FAQ’s on Back Pain – Herniated Discs

Today’s fast-paced lifestyle requires us to be always on the go. We barely stop our momentum to take care of some minor issues in life. We shrug off minor illnesses such as the common cold, headaches and even toothache. There are just not enough hours in the day to solve all of these problems. However for those suffering from back pain, moving on while neglecting the pain is a tall order . 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 cope with such a painful barrier? After treatment, does it enable one to resume doing normal activities? The following question and answer discussion endeavors to illuminate some of the basic issues about the subject.

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 injuries and improper lifting of heavy objects are some of the causes why people experience herniated disc at least once in their lifetime .

What are the associated signs?

People afflicated with herniated discs experience pain in the back and leg portion. The pressure applied on the nerve is likely to cause a tingling sensation, numbness, intermitent 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 habit promotes discs 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. Fortunately, this treatment is non-surgical, non-invasive and definitely, a lot cheaper than most procedures. The treatment process highlights the application of pressure to your spine. The procedure entails stretching the discs to allow the blood supply and other important nutrients to circulate into the spine. The disc is then able to gain flexibility and begin to heal, alleviating muscle spasms. 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. Patients who undergo 4-5 sessions of spinal decompression therapy per week are hopeful that the treatment will enable them to go back to normalcy. They can actually focus on more important things, rather than being stuck on the couch in debilitating pain. Finally a big sigh of relief because a reliable treatment is available.