone therapy uses ozone gas, a potent form of oxygen, to treat various conditions. Its oxidative properties trigger beneficial biological responses, making it effective for many ailments. Key benefits include:
- Detoxification: Helps eliminate toxins.
- Antimicrobial: Reduces infection risk by neutralizing pathogens.
- Cartilage protection: Prevents fluid loss and preserves joint health.
For herniated discs, ozone therapy offers a non‑surgical alternative, reducing pain and inflammation and improving quality of life. Treatment is quick, performed while the patient is awake, and enables rapid return to daily activities.
How Ozone Therapy Is Administered
Ozone gas is injected directly into the disc, repairing damaged structures, reducing swelling, and shrinking the disc. This leads to marked pain relief. Success factors include:
- Antioxidant action neutralizing free radicals.
- Reduced water retention in disc tissue.
- Decreased inflammation and improved circulation.
Ozone can also be injected into paraspinal tissues:
- Balanced injections on both sides of the lumbar spine.
- Three fine dental needles per side.
Ozone penetrates deeply around the spine, supporting disc healing. The procedure is quick and allows same‑day return home with no hospitalization required.
Benefits of Ozone Therapy for Herniated Discs
By directly targeting damaged discs, ozone therapy accelerates recovery without surgery. Benefits include:
- Disc shrinkage reduces nerve pressure and relieves pain.
- Anti‑inflammatory effects significantly reduce severe leg and back pain.
- Rapid repair of inflamed, damaged tissue.
This minimally invasive option avoids lengthy recoveries, letting patients resume normal life faster and improving quality of life.
Possible Side Effects of Ozone Therapy
While inhaled ozone can be harmful, controlled medical use has minimal risk. Rare side effects—often due to dosing errors or low antioxidant capacity—include:
- Skin redness and itching
- Pain at injection site
- Dizziness
Thorough pre‑evaluation and physician supervision minimize these risks, ensuring a safe treatment experience.
Laser Discectomy Treatment:
Similar to radiofrequency, a needle delivers a laser fiber into the disc. Energy is applied under temperature control to induce long‑term disc shrinkage.
Non‑Surgical Disc Herniation Treatment Costs 2025
Regression therapy costs vary by patient health status, chosen method, physician experience, and required materials. Additional treatments also affect price, so exact figures depend on individual circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Ozone, RF, or laser nucleoplasty under local anesthesia offers a non‑surgical option. Patients recover quickly and usually go home the same day, often returning to work the next day. Selected patients achieve up to a 70% success rate.
Prof. Dr. Özgür Kılıçkesmez graduated from Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty in 1997. He completed his specialization at Istanbul Education and Research Hospital. He received training in interventional radiology and oncology in London. He founded the interventional radiology department at Istanbul Çam and Sakura City Hospital and became a professor in 2020. He holds many international awards and certificates, has over 150 scientific publications, and has been cited more than 1500 times. He is currently working at Medicana Ataköy Hospital.
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