How to Heal a Herniated Spinal Disc Quickly

Heal a Herniated Spinal Disc Quickly

Low back discomfort is the #1 reason people go to the emergency rooms and the #1 reason they file disability claims. We all know that back pain hurts, regardless of whether the cause is sciatica or diffuse disc bulge. It can make your life difficult and frustrate you.

What’s the Deal?

Chronic back pain is often a result of age but can happen to anyone. There are several common causes for back pain.

  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Arthritis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Bulging or Herniated disc(s)

A herniated, bulging disc is probably the leading cause of low back problems. Disc problems are a common cause of severe back pain. Most people go straight to the emergency room when they feel this intense pain. Sciatica pain can be caused even by a herniated spine. People can feel intense pain from a herniated or bulging disc that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Difference is between a Herniated or Bulging Disc

You might hear someone refer to a “slipped disc”, but that is not correct as a disc cannot slip out of place. Most people are referring to herniated or slipped discs. Sometimes, this is also known as a ruptured disc.

A jelly-like substance is placed between the vertebrae, or bones of the spine. These cushions act as tiny shock absorbers and prevent bones rubbing against one another.

As we age, these cushions become more difficult and less flexible. When the spine is under pressure, the discs can protrude from the vertebrae touching a nerve. The nerve responds by sending out pain signals to its brain. This is called a bulging Disc.

If the pressure persists or the bulging disc is damaged enough times, then the outer layer may split allowing some of that softer inner material out. This can cause intense pain and touch on a nerve. A herniated spinal disc occurs when this happens. You can read the full explanation here.

As you can see, a herniated spinal disc causes more intense pain. It is usually more large in scale and can have an even greater impact on the nerve root.

What Causes a Herniated-Disc Disc to Form?

There are many possible causes of a herniated spine. Most often, it is due to wear and tear of the discs in your spine that cushion the vertebrae. As we age our discs begin degenerating. This is called disc “degeneration”. This is when discs lose water content, and become less flexible. This makes them more at risk of injury.

Another reason for herniated Discs is:

  • Trauma: A car accident or fall can cause a disc rupture.
  • Lifting heavy things: If you don’t know how to lift heavy objects properly, you can put too many strains on your back. This could cause a disc injury.
  • Poor posture can lead to herniated discs.

9 Tips to Naturally Get Rid Of Disc and Disc Pain

We know you are eager to relieve your disc pain and get back your life. Let us get straight to the point.

Secret #1 – Give Yourself Time To Heal

Too many people who suffer from back pain do not allow their bodies the time they need to heal.

It takes approximately 4 weeks for bulging or herniated discs to heal. There are 12 additional weeks of chiropractic and physical therapy before you can resume your daily activities.

You can risk inflicting another disc on your disc by not following through with a treatment program. It can also delay healing.

For the first 48 hour, you can either sleep on the couch or in bed. It’s likely you will feel tired and need to rest.

However, once you have completed this, you should start a plan of treatment that includes getting off the couch.

Your chiropractor should tell you to not go back to work unless it is okay. Finally, do not stop treatment when you feel better.

Don’t give your body more time to heal.

Secret#2 – Sit straight, don’t slump

Do you remember hearing your mother repeatedly say, “Sit straight!” Don’t slouch. You’ll ruin you back!” We are sure she said it 100 times. Mother really knows best. She was absolutely correct.

Bad posture, standing, lifting or sitting, can place a significant load on your spine and cause an injury to the disc.

Poor posture can cause a disc not to rupture. As we get older, discs in our spines become more rigid and less flexible. Unsane postures can lead to disc bulging and worsening of the problem.

Ask your chiropractor for help if you have questions about how your posture affects standing, standing, lifting or exercising. They will help you to improve your posture. You mom will be proud.

Secret #3 – Practice Yoga

Yoga is one the best ways to heal herniated discs, and prevent them from happening again.

While some poses may not be appropriate for you while your body heals, others can help shift the burden on the spine. This allows the disc and its surrounding structures to return to their correct positions.

