A herniated disc can cause a lot of pain. The pain can be radiating from your lower back, it can be burning, or it can be sharp.
Herniated discs can be caused by someone exercising too hard, being overweight, not exercising enough, or lifting something badly. This condition usually needs medical treatment as it can result in a lot of pain and even numbness. A herniated disc can also affect the sufferer’s quality of life.
Treating a Herniated Disc
It’s important to note that if you have a herniated disc you should speak to your doctor. There’s always a chance that you could have injured yourself quite badly. Therefore, it always makes sense for you to get medical help.
You can treat your herniated disc at home, however, the treatments required usually involve professional medical help.
Heat And Cold Therapy
Sometimes, applying heat or cold therapy can help. This type of treatment can help to reduce any muscle tension. If you use heat therapy, you can find that the tightness in your muscles can reduce.
Muscles can become so tight that they cause spasms. Applying heat can reduce the likelihood of spasms. Additionally, the heat can also increase blood flow to the affected areas. When there’s more blood flow to the area, your herniated disc is likely to heal a little more quickly.
Cold therapy is another form of herniated disc treatment that can help. The cold temperature can help to produce an anti-inflammatory response. It’s this that can help to reduce pain.
No matter whether you use heat or cold therapy, please be careful. Always place something such as a towel in between the heat or cooling pad and your body. This can help to prevent burns.
Consider using heat or cold therapy at least 3 times a day for 20 minutes at a time. When you do, you’re more likely to heal faster and be in less pain.
Put A Pillow Under Your Knees
When you sleep, put a pillow under your knees. When you do, you could find that there is a lot less tension in your lower back. Lay down on your side and place the pillow between your knees. This will help you to keep your spine straight. It will also make sure that your hips are balanced.
You might find that you need to adjust your position slightly depending on where your herniated disc is. It’s perfectly OK for you to try different positions and different pillows. Get as comfortable as you can and see which positions work for you.
Not everyone is comfortable in the same position as everyone else. Find the best position for you by adjusting where you place your legs and knees.
When you’ve found a comfortable position try not to move too much. Sleeping in the comfortable position can help your herniated disc to heal a little quicker.
Indulge In Moderately Physical Exercise
If you have a herniated disc, you might not be feeling inclined to do any exercise. It’s more likely that you will feel the need to lay still and take care of your back. However, moderately physical exercise can really help.
When you start exercising, your body will automatically release some endorphins. Endorphins are your body’s happy chemical. The more endorphins that are released, the happier you could be.
When your mood has improved you’re more likely to be in less pain. This is because your perception of pain would have reduced. You’ll also find it easier to deal with any pain.
Consider doing some or all of the following exercises:
- Walking on a treadmill or outside
- Cycling on a recumbent bicycle
- Using a cross trainer
If you are in a lot of pain, you may wish to opt for swimming or some hydrotherapy instead. Water-based activities can help you by reducing the load that is put on your joints and discs.
Taking Painkillers
Some patients are prescribed painkillers if the pain is bad enough. Other people are offered a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Painkillers such as codeine may also help if the pain has just started. However, codeine can cause addiction so it should not be taken for more than a few days at a time.
Please speak to your doctor if you are in a lot of pain. They may recommend that you have surgery or you undergo osteopathy. It all depends on how severe your pain is. Your doctor may also look at the cause of your herniated disc.
Herniated discs can be quite painful. Left untreated, they may also get a little worse. This is why it’s always important to consult a doctor or other health professional. The sooner you do, the easier it could be for you to receive the treatment you need.
