Lifestyle and Home Remedies 1. Take pain medication. Over-the-counter medications – such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.) or naproxen (Aleve, etc.) – can help improve pain caused by a herniated disc; 2. Use hot or cold pack therapy. In the initial stage, ice packs can be used to relieve pain and inflammation. After a few days, you can switch to heat packs with moderate temperature to relieve pain; 3. Avoid excessive bed rest. Excessive bed rest can lead to joint stiffness and muscle weakness, which is not conducive to recovery. Instead, rest in a comfortable position for 30 minutes and then take a short walk or engage in some work. Activities that aggravate pain should be avoided during the recovery process. Coping and Support Pain jeopardizes more than just your physical health. When you have to cope with recurring herniated discs or other back problems, you’re also prone to problems with your mental or emotional health. These tips can help you cope with pain caused by a herniated disc: 1. Identify pain triggers. Certain activities or behaviors can make your pain worse. If you identify these pain triggers, you can avoid or reduce them; 2. Manage stress. Stress can make pain worse. When stress increases, try some deep breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques; 3. See a counselor. Talking to a mental health counselor can help you recognize and rethink your unrealistic wishes and thoughts. Even if you can’t change your chronic pain, you can change how you feel about it. Prevention The following ways can help prevent a herniated disc: 1. Exercise. Strengthening the muscles of the trunk helps stabilize and support the spine; 2. Maintain good posture. Good posture reduces stress on the spine and discs. Keep your back straight, especially when sitting for long periods of time. Lift heavy objects the right way, using mostly leg strength rather than back strength; 3. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight puts more pressure on the spine and intervertebral discs and is more likely to induce disc herniation.