How to Heal From a Herniated Disc Caused by Fibrosis
A herniated disc occurs when the fibrous outer covering of the disc (annulus fibrosis) between spinal vertebrae tears. This causes the jelly-like nucleus to shift to the weaker side of the disc, seep through the annulus (ring) and put pressure on spinal nerves. Most herniated discs occur in the lower back or lumbar region. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms can include pain, numbness and even sciatica (pain that radiates down legs). A herniated disc can heal on its own with treatment such as rest, immobilization, ice, heat, medication and exercise.
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Things You'll Need
- Back brace
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve)
- Ice
- Ice pack
- Bath towel
- Heating pad
- Glucosamine and chondroitin supplement
Instructions
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Healing Your Herniated Disc
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1
Stop all physical activity immediately. Wear a back brace when you are mobile or at work. Take two ibuprofen or naproxen pills every four to six hours throughout the day. Continue taking this medication each day until your pain is gone.
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2
Put ice in an ice pack. Place a towel on the floor or a sofa. Place the ice pack on the towel. Lie down on the ice so that the ice is compressed directly against your source of pain. Leave the ice in place for 15-20 minutes. Repeat ice therapy every three to four hours until the initial inflammation has been substantially reduced.
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3
Use a heating pad for 15-20 minutes several times per day. Use the heating pad daily until all symptoms have subsided.
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4
Take two glucosamine chondroitin pills daily until your herniated disc heals.
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5
Try stretching to alleviating symptoms. Lie on the floor, knees bent with both feet on the floor. Gently press your lower back against the floor and hold that position for two to five seconds. Do 10 repetitions. Next, while still on your back, grab both knees and pull them toward your chest. Hold that position for two to five seconds and relax. Do 10 repetitions. Finally, with your left leg fully extended, pull your right leg toward your chest and hold that position for two to five seconds. Fully extend your right leg and pull your left leg toward your chest. Hold that position for two to five seconds. Do 10 repetitions with each leg.
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Tips & Warnings
Get the ice on your back during the first 48 to 72 hours after the onset of inflammation and pain. Ice causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) which minimizes swelling, inflammation and pain by limiting the flow of lymph fluid and blood to your spinal area. Once the initial inflammation has subsided, use heat to promote blood circulation (with healing properties such as oxygen and vitamin C) to your herniated disc. Massage can also help increase blood flow and relax the nerves which alleviates pain. Stretching exercises keep the muscles and tendons in your back flexible. You can also perform strength exercises for the lower back and adjacent muscles, which will increase stability in your spine and relieve pressure from your disc. (See References 1-3.)
You should never bend forward and twist simultaneously when you have a herniated disc in your lower back. Also, see your doctor if your pain worsens despite the aforementioned treatments.
