A herniated disc is a condition that occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc bulges out through a crack in the outer layer. This can put pressure on surrounding nerves and cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. While herniated discs can be very painful, the good news is that non-surgical and surgical treatment options are available to those suffering.
Causes Of Herniated Discs
Several factors can contribute to the development of a herniated disc, including:
- Age: Our discs can become less flexible and more prone to tearing as we age.
- Injuries: Sudden, traumatic injuries to the spine can cause a disc to herniate.
- Overuse: Repetitive motions, such as heavy lifting or prolonged sitting, can put pressure on the discs and increase the risk of herniation.
- Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing herniated discs.
- Obesity: Excess weight can put additional pressure on the spine, increasing the risk of herniation.
- Degenerative conditions: Degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis, can cause the discs to weaken and become more prone to herniation.
- Smoking: Smoking can decrease the blood flow to the discs, causing them to deteriorate and become more prone to herniation.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-surgical treatment options for herniated discs include physical therapy, pain medications, epidural steroid injections, chiropractic care, and lifestyle changes.
Chiropractic care is an option for those seeking non-surgical treatment for herniated discs. Chiropractors use a combination of manual therapy and adjustments to realign the spine and reduce pressure on affected nerves.
Physical therapy is a commonly recommended non-surgical treatment for herniated discs. A physical therapist can help you develop a personalized exercise program that targets the affected area, reduces pain, and improves strength and mobility.
Stretching and strengthening exercises and low-impact activities like walking and swimming can help relieve pressure on the affected nerves and improve your overall physical condition. Massage therapy and other manual therapies can also effectively reduce pain and improve mobility.
While it is important to address the root cause of the pain and work toward healing the disc, pain medications, such as over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription painkillers, can temporarily relieve herniated disc symptoms. Prescription anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce swelling and relieve pain, while muscle relaxants can help reduce muscle spasms associated with herniated discs. Medications should not be the first line of action as they are not without side effects.
Natural Solutions For Pain Management
Pain management is an important aspect of maintaining overall health and well-being. While many conventional treatments are available, many individuals seek natural solutions to manage their pain. Supplements can provide a natural alternative for managing pain and reducing inflammation. In this post, we will explore the top 7 supplements shown to provide natural solutions for pain management.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil and other sources, have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve joint health.
- Turmeric: Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
- Ginger: Ginger has been used for centuries to treat pain and inflammation and is particularly effective for reducing joint pain and stiffness.
- Boswellia: Boswellia is a herb that reduces inflammation and pain and is often used to treat conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Devil’s claw: Devil’s claw is a root extract used for centuries to treat pain and inflammation and is particularly effective for reducing lower back pain and headaches.
- MSM: MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a form of sulphur shown to reduce inflammation and improve joint health.
- White willow bark: White willow bark contains salicin, a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. It has been used for centuries to treat pain and is often compared to aspirin.
Epidural steroid injections are another non-surgical option that can provide relief for herniated discs. This procedure involves injecting a corticosteroid into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord, which can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
In addition to these treatments, several lifestyle changes can help manage herniated disc symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight and good posture, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding activities that put excessive strain on the affected area can help relieve symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening.
Surgical Treatment
While non-surgical treatment options can effectively manage herniated disc symptoms, some people may still require surgery. Several surgical options are available for herniated discs, including laminectomy, discectomy, and spinal fusion.
A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the bone that is compressing the affected nerve. This procedure can relieve pressure on the affected nerve and reduce pain.
A discectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the herniated portion of the disc. This procedure can relieve pressure on the affected nerve and reduce pain.
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that involves fusing two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine and reduce pain. This procedure is typically recommended for people with more than one herniated disc or those with herniated discs that are causing significant spinal instability.
It is important to remember that surgery should only be considered a last resort for herniated discs. Non-surgical treatment options should always be tried first, and if those are not effective, then surgery should be considered. It is also important to consult with a doctor or specialist to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
Here are the top tips for managing a herniated disc:
- Stay active: Gentle exercise and physical activity can help relieve pressure on the affected area and improve overall strength and flexibility.
- Maintain good posture: Poor posture can strain the affected area and exacerbate symptoms. Maintaining good posture can help relieve pressure and reduce pain.
- Apply heat or ice: Applying heat or ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and swelling. Alternating between heat and ice can be especially effective.
- Stretch and strengthen the affected area: Stretching and strengthening exercises, particularly those targeting the affected area, can help improve mobility and reduce pain.
- Use natural supplements for pain and inflammation: Turmeric, Boswelia, and white willow bark can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Seek professional help: Physical therapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy can effectively manage herniated disc symptoms.
- Avoid activities that strain the affected area excessively: Heavy lifting, repetitive motions, and prolonged sitting can worsen symptoms.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can strain the spine and exacerbate herniated disc symptoms.
- Get enough rest and sleep: Getting enough rest and sleep can help reduce pain and improve overall physical and mental well-being.
- Work with a doctor or specialist: It is important to work with a doctor or specialist to develop a personalized treatment plan for your herniated disc. They can help determine the best action for your needs and monitor your progress.
In conclusion, herniated discs can be a painful and debilitating condition, but non-surgical and surgical treatment options are available. From physical therapy to pain medications and chiropractic care, many non-surgical options can provide relief and help manage symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms of a herniated disc, it is important to speak with a doctor or specialist to determine the best treatment for your individual needs. If non-surgical options are ineffective, surgery may be necessary to provide relief and improve quality of life. However, it is important to carefully consider all options and weigh the risks and benefits before undergoing any type of surgery. With the right care plan, managing herniated disc symptoms and improving overall health and well-being is possible.
Are you experiencing pain associated to a herniated disc? Schedule an assessment today and see how we can help. Book an Appointment HERE.