Common Spinal Disc Problems
Intervertebral disc problems can severely impact quality of life, as they can cause pain and numbness, which can debilitate the sufferer and interfere in daily activities. Some of the most common types of spinal disk problems are:
Ruptured disc
A ruptured disc, also known as a slipped disk or herniated disk, may seem like the disc itself has moved from its position. However, that is not the case. Having a ruptured disc means that there is a crack in the disc wall (called annulus fibrosus), which lets the soft jelly-like material (called nucleus pulposus) ooze out. When this jelly-like content comes in contact other outer structures, it causes spinal pain and can affect nerve function.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease comes naturally with age when one or more disks in the vertebral column break down and cause pain. Disc pain may radiate to the legs or cause numbness. The purpose of the discs between the vertebrae is to give protection by absorbing shocks and allow bending and flexing. With time, the discs become worn and do not protect the spine from shocks as they used to.
Damaged Disc Symptoms and Possible Complications
Symptoms for spinal disc problems can vary according to the location and severity of the pain. Most common intervertebral disk problems symptoms are:
- Immense pain after sitting for a long time or bending the spine.
- Pain radiating towards the arms or legs.
- Discomfort with the slightest activities like sneezing or coughing.
- Numb arms or legs.
- Neck pain or back pain, such as low back pain (when the common disc problems, such as a disc herniation, occur in the lumbar spine).
Sciatica
Disc problems can trigger Sciatica. Pain that runs from the spine to the buttocks and down the back of the leg is called Sciatica, as this nerve pain is coming from the sciatic nerve. The spinal cord has the ability to move in the spinal column; however, if a bulging disc slips out into the spinal canal, the herniated part can press against spinal nerves, such as the sciatic nerve, and cause pain.
Treatment Options
A herniated disc or slipped disc tends to heal on its own with sufficient rest. Disc degeneration, on the other hand, does not heal, as it is related to aging, and therefore the process cannot be reversed. The symptoms caused by the latter, can however be managed through various methods, some of which can be performed at home.
For the treatment of disc problems, spinal decompression therapy works very well. Specific exercises using the Backrack device decompresses your spine naturally in the comfort of your own home.
It is designed to treat the cause of pain so you get long term pain relief without using any medicine. You can perform different exercises to treat the specific region of your spine. It’s a CE marked product and all the exercise programs are carefully designed to help with flexibility and improve strength in the back, letting the person move freely.
Natural Treatment of Disc Problems
Precautions and Self-Care
cautious and take measures for extra care. Some examples include:
- Do not sit for long periods as this could put a strain on your back.
- Try not to lift heavy weights and objects.
- Avoid movements like twisting or bending of the spine; it can increase pressure on spinal disks.
- While walking, sitting, and standing, pay attention to your posture.
- Include back strengthening workouts in your weekly routine.
- Flexibility exercises can help reduce pain and muscle tension.
- Strengthen your abdomen. Strong core and stomach muscles will help support back muscles — people who work on their abdominal strength experience less back pain episodes.
- Yoga is a healthy activity for your back health and is also recommended by practitioners to build up back strength.
