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.
Symptoms may vary greatly, depending on the position of the herniated disc. A herniated disc in the neck may cause symptoms in the shoulders, arms or chest. A herniated disc in the lower back may cause sciatica, with leg pain and other nerve-related symptoms. A herniated disc in the lower back may be felt in the buttock and down the back of the leg to the ankle or foot. There may be low back pain, but usually not as severe as leg pain.