What is a slipped disk?
Between each bone of your spine, there sit rubber-like cushions called intervertebral discs. A slipped disc or a herniated disk occurs when part of the centre of the disc (nucleus pulposus) moves out through a tear in the outer exterior of the disc (annulus fibrosus).
A ruptured or slipped disk can occur at any part of the spine and can even irritate a nearby nerve. The person may experience immense pain, weakness, and numbness in the back, or even in an arm or leg. Sometimes, it is challenging to track the symptoms for a herniated disk. However, this condition can be easily treated at home without pain relievers.
Risks that could increase a slipped disc:
There are some risk factors that may increase a person’s chances of developing slipped or herniated discs. These include:
Weight
An overweight person has a higher chance to develop various disc issues such as disc herniations (also known as slipped discs or prolapsed discs), a bulging disc or even a ruptured disc. The weight builds pressure on the spine, causing the disks to move away from the vertebrae. Herniated disks from excess weight usually develop in the lumbar spine (lower back).
Genetics
Herniated disks can be genetic for some people as they inherit a higher predisposition to develop slipped discs.
Smoking
Smoking can cause the disks to break down quickly as it lessens the oxygen supply to the disc.
Occupation
If your job demands physical work or requires you to slump over a desk for long periods of time, you have a higher risk of developing a herniated disk and other black problems.
Complications of Disc Problems
The affected disc can lead to complications if not addressed on time and in a proper manner. Oftentimes the protruding or herniated part of a disc can press against spinal nerves and lead to back pain or neck pain. Sciatica (the pinching of the sciatic nerve) is often correlated with various disc problems. Muscle spasms may also be triggered as a result of nerve pinching.
A disc can also obstruct the spinal canal if it slips towards that direction, and it can sometimes reach the spinal cord, causing irritation and excruciating pain.
Solutions for slipped disc
There are multiple ways and treatments to address a slipped disc, even in a natural and non-invasive manner. One of the best approaches you can take is you use the Spinal Backrack Decompression Device to reduce the stress placed on your spine, and to space out your vertebrae to ensure that your discs are not pressed down upon.
Backrack is a CE marked, a medical device that helps you treat slipped disc through a specially designed set of exercises. Backrack works directly on the cause of pain so you get long-term pain relief.
Backrack Treatment
Exercises
Exercise is one of the best options to treat a slipped disc at home. These are essential parts of recovery for a slipped disc and can get you running in a quicker time. Gentle exercises and warm-ups will strengthen your back and core muscles and decrease pressure on the spine. Your spine movement will improve, and you will feel more flexible day after day of exercising. Regularly exercising will also prevent a herniated disk from occurring in the future.
If you consult with a doctor, they would suggest you start with light exercises and working your way to an active routine. Here are a few activities you could start for a slipped disc:
- Cycling
- Yoga
- Swimming
- Walking
Exercises to avoid
Avoid any activity that requires you to lift heavy weights. These build pressure on the spine, which could result in a slipped or herniated disc. Repetitive strenuous activities also play a massive role in causing slipped discs and can also slow the process of recovery.
If a particular exercise causes you pain or gives you immense discomfort, avoid the activity as it could make your condition worse. Starting with small or light activities is the best way to recover from a slipped disk as it is safe and natural.
Author: Spinal Backrack
