A herniated disc is a condition in which a portion of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc is displaced and causes it to press (pinch) the nerve root and cause pain and inflammation. The parts of the spine most affected by herniated discs are: the lumbar region and the cervical region.
Most people notice immense improvement by following the usual conservative treatments for these cases. However, before starting any exercise routine or home remedies we recommend consulting with a specialist if this could really favor you or not.
In addition to taking the painkiller and anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by your doctor rigorously, you can practice the following from home:
Start by placing cold compresses on the point of low back pain to soothe pain and reduce inflammation; Later, change these compresses for warm ones to maximize the feeling of relief and comfort.
Did you know that staying in bed for too long can delay your recovery? Excessive rest promotes joint stiffness and weakens the muscles. We advise you to take several short breaks during the day and then compensate for them with short, light walks.
Resume your daily activities slowly and in a controlled manner, especially when you must bend over or lift objects that are on the floor.
There are exercises that focus especially on strengthening the lower back, being very useful for people with herniated discs, sedentary or physically demanding jobs.
Continuing on the topic of how to reduce inflammation of a herniated disc, at this point it is up to us to delve into those herniations that occur in the first 7 vertebrae of the spine.
As in lumbar hernia, in cervical hernia it is essential to take anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation, and therefore, part of the pressure it exerts on the nerve.
In addition to the anti-inflammatories mentioned, there are other non-surgical alternatives that can be used to mitigate the pain caused by cervical disc herniation, including:
The application of cold compresses during the appearance of the first discomfort promotes blood circulation, leading to a decrease in inflammation, spasms and pain; After these cold intervals for about 24 to 48 hours, it is time for heat therapy (for another 48 hours) to relax and warm the injured tissue.
Gentle massages, stretching exercises and cervical traction techniques by a specialized physiotherapist are very effective options to improve the flexibility of the neck and eliminate pain.
Steroid injections into the cervical area are very helpful in reducing inflammation caused by cervical hernias.
Herniated discs are a frequent health problem among the current population, according to statistics, 1 in 100 people suffers or will suffer at some point from this condition; Therefore, it is convenient to know what to do if a herniated disc were to appear in our lives.
But can the symptoms of a herniated disc be alleviated with home remedies? The answer can be a yes, and also, a resounding NO depending on the complexity of the case. Below, we will give you some suggestions on how to reduce inflammation of a herniated disc with infusions and natural remedies.
Beyond the non-surgical alternatives that we previously indicated, there are those who claim that their condition has improved significantly thanks to the anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects of medicinal plants; among which we can mention: infusions of oregano, thyme and horsetail; rosemary and thyme, or simply, a white willow bark tea.
Although the signs of a herniated disc are usually very obvious, not all neck or back pain derives from a herniated disc; In this sense, having a professional medical evaluation from the first moment will allow you to have an accurate diagnosis, being able to control the symptoms before the condition progresses and becomes more serious.
If you suffer from pain in your spine, at COPAC you can get your first appointment with one of our specialists. All our treatments are personalized to the patient’s needs.
