Is there a cure for herniated disc?

Are you constantly suffering from back pain? Does it feel like someone is stabbing your lower back with a knife? Well, my dear friend, do not worry as you are not alone. Millions of people around the globe suffer from herniated discs that cause intense and endless pain. But here is the good news – there may be some cure for this problem! So let’s read ahead to know more about it.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

Before we dive into the treatment options available to battle herniated discs, it is essential to understand what they are in the first place.

A herniated disc or slipped discs happen when one of the rubbery cushions located between vertebrae slides out of position causing friction against spinal nerves. This can lead to symptoms such as immense discomfort, tingling sensations throughout your body parts or numbness in any areas below the affected disc.

Causes

Herniated discs occur because of various reasons like age, accident/injury or heredity factors . Here are some causes that increase your chances of developing this problem:

• Poor Posture
• Genetics
• Excessive Weight gain
• Aging
• Abrupt Movement Injuries

However,disc herniation itself does not always cause discomfort,and according to researches ,at least 50% percent population above aged 40 has asymptomatic,harmless disc bulges which endocopy findings.¹

But don’t fret too much over these; after all reaching forty had never been easy!

Diagnosis

The best way to diagnose whether you have a known hernia issue or need further examination would be via an MRI scan.Hence whenever feeling unusual changes happening in body,it always advisablenthat physician concern should be sought before deciding on next steps .

A list below will walk through non-surgical interventions :

Interventional Pain Management

Contrasting to the disc herniation but still, you are experiencing nerve pain? Few procedures may help alleviate the discomfort in the meantime while it might continue its healing processing .

Medication

Anti-inflammatory analgesics(painkillers)-could prove beneficial when dealing with a slipped bone.

Chiropractic adjustment

Adjustments helps to bring back bones inside their original position thus reducing some unease from pinched nerve.If you believe in magic,then a chiropractor is your magical guide!

• Acupuncture: A very popular practice where tiny needles inserted into body parts for treatment purposes.It has proved successful many times ,in several different problems .Heard of “Small needle-A Big relief!”?

Surgical Interventions

Doctor’x xray vision fails or non-invasive treatments don’t seem to decrease the problem occuring frequently then surgery would be only left option.

But,candidacy can evaluated based upon factors like following :

Age

What stage of life course one fall reflects required changes in diagnosis plan.Example ‘if patient being younger than forty-five years old – less chances of herniated disk arising’.

Pain level and durationDoes it corresponds to severity?

How long does pain lasts that hints too how worse situation could get over time.So with intensive care doctors decide whether taking next step would be correct decision or not.

The good thing on this point is spinal interventions have evolved significantly from micro surgeries till full fledged robot operation as per recent studies,²,so making things simpler if criticality demands.

Prevention & Home remedies

As always,it best said prevention better than cure.Hence keeping regular exercise regime,wearing supportive shoes,opting for ergonomically designed furniture so lower lumbar strain avoided.Whole notion here is building habits which will provide cushion support whenever needed.Some well performing tricks :

1. Watch your posture! Keep spine straight.
2. Get ample sleep (with good mattresses and pillows)
3. Pep up your Immunity with Vitamin D supplementation.
4. Regular Yoga or stretching regime can reduce bulging disc issues to minimum extent
5. Saying “NO” to unnatural diets.

‘Now’ is better than Later!

Herniated disks bring constant discomfort,and hence there would not be anything odd if you wish for it’s do-over ! Hopefully presented interventions,suggestions are useful in finding which treatment option best suits your needs .As always ,no need of waiting further,once something seems funky – seek attention promptly !

1.Schriber W.A., Clayton ’s Electrotherapy : Theory and Practice: Elecrotheraphy Page number-390
2.Nguyen HS et.al; Evolution in Spinal Surgery Suggested Use of Robotic Technology Lettertotheeditor ;JNLSpine 6(2017):Volume69-Issue8-Supplement-P30-p31