There are a few different ways to relieve the pain from a herniated disc. The most common way is to take medications that will reduce inflammation and relax muscles. Physical therapy can also be used, especially if standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time exacerbates the pain. Some people find relief in sleeping with a pillow between their knees while some find relief in using orthotic devices such as backpacks and backpack-like braces. Below we will discuss 6 tips for relieving pain from herniated discs.
1. Exercise regularly – this will help to increase blood flow and reduce pressure on the discs
Doctors recommend that patients with herniated disks should exercise regularly as this will promote blood circulation and reduce the severity of pain. Furthermore, this will also help to release endorphins which are natural painkillers. These muscles surrounding the herniated disks can also be strengthened through exercises such as walking or climbing stairs. Doctors would recommend a physical therapist to determine a set of exercises therapy that work best for an individual based on their physical abilities and limitations.
2. Take painkillers as prescribed – this will relieve the pain quickly
The prescribed painkillers will relieve the pain associated with the herniated disk. The medications target nerve endings to reduce inflammation and muscle spasms. They may also block pain signals from reaching the brain (nociception). If the person is not experiencing excessive nausea or drowsiness, they should take it. Paracetamol (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) can be used to reduce the person’s level of discomfort.
A doctor may also prescribe muscle relaxants or opioids for people who experience severe pain from the herniated disk. These medications are usually reserved for individuals with severe pain.
physical therapy, which can be beneficial in reducing inflammation and swelling in the back. In some cases, a person may be referred to a physical therapist who specializes in treating individuals with herniated disks.
3. Apply heat or ice – these can also help to reduce the pain and inflammation
Heat can be applied to the painful area using a hot pack or heating pad. This works by increasing blood flow to the area, which in turn may reduce inflammation and pain. Ice can also be an effective treatment for pain relief. It works by numbing the injury and reducing inflammation. It is important to apply heat for no more than 20 minutes, and ice for no longer than 15 minutes. Both can be applied several times a day if needed. If the injury is still painful after ice or heat, or if you continue to feel pain 24 hours after the injury occurred, it is important to see a doctor.
Read more: The best treatment of PLID/ Disc herniation / Disc prolapse in Bangladesh
4. Make sure you are wearing a supportive belt – this can help to support your back and keep the discs in place
A herniated disk is the result of a tear in between two vertebrae. The tear can be due to age, injury, or even too much physical activity. Muscles surrounding the area are weakened which can cause pain or numbness in the area. A support belt can help relieve the pressure on the damaged disk by providing more support for the muscles and thus allowing them to heal faster.
5. Consult a physical therapist if the pain persists – they may be able to refer you for further treatment.
The herniated discs pain can be treated by consulting a physical therapist. A physical therapist will evaluate the problem and formulate a plan to help reduce the discomfort. The treatment plan is dependent on many factors and may include exercises for maintaining good posture in addition to treatments such as massage, acupuncture, or chiropractic care. If the herniated discs pain persists with these treatments, surgery might be an option eg, bowl bladder incotinenece, difficult to walk on heel or toes or would be discussed with your physician.
6. Continue with your normal activities – it’s important not to overdo things when dealing with a herniated disc
A person with a herniated disc may need to continue with their normal activities to relieve the pain. This is because sometimes doing nothing about the pain can lead to prolonged periods of discomfort, which can cause a person to have chronic pain. However, there are some limits on what they should do while they have a herniated disc, such as not lifting heavy objects or driving a car.
Lastly, this article has summarized the best ways to relieve back pain from a herniated disc. Consider these options as you take the next step in improving your health!
There have been a number of new treatments for back pain from a herniated disc. However, it is important to be aware that medication and surgery are not the only ways to relieve back pain from a herniated disc. Physical therapy is the best for herniated discs.
Sources
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- Van Middelkoop, M., Rubinstein, S.M., Kuijpers, T., Verhagen, A.P., Ostelo, R., Koes, B.W. and van Tulder, M.W., 2011. A systematic review on the effectiveness of physical and rehabilitation interventions for chronic non-specific low back pain. European Spine Journal, 20, pp.19-39. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00586-010-1518-3
- Frymoyer, J.W. and Cats-Baril, W.L., 1991. An overview of the incidences and costs of low back pain. Orthopedic Clinics of North America, 22(2), pp.263-271. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0030589820316527
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- Chou, R., Qaseem, A., Snow, V., Casey, D., Cross Jr, J.T., Shekelle, P., Owens, D.K. and Clinical Efficacy Assessment Subcommittee of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Physicians/American Pain Society Low Back Pain Guidelines Panel*, 2007. Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: a joint clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society. Annals of internal medicine, 147(7), pp.478-491. https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/abs/10.7326/0003-4819-147-7-200710020-00006
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- Olmarker, K. and Rydevik, B., 2001. Selective inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α prevents nucleus pulposus-induced thrombus formation, intraneural edema, and reduction of nerve conduction velocity: possible implications for future pharmacologic treatment strategies of sciatica. Spine, 26(8), pp.863-869. https://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/Fulltext/2001/04150/The__Effects_of_Normal,_Frozen,_and.7.aspx
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Assistant professor, Dhaka College of Physiotherapy
Chief Consultant(Ex): Popular Medical college Hospital, Dhanmondi- 2.
Chairman and Chief Consultant: ASPC Manipulation Therapy Centre, Nurjahan Road, Mohammadpur.
Founder and conceptual inventor: Structural Diagnosis and Management (SDM) concept.
Secretary: Centre for the Rehabilitation of Autism and Person with Disabilities (CARD).
Secretary-General: Bangladesh Physiotherapy Association (BPA).
Phone +88 01712-867364
Email aspc.dhaka@gmail.com
Website https://aspc.com.bd
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