As we grow older, we become more susceptible to health problems. From cancer to heart attacks and extreme pain - it seems impossible to go through life without experiencing one of these life changing issues. It is difficult to carry on with your day to day activities when back pains hit you, that’s why a lot of Americans struggle with their daily routine when afflicted by back pains. Back pain is a frequent diagnosis and that’s a fact. There are also different kinds of back pains as well as symptoms and treatments. Most cases of back pain are attributed to a herniated disc. According to FamilyDoctor.org, “Herniated discs are most common in the lumbar spine–the part of your backbone between the bottom of your ribs and your hips. Discs are the soft “cushions” between the bones of the spine.” When your disc is pushed against a nerve, it begins to bulge and become very uncomfortable. Also known as “slipped disc”, the pressed nerve brings forth pain and sometimes, numbness, in the back and leg areas. Generally, the more you move, the more painful it becomes. Even the slightest movement from coughing and sneezing can trigger a piercing muscle spasm. Alternative Treatments For Herniated Disc If you suffer from a herniated disc, there are several treatments that you can undergo. First off, exercise is a big help. While it is imperative to consult your physician before you attempt this, stretching can decrease the level of pain. Yoga or Pilates may be a great alternative, as it improves flexibility and blood circulation. The doctor may prescribe medicine as well as administer shots in your backbone. Ineffective? If so, spinal decompression therapy could help. Widely known as the most favorable and non-invasive treatments, spinal decompression therapy can address herniated discs, Sciatica including pinched nerves. The procedure involves lying on a table with a connected strap hooked to a computer. The computer sends the signal that puts pressure to the spine stretching the discs apart to enable blood and oxygen to flow back into the spine. This is otherwise known as a “vacuum effect,” since the pressure creates suction. Spinal decompression therapy is painless contrary to what others perceive. The effect on most patients is positive as it reduces the level of pain and relieves muscle spasm. The therapy enables the disc to stretch and become flexible; this marks the start of the healing process. Much cheaper than spinal decompression surgery, this treatment requires the patient to undergo 4-5 sessions per week for a minimum of twenty sessions. At the end of the procedure, most patients feel a significant improvement. The case of herniated discs is not an unusual problem for millions of people worldwide. It can be a frustrating because it disallows you to perform even the most basic daily activity. You no longer can take that daily walk or go swimming with friends - everyday is a pain day experience. With alternative treatments such as yoga or spinal decompression therapy, herniated discs no longer have to be your death sentence. These treatments will alleviate the discomfort, minimize the constant symptoms and bring back your confidence, allowing you to truly focus on what is important. Trust us, pain can be eradicated. |
An Overview of Herniated Discs
Back Pain - Herniated Discs FAQ
The demands of the modern lifestyle requires us to be always on our feet. We hardly slow our pace and attend to some minor life obstacles. We downplay the occurrence of common ailments such as colds, cough and even headaches. There are just not enough hours in the day to solve all of these problems. But for those who are experiencing back pains and at the same time, continuously neglecting it, the risks may inevitably worsen . Excruciating pain that derives from a herniated disc can be debilitating. The spasms and aches from the crushed nerves feel as if with one step, it will all be over. How does one manage the painful experience? After treatment, does it enable one to resume doing normal activities? The following question and answer discussion will attempt to provide a more in depth information about the subject on hand. What is herniated disc and what are the contributory factors? A disc becomes herniated when it is pressed against nerve endings. This pressure can spawn into an excruciating pain that could lead to numbness and stinging feeling. Although there are a multitude of different causes, a herniated disc is normally associated with old age. Age is one contributory factor that weakens the discs in our spine causing it to lose some of its cushion. The effect is that the disc may be subjected to tear, forcing the nucleus to push through and end up putting pressure on the nerves. Sport related injuries and lifting weights incorrectly are just a few additional reasons why many people experience a herniated disc at least once in their lifetime . What are the associated signs? Those with herniated disc experience pain in their back and legs. The pressure applied on the nerve seem to cause tingling, numbness, shooting pain and sometimes muscle spasms. Are there preventive measures? Although the occurrence is inevitable, you can minimize the possibility of sustaining an injury. Make sure to exercise daily and do some stretching before you warm up. Most importantly, avoid smoking and if you are a smoker, try to kick the habit as early as you can. Such unhealthy habits increases the risk of disc degeneration. If you lift heavy objects, pay attention to your posture. Make sure that you use your knees rather than your back. How is a herniated disc treated? The most effective treatment for a herniated disc is spinal decompression therapy. Surprisingly, this treatment is non-surgical, non-invasive and much cheaper than most procedures. The treatment procedure underscores the application of pressure to your spine. With this procedure the discs are stretched allowing blood supply and other vital nutrients to circulate into the spine. Once the disc regains flexibility, healing begins and the occurence of muscle spasms are reduced. Spinal decompression therapy is perfect for a herniated disc because the treatment itself is pain-free. The procedure requires you to lie on a table and have to be hooked to a strap which is the source of pressure to your spine. While 4-5 sessions are required per week for up to twenty sessions, patients find that spinal decompression therapy gives them a second chance at life. They can actually focus on more important things, rather than being stuck on the couch in debilitating pain. At last, a reliable treatment is available. |
