Herniated Discs

What’s a herniated disc?

A herniated disc by any other name is still a herniated disc. Depending on who you ask, a disc herniation may be called a bulging disc, ruptured disc, prolapsed disc, the misleading “slipped disc” or even the ominous-sounding degenerative disc disease.

Between each pair of vertebrae in your spine lies a protective disc. Like a jelly donut, each spinal disc has a jelly-like interior which serves as a shock absorber for the spine. Surrounding the “jelly” is a tough fibrous outer casing to keep the interior properly positioned.

A disc herniation occurs when some form of trauma or other event causes the inner material of the disc to push outwards, causing a bulge or rupture of the outer casing.

 

 

 

What causes a disc herniation?

A herniated disc can be caused by trauma such as a car accident, falling down, or lifting a heavy object. Even though pain might start suddenly, most disc herniations are actually the result or byproduct of long-term postural dysfunctions.

Postural dysfunctions develop over time as a result of imbalances between various muscle groups. Called muscle imbalances, this tug-of-war between muscle groups can pull your bones and joints out of their normal position, placing them under constant stress.

These postural dysfunctions weaken the spinal discs in your back. So does poor posture, weak muscle support from lack of exercise, extra body weight, and loss of flexibility and fluid content from the disc as part of the aging process. This weakened state makes the spinal disc more susceptible to injury.

All combined, it’s no wonder herniated discs are the source of more back pain problems than any other cause outside of straight muscle strains (which also may signal muscle imbalances).

How do I know if I have a herniated disc?

Usually the first sign you may have a herniated disc is when you start having constant pain, usually in your lower back and often down your legs depending on the affected nerve. This constant pain contrasts with the sporadic pain and muscle spasms usually associated with muscle strain related back pain.

Sometimes herniated discs don’t impact nearby nerves enough to cause pain – one study suggests as many as half of those with a herniated disc have no pain. Other times a less severe bulging disc can cause debilitating back pain.

Getting a formal diagnosis typically starts with a physical examination by your healthcare provider. Some type of imaging such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI is usually used to diagnose a specific disc herniation.

What can I do about a herniated disc?

Traditional non-surgical treatment methods often start with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Reducing inflammation can be an effective pain fighter, but be aware that long-term use of NSAIDs can cause adverse effects including gastrointestinal and renal (kidney) disorders and increased risk of congestive heart failure.

Massage therapy and cortisone injections are other commonly prescribed treatments for back pain associated with a herniated disc. When these treatments fail to address the pain after a few months surgery may be suggested. However, surgery should be considered a last resort in most cases.

Fixing the real problem behind herniated discs

Since herniated discs are typically a result of excess pressure, removing the pressure from the disc is a great start to solving the underlying problem.

Inversion therapy is one proven method for relieving pressure from herniated discs using gravity to decompress the spinal disc. This can be accomplished at home with use of an inversion table. Inversion also stimulates increased circulation of oxygen-rich blood to the injured disc which promotes faster healing.

Watch this short video about Inversion Therapy

 

Addressing muscle imbalances is key to long-term recovery from a herniated disc injury. One method of getting your body’s muscle groups back into proper balance is through an “unbalanced workout” known as Muscle Balance Therapy. By identifying your specific muscle imbalances then targeting the exact muscles that need strengthened, Muscle Balance Therapy actually corrects many of the problems that lead to herniated discs to provide long-term pain relief. Click here  for additional info on herniated discs and how to treat herniated disc