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.
By helping to relax the muscles of the back, ice and heat applications can relieve muscle spasm and provide significant pain relief. Physical Therapy. Physical therapy and lumbar stabilization exercises do not directly alter the herniated disc, but they can stabilize the lumbar spine muscles.