Yoga is an excellent way to improve your posture and reduce muscle tension. It also helps you breathe better and circulate more efficiently.

Avoid trying to do yoga poses if this is your first time. You might injure yourself more. Ask your yoga teacher to help you heal from bulging discs.

The following are the best yoga positions for disc-related problems:

  • Ardha Uttanasana
  • Bharadvajasa refers to sitting on a table, not on the flooring.
  • The Half Dog Pose
  • Corpse Pose
  • Mountain Pose
  • Warrior II, Pose
  • Triangle Pose
  • Child’s pose

Secret #4 – Here are 10 healthy lifestyle choices

People try to eat healthy food and get enough exercise. However, most of them don’t seem to be doing a great job.

One of our biggest problems is our modern-day lifestyle, in which we sit too often, eat too frequently, and stress out excessively.

How to fix a disc that has slipped? It is possible to prevent it from happening. We’ll need to make lifestyle changes.

  • Stop smoking
  • Don’t drink out of control
  • Avoid sitting too long. Do not sit for more than 30 minutes. Get up and stretch.
  • Get rid of as much stress as you can and learn strategies to manage the stress that you cannot avoid
  • Get enough sleep, at least 7 to 9 hours per night
  • If you have to, shed weight
  • Consume a plant-based diet that is anti-inflammatory
  • As directed by your chiropractor take anti-inflammatory supplement
  • Exercise at least 30 mins per day at least 6 times per week
  • Consult your chiropractor regularly to get advice on posture and lifting.

Secret #5- Get to Sleep in the Best Position

Every year seems to bring new insight into the importance of sleeping. A healthy back is just as important as any other!

The proper posture of your spine will help your back heal. Here are some tips to help prevent disc problems while sleeping.

  • Your sleeping posture should match that of your body. This means you need to stand straight, with shoulders back, and a natural S-curve in your spine.
  • You can ease disc pain by lying on your back or side.
  • If you prefer to sleep on your back, your pillow should support your neck. It shouldn’t be tilted too far or allowed to sink too deeply.
  • A thicker pillow will be needed if you sleep sideways.
  • To keep your hips healthy and your lumbar spine pain-free, place a pillow in between your legs when you lie down on your stomach.
  • No matter how hard you sleep, ensure your mattress provides support but also allows for straight spine.
  • To keep your spine’s S curve, you can put a pillow underneath your pelvis and another one under your forehead if you must rest on your stomach.
  • You can positively impact almost every aspect in your life by sleeping well. This is also great for preventing and fixing disc problems in your back.

Secret #6 – Get Chiropractic Treatment

How can I naturally heal a bulging spine? Chiropractic care is the best option! Your chiropractor is the best option to stop the pain or heal a bulging disc. Not only can a chiropractor determine the root cause, and tell you if there is a bulging disc or not, but they also can treat it.

After you take an image, your chiropractor can create a treatment program that suits your specific needs. Everyone is different so each person will receive a unique treatment.

It is more likely that your chiropractor will perform a series spinal adjustments to realign discs and vertebrae. This will prevent any protrusions beyond the spine. Your needs will dictate whether your chiropractor uses other modalities.

  • Ultrasound – The device uses soundwaves for heat, which penetrates deep into tissue to reduce muscle spasms.
  • Heat and Ice Therapy is a combination of heat and ice therapy that reduces swelling and pain and helps to lower inflammation.
  • Cold Laser Therapy is also known as Low Level Laser Therapy. It uses a low-level laser to increase blood circulation, stimulate rapid healing, and penetrate deep into the tissues for additional warmth. Many studies supported the conclusion that cold laser therapy led to faster healing of tissue injuries.
  • TENS Device – Transcutaneous electrical neuro stimulation is also known as TENS. This small, battery-operated device delivers a small electric current to the muscles to ease pain caused by nerve overstimulation. If nerves become extremely stimulated, they stop sending signals. This device gives you hours of pain relief.
  • Offer advice on antiinflammatory supplements
  • Discuss ergonomics and your workstation

These are just the beginning of what your chiropractor can do. By working with your chiropractor, you will see the most immediate results, and also be able to relieve pain faster.

