Herniated Discs
Your spine is one of the most important parts of your body. If you have any problems here then you’re certainly going to feel it. One of these issues is called a Herniated Disc. Someone with a Herniated disc will most likely have pain, numbness, and difficulty walking. It can also be life threatening for long enough, as it can potentially do permanent damage to your spinal cord.
What Can Cause a Herniated Disc
Herniated discs have numerous causes that can range from small accidents like slips and falls, to major ones like car accidents. Slips and falls that impact your spine can misalign one or even more of your spinal discs and cause them to become herniated. Car accidents present an even bigger chance of this happening, as the force involved in a car accident is many times stronger than if you simply slipped.
Accidents also aren’t the only source of a Herniated Disc. Some individuals with other spinal conditions like scoliosis and other spinal deformities are at higher risk of naturally developing this painful condition.
Overexertion can also cause one of your discs to become herniated. Usually this can happen when you lift objects beyond what your body can handle. Athletes, warehouse workers, and other individuals who lift heavy objects on the regular are at higher risk of this condition.
What Are Your Options When Dealing With It?
Herniated discs are not easy to fix and should be treated with utmost care as your spine is at risk. Despite the difficulty though, you do have a few options for easing the pain and discomfort that a herniated disc can cause.
A good option is to find a way to reduce the inflammation that usually comes with it. Without medication, you have the option of using either heat or cold to reduce the inflammation and relieve the pressure on your spine. Hot showers, a warm compress, or an ice pack can all help.
Active Family Chiropractic, At Your Service!
Herniated discs can be an incredibly painful condition that can really affect your day to day life. It’s made even harder by the fact that it doesn’t heal on its own. That’s where we come in. We want to help you get some well deserved reprieve from the pain that a herniated disc can cause.
The best way to heal a herniated disc typically involves a combination of conservative treatments and, in some cases, medical interventions. Here are some strategies that may help:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain might give the disc time to heal. However, total bed rest is rarely advised; instead, mild movement and reduced activity levels are urged.
- Physical Therapy: Taking part in a systematic physical therapy program can help you increase your flexibility, strengthen your supporting muscles, and relieve discomfort. Therapists can help you with exercises and stretches that are specific to your problem.
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medicines can help manage pain and inflammation. In more severe situations, epidural steroid injections may be considered.
- Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, adopting excellent posture, and employing optimal body mechanics throughout daily tasks can all help to reduce spinal stress and facilitate recovery.
- Surgery (if necessary): In cases where conservative treatments don’t provide sufficient relief or if there’s severe nerve compression leading to significant symptoms, surgical options like discectomy or microdiscectomy might be considered.
It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action based on the severity of your herniated disc and your individual needs.
With time and suitable self-care techniques, a herniated disc can heal on its own in certain circumstances. Natural healing processes in the body can result in the progressive reabsorption of protruded or herniated disc material. Rest, activity modification, and conservative treatments like physical therapy, pain management, and lifestyle changes can all help to speed up the healing process.
It is crucial to remember, however, that not all herniated discs will heal completely on their own, and the extent of healing can vary from person to person. Some people may have symptoms that persist or worsen despite conservative approaches, and in such circumstances, medical interventions such as surgery may be considered to relieve symptoms and prevent subsequent consequences.
If you suspect you have a herniated disc or are experiencing symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance on the most suitable treatment approach for your specific condition.
