How to Support Someone With a Herniated Disk

Living with someone who is suffering through the pain and inconvenience of a herniated disk can be difficult. Your help will prove invaluable in speeding up the recovery time.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Take responsibility for household tasks and chores.

2. Offer reassurance that you don't mind being her "legs" for the one or two months it will take to recover from the herniated disk.

3. Drive her to see a doctor or an orthopedic surgeon.

4. Encourage her to rest in bed for up to two weeks. Offer help when she needs to get out of bed.

5. Bring meals to her in bed. Provide a diet high in fruits, vegetables and high-fiber foods. It is important for someone with a herniated disk to avoid constipation. Straining to defecate should be avoided because it increases the pressure in the spine, aggravates disk pain and lengthens the amount of time someone will need to stay in bed.

6. Do deep breathing exercises with her. Muscular stress on the back is reduced by breathing deeply from the diaphragm. The deep breathing will also help relax and re-energize you.

7. Read a good book to her. This will help take her mind off of the pain. Watch TV together. Rent movies that you'll both enjoy.

8. Apply hot or cold compresses. Generally speaking, heat works better than cold, although some patients find ice packs are beneficial. Lay a heating pad, set on low, against her back.

9. Massage her back only if the doctor has given permission. Massaging legs, shoulders, feet and arms will improve circulation and make her feel refreshed.

10. Help her into the shower. Wash her legs, back and feet. Scrub her hair. Anything you can do to keep her from straining her back muscles will speed recovery.

11. Provide her with a straight-backed chair to sit in. Avoid overstuffed furniture.

12. Lift and carry almost everything for her for the first six weeks.

13. Pamper her. When she is completely recovered, it will be her turn to pamper you.

Tips & Warnings

• Never put ice directly on your family member's skin. Always put it in an ice pack or wrap it in a towel. Ice can burn skin.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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