Although the majority of herniated disc patients will not require surgery, there may be some individuals for whom it is necessary. Your chiropractor will refer your case to a qualified professional if it is determined that you need further treatment.

Secret #7 – Get A Chiropractic Massage

A massage may not sound like the right thing for you if you are experiencing pain from a herniated or bulging disc. However, a chiropractic massage is performed under the supervision of your chiropractor and might just be what you need.

Your chiropractor will direct the massage-therapist to treat your problem areas. Massage can reduce the pain of muscle spasms as well as promote healing through increased circulation.

Regular massage is proven to be a great treatment for chronic low back pain.

Chiropractic massage can be very helpful in reducing pain and stimulating healing. This treatment can provide significant pain relief and is non-invasive.

Secret #8 – Physical Therapy Modalities and Physical Rehabilitation

How to treat a herniated spine with exercise. Talk to your chiropractor about the different modalities of physical therapy. Mild exercises such as those recommended by your chiropractor can help to heal discs. These include standing, walking and certain types, but not all. This article will help you heal a herniated spinal disc through exercise.

Both chiropractic and physical therapy are interrelated, which is the reason you will often find chiropractor offices that provide both.

Walking or walking places the load on the back part of the disc. This forces the fluids inside forward. To put it another way, your physical therapist is able to help you determine which exercises will push your bulging disc back into its normal position.

The therapy will take between 4-8 week to allow the disc heal on its own. It is important to do the right exercises, avoid long sitting periods, and to allow fluid to drain from the nerve.

Secret #9 – Get Acupuncture, or Epidurals

The thought of needles is something that almost no one likes. However, epidurals are an option for chronic health issues such as spinal stenosis and degenerative disc diseases.

Many people can heal themselves naturally with non-invasive therapies from their chiropractor. However, when this is not possible, alternative methods may be required.

Not only can epidural injections of steroid steroids be given to the affected areas, they can also help prevent or delay surgery.

Acupuncture uses very thin needles in order to stimulate the body’s painkillers.

Talk with your chiropractor about the best option for you.

What NOT to Do if You Have a Bulging/Herniated Disc

You naturally want to reduce pain and prevent the return of a herniated, bulging disc. But there are some things that you shouldn’t do.

  • DON’T delay a diagnosis. It is possible for complications to occur.
  • If you feel better, don’t go back to your regular activities immediately.
  • DO NOT lie down in bed for long periods of time. A minimum of 48-72 hours rest is needed. To avoid more injury to your spine, it is important to get up every hour.
  • Your chiropractor may recommend that you don’t lift anything greater than 5-10 pounds.
  • DO NOT do anything that will cause you pain such as going on rides at amusement parks or dancing.
  • Don’t wear high-heeled heels
  • Do not use low-quality furniture, such bean bag chairs.
  • Do not engage in any activity that can cause you to twist your spine or perform straight leg exercises like sit-ups.
  • Do not run until your chiropractor has cleared you. Walking is acceptable, running and jogging are not.
  • If you found this article helpful please feel free to pass it on to others who might also find value in the information.

How does a slipped disc feel?

What does a slipped disc feel like? Some describe it like an electric shock with sharp pains at the lower back. Other descriptions include:

  • Numbness down one arm and lower back pain
  • Pain can get worse if you sit or stand straight.
  • The pain is sharp and gets worse if you walk more than a few feet.
  • Low back pain preventing you from staying in one position longer than a couple of minutes
  • Muscle weakness in one or both of the legs
  • Feeling of burning in your lower back

Can a Bulging disc become a Herniated Disc?

Yes. If you continue to ignore the bulging disc’s pain and do the same activities that caused it, it will put pressure on the disc. This could lead to a rupture or a herniated disc.

