Herniated discs refer to when the cushion between spinal discs is forced out of the vertebrae. Many people report no issues at all, while others have shooting pains, numbness, tingling, weakness and many other side effects caused by disc herniation. Typically if you are experiencing any of these issues, seeing your doctor for an appropriate diagnosis is recommended. In the instances where you are forced to seek relief, we have gathered the top 5 treatments you can execute for herniated disc pain relief. In the event that these options do not help, minimally invasive spine surgery is an option that usually allows the patient to walk the same day, leaving with only one stitch or a band aid.
Meditate- Mindful herniated disc treatment that’s non surgical
Meditation is an ancient practice that helps you achieve a state of deep peace that occurs when the mind is silent and calm. Mindfulness meditation creates a unity of mind, body, and soul. It’s not just about sitting motionless, the practice requires adequate breathing techniques and learning how to stop focusing on various thoughts. Besides stress relief and other health benefits, meditation can also help you deal with pain.
Mindfulness meditation provides opioid-free pain relief, according to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience. Unlike medications, this practice doesn’t employ the endogenous opioid system to reduce the pain. The groundbreaking research also showed that even when the organism’s opioid receptors are chemically blocked, meditation is still able to significantly decrease the severity of pain by using a different pathway. This is particularly beneficial for all individuals who are looking for a fast-acting, non-opiate-based therapy to alleviate the pain.
It’s also important to mention that mindfulness meditation reduces dependence on medication as well. To effectively meditate, the correct environment and even the right meditation equipment is essential to help reach deep levels of the mind.
Try Acupuncture before a herniated disc epidural steroid injection
Acupuncture isn’t, exactly, something you can do at home; it requires a visit to a certified acupuncturist, but it can help you manage herniated disc and relieve the pain. The Healthcare Medicine Institute reported a study which demonstrated that acupuncture combined with massage could be more useful for treating lumbar disc herniation than coenzyme B12 injections.
The University of Maryland Medical Center discovered that the acupuncture provides actual pain relief, its benefit wasn’t due to the placebo effects. They published results of the research in the Annals of Internal Medicine and recommended this treatment for its relaxing characteristics as well.
Diet matters- Foods for herniated discs
Diet is something that most people don’t consider when trying to find the way to manage herniated disc, which is a big mistake. Eat right for herniated disc focuses on providing the organism with much-needed nutrients to maintain healthy cartilage.
Cartilage-supporting diet includes an abundance of Vitamin C, E, and D as well as supplements chondroitin and glucosamine. It’s also crucial to include calcium-rich foods in the diet because this mineral supports the health of vertebrae. Basically, your menu should comprise of fruits, vegetables, fish and seafood, beans, and lean protein.
Heat therapy for Herniated Disc Treatment at Home
Thermotherapy or heat therapy is widely recommended for treatment of herniated discs. The purpose of this treatment is to relieve muscle spasms and trigger points caused by this condition. Plus, it’s one of the easiest things you can do to address the stiffness and limited flexibility. The reason heat therapy is so beneficial is because the heat increases blood flow and oxygen supply to the treated area. As a result, the severity of pain and stiffness diminishes and your sore muscles are relaxed. Furthermore, heat has a mild analgesic effect due to the fact it alters the perception of pain signals sent through the organism.
Apply a warm towel or some other type of compresses onto the affected area for a targeted relief.
Ice therapy to Ease Herniated Disc Pain
Cryotherapy or ice therapy is one of the most effective at-home treatments for inflammation and acute soft tissue injury. When it comes to herniated discs, applying ice packs reduces the swelling and inflammation around the compressed or irritated spinal nerve that causes pain or discomfort.
You will benefit the most from repeated 10-minute sessions of ice therapy while the most useful method is melted ice water applied through a wet towel onto the affected area.
For optimal results, you should combine both heat and ice therapy according to the Laser Spine Institute. Use heat therapy to relieve spasms and stiffness, and ice packs to reduce the intensity of pain.
Conclusion
While herniated discs don’t cause pain and discomfort in some people, others experience these symptoms which are, luckily, manageable. It’s important to consult your doctor or chiropractor regarding potential treatments, but there are many things you can do to manage the pain and improve flexibility as well.