Can a Slipped Disc Be Fixed?
Written By: Dr. Prathap Addageethala
Slipped or herniated discs happen when the soft, jelly-like inside of your spinal disc pushes through the disc’s tough exterior. Believe it or not, most herniated discs don’t cause any pain or symptoms. However, if you’re struggling with sudden pain after lifting or twisting, sitting too long, or being stuck in an awkward position, a herniated disc certainly may be to blame.
So What?
As you age, your spinal discs become less flexible, and that can make you more prone to tearing or herniating a disc as you lift or twist. Think about a rubber band that has been placed in a freezer for some time. It loses its ability to be flexible. If you stretch the rubber band while it’s still tight and cold, it breaks. Consider the aging or degenerative process as the cold air in the freezer. Degeneration reduces your disc’s ability to perform its job, leaving it more susceptible to bulging.
The good news is that over 95% of spinal disc herniations can be resolved without drugs, surgery, or injections. Here are a few tips to recover from a herniated disc:
- Exercise: Low back mobility and stability exercises have been shown to have positive effects on recovery from lumbar disc herniations. Exercise can also help with your proprioception, or your body’s awareness in space, which can reduce your risk of re-injury.
- Chiropractic: Surprise! Okay, not really — it’s probably the most predictable advice in the history of blogs. Depending on your specific condition, our care may include gentle spinal adjustments to improve your range of motion and decrease pain, as well as stretching and strengthening exercises aimed at returning your spine to its normal function.
- Support: Back braces can help give you extra support as you begin your care and treatment — but be careful. Using a brace over a long period of time is not recommended. They should only be used short-term to help relieve the pressure on your low back as you return to your normal daily activities. I also further recommend using the brace while in transit, to protect from unexpected jerks and bumps on the road.
Now What?
Many leading healthcare organizations have recommended chiropractic care for the care and treatment of disc issues. Discover more information to improve your health by visiting our website, Facebook Page (here too) as well as on Instagram (@atlaschiroindia and @doctor_prat) today.
Science Sources:
Herniated Disc. Mayo Clinic, 2020
Effect of Lumbar Stabilization Exercise on Disc Herniation Index, Sacral Angle, and Functional Improvement in Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 2017.
