Five All-Natural Rehab Options for A Disc Herniation

A herniated disc is a major health problem that can cause severe symptoms that could lead a sufferer to resort to pain injections and/or even surgery. A herniation occurs when a disc (the cartilaginous cushion between each of your vertebrae) breaks open and the inner gelatinous material leaks out putting pressure on one of the nerves in your neck or back. Unfortunately, the pain can be so great from a herniation that people will jump at the opportunity to be cut open without a second thought to find relief. But there are other options – more conservative options – that can help one find relief without drugs or surgery. Try the following, before considering the surgeon’s knife:

1. Apply Ice – Many find considerable relief from using ice to the area of the back involved with the herniation. Ice works to reduce inflammation and swelling thus providing relief. Apply ice to the designated area for 15 minutes every 2-3 hours as needed.

2. Stretching – Stretching can reduce the tightness of muscle spasms. The body spasms in response to the disc herniation. Much of the pain experienced with a herniated disc can come from the muscle spasms alone. Focusing on reducing spasm can give considerable relief.

3. Stay active – A danger of being in a lot of pain is the temptation to be sedentary. But is important to stay active. Sitting around too much leads to weakened muscles which puts more pressure on the spine making a herniation worse. Also by being inactive, there is a greater chance of weight gain which also further complicates a disc issue. Start off by simply walking more and more steps every day to increase your activity.

4. Chiropractic Adjustments – Adjustments are able to normalize imbalances in the spine and thus take pressure off the disc that is causing you pain. Typically more than one adjustment is necessary to stabilize a disc problem, but many find considerable relief after the first adjustment alone.

5. Physical Therapy – A physical therapist can employ one of a multitude of modalities in order to reduce the effects of a herniated disc. They can use therapeutic ultrasound to reduce inflammation in the swelling. Exercises can be prescribed to strengthen your core and thus adding stabilization to the area of the disc. And they can even implement axial decompression therapy in which computerized equipment distracts or lengthens the spine which creates a negative pressure thus drawing the herniated disc material back in.

If you or someone you know is suffering from a herniated disc, we may be able to help you at Health Quest through chiropractic, physical therapy, massage or family medicine. Call us today to schedule an evaluation at 573-635-9655.

Yours in health,

Dr Ted Tang D.C.