Antibody screening is routinely used in conjunction with typing and crossmatch before the administration of blood products, especially RBCs, to avoid transfusion reactions and to prevent notably decreased survival of transfused RBCs.
Muscle relaxants: Spinal muscle spasms often accompany herniated disc. In such cases, a muscle relaxant may provide relief. Oral steroids: Oral steroids (also called corticosteroids) may be effective at reducing swelling. These medications are prescribed for short-term use.
From the WebMD Archives. Dec. 1, 2011 (Chicago) -- An experimental treatment that involves spinal injections of ozone gas and steroids relieved pain in over two-thirds of 327 people with back problems related to a herniated disc. This condition occurs when the cushions, or discs, that serve as shock absorbers for the spine become inflamed and bulge or break open.