This is an extremely common problem. It is possible to cause more damage to your bulging spine if you do this without prompt treatment.

Can a Herniated-Disc Heal On Its Own?

Although a herniated spinal disc won’t heal on its own, it will experience less pain and sometimes even disappear altogether as the nerve becomes less irritated.

However, it can be a long and painful process that will cause intense episodes of pain for several weeks.

Your body will react to any foreign objects protruding from your disc and send an immediate immune response. This usually results in inflammation which can be very painful. The body will absorb the water in the disc, and the disc shrinks.

This pain is not only long but also painful. The likelihood is that you will never be able move normally again. Additionally, the risk of another bulging/herniated spine occurs if you do not take precautions to prevent it from happening again.

How do I diagnose a herniated disc?

Your doctor or chiropractor will conduct a physical exam and ask you questions about your pain.

Imaging tests are needed to confirm if you have either a bulging disc or a herniated one. Common imaging may include an MRI (or X-rays), or CT scans.

The combination of these information will allow your doctor or chiropractor to make a diagnosis as to the root cause.

Are there Complications for a Herniated Disc?

Untreated, a severe herniated/slipped disc can result in permanent damage to the nerve. It can reduce the nerve’s feeling, leading to loss of bladder and bowel control.

There is also a condition known as “saddle-anesthesia”. This is when you feel loss of sensation in areas where a saddle touches.

So, a diagnosis should be made immediately.

What if Degenerative Disc Disease Is a Problem?

There might be some relief for degenerative disc diseases sufferers who have a bulging, herniated or herniated disc. How can you treat degenerative disc disorder naturally? There is no cure. The secrets below can help you manage your illness, reduce pain, and prevent bulging or herniated Discs. These are some of the common treatments that can be used to ease herniated spine pain.

Relieve inflammation

You can reduce the severity of mild herniated spine pain by decreasing inflammation. To temporarily relieve your pain, you can apply an ice pad or heating pad directly to the affected area. This will help reduce inflammation and temporary relief. For 10-15 minutes, lie on your stomach with one or two pillows underneath your hips. If your pain persists after using these remedies, you should see our physical therapists immediately for a comprehensive evaluation.

Watch your movements

It’s important not to put too much pressure on your herniated spine. Avoid high heels and sleeping on your stomach. Also, avoid standing or sitting for too long. Do not lift heavy objects with your back straight. Instead, you should use your hips and knees. Avoid repetitive bending or reaching. You should also be able to stand or sit with good posture.

Exercise

A variety of exercises and stretches are available to help with the pain associated with a herniated spinal disc. The physical therapists can help you learn to do these exercises properly, which will help reduce pressure on your disc. As your spinal muscles strengthen, the pressure around the disc should drop. This will cause the pain to decrease.

See a physical therapy professional

A physical therapist, in most cases, can help with the pain of a herniated or bulging disc. It also trains the body on how to avoid back and neck pain in future. It is crucial that you make sure that any doctor you visit for disc issues works in conjunction with our physical therapists to ensure you receive the fastest recovery possible.

OTC drugs

If the pain from a herniated spine is not severe, an OTC (over-the-counter) pain medication can be used. This will help to ease inflammation and reduce pain. OTC pain meds include naproxen and acetaminophen. These are only temporary pain relief and should be discussed with a doctor before being included in your daily pain relief plan.

Surgery

This is not an option for all cases. Most herniated spinal discs can usually be successfully treated with both physical therapy as well as conservative measures. The majority of herniated distal disc surgery options can be performed with minimally invasive procedures and high success rates. However, recovery times can be lengthy. For full recovery and prevention from further herniated discs above and below the area where surgery was performed, physical therapy will be necessary.

You can do a lot to ease your neck or back pain caused from a herniated spine. To make a full recovery, physical therapy is the first option.

Conclusion

Following these tips should help you to experience relief from your herniated-disc pain within a few days. You should still maintain your good posture and low impact activities even if the pain is gone. This will help prevent any future episodes.

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