How to Repair a Low Back Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when cartilage between spinal vertebrae rupture. This causes the jelly-like nucleus to leak out and irritate nerves in the spine, causing pain, numbness or weakness in your lower back as well as your arms or legs. Herniated discs in the lower back often occur in the lumbar region near the curve in the spine. Treatment for repairing a herniated disc usually includes a combination of rest, immobilization, ice, heat, medication and exercise.
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Things You'll Need
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve)
- Back brace
- Ice
- Ice pack or hand towel
- Bath towel
- Heating pad
Instructions
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Treating Your Herniated Disc
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1
Stop all physical activity or weightlifting immediately. During this time, wear a back brace when you need to get around or while sitting for long periods of time. Take two ibuprofen pills every four to six hours while you are awake.
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2
Put ice in an ice pack or inside a hand towel. Place the ice pack or rolled-up hand towel on top of a bath towel on the floor or a sofa. Lie on the ice so it is compressed directly against your source of pain. Leave the ice in place for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat this procedure every three to four hours throughout the day until your initial inflammation and swelling are substantially reduced.
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3
Apply a heating pad on your lower back for 15 to 20 minutes. Use the heating pad several times per day. Repeat the heating pad treatment daily until your herniated disc symptoms are gone.
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4
Lie on your back with your knees pointed up and both feet on the floor. Slowly press your lower back against the floor. Hold that movement for two to five seconds, then relax. Do 10 repetitions.
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5
Grab both knees while lying down and slowly pull them toward your chest. Hold them in that position for two to five seconds, then relax. Repeat this movement 10 times. Finally, while in same position, pull your right leg up to your chest while completely extending your left leg. Hold that position for two to five seconds, then pull your left leg to your chest and fully extend your right leg. Hold that position for two to five seconds. Do 10 repetitions each way.
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Tips & Warnings
Use ice during the first 48 to 72 hours after the onset of pain. Ice causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), which controls pain and inflammation by limiting the flow of blood and lymph to your herniated disc.
Once your initial inflammation is under control, heat will promote blood flow (with healing properties such as oxygen and Vitamin C) to your disc. The stretching exercises also increase blood flow as well as flexibility.
Building strength in your back will increase the stability in your spine and relieve pressure from herniated disc.
Never apply ice directly against your back as this can cause frostbite.
When exercising, stick to the exercises and movements that do not increase pain in your lower back. Also, never bend forward and twist simultaneously when you have a herniated disc injury. This can exacerbate your condition.
