A bulging disc is an undesirable condition which makes you susceptible to recurring back problems. It is important that you remain strong, flexible and maintain a healthy body weight as you grow older. A bulging disc occurs when the spinal disc compresses against an adjacent root nerve. This disc then pushes out from its normal place and starts to impinge on the nearby nerves of the spine. A bulging disc causes back pains which always interfere with your daily activities. Similarly, as you age, there is a likelihood that you might develop disc problems. This is because the spinal disc loses its elasticity, structure and lubricating fluids. Tired of recurring back pains?
Here are 7 ways natural ways chiropractors can implement to help you can get rid of the bulging disc for good
- Seeing a chiropractor for adjustment of the spine
Chiropractors can pin point the underlying causes of bulging disc after a physical examination. With their help, you can know the type of bulging disc you are suffering from. You may perform adjustments soon after diagnosing to align the spinal disc. This will also prevent further protrusion of the spinal disc. Adjustments may comprise of stipulation of the muscles. You can also practice flexion-distraction, supplementation, exercise and treatment.
- Staying active
Did you know that stretching and lengthening the spine is very beneficial? Stretching helps you to develop a good posture and reduce inflexibility, stiffness, pain and inflammation. Performing weight-bearing and simple body exercises, dancing, swimming, and cycling are good in maintaining your flexibility. It also protects you from back pains. You may consider having a fitness tracker or a pedometer. These will motivate you to increase your walking distances.
- Getting enough sleep and rest
When your muscles, bones, and joints are overworked, inflammation and weakened disc can occur. You should avoid over-training. If you are an adult, you need seven to nine hours of sleep every night. You are also advised to give yourself enough rest between workouts. This is necessary especially if it involves down and up movements. This helps you to keep your stress hormones under control. Balanced hormones are necessary for reducing stress levels. You should avoid risks of injury and participate in exercises that will support a healthy body weight.
- Visiting a physical therapist
If you are experiencing pain from a bulging disc it will be hard for you to work or move around. I would advise that you visit a therapist. A physical therapist can be able to assign you specific exercises and stretches that would improve your motion, flexibility, and strength. Egos cue is one of the posture correction that is very recommendable for you. Egos cue involves a series of targeted and gentle exercises. These exercises can help you correct your musculoskeletal dysfunctions. In addition to this, as well as preventing risk of injuries to the spinal discs.
It is advisable that you keep a close attention to your symptoms. This will enable you to check what helps you reduce or increase the pain. When you learn and know the correct exercise, you will be able to continue doing them by yourself at home. This will help you keep your back muscles strong and hence prevents further injuries.
- Using essential oils, massage therapy, heat and acupuncture
Peppermint and wintergreen oil are very effective analgesics. They can help you to cool inflamed joints and reduce back pains. You can apply capsaicin cream to the skin. The cream temporarily inhibits chemicals which contribute to pain and inflammation.
Acupuncture treatment, massage, and heating packs are very beneficial for pain. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese treatment. Tiny needles are used to help you unleash your body’s natural flow of energy. This kind of medication helps you reduce the intensity of pain. The treatment is also effective in reducing disabilities and improving spinal flexion. Massage therapy helps treat and prevent short and long term back problems without using drugs.
You can use heat packs to subside back pains. Therapeutic massage can also help. It is recommended that you use heat packs after 72 hours on the painful area to avoid more injury. This is because the inflamed area needs some time so as to start healing. A hot shower is effective to help you dull the pain. You can add Epsom salt to your hot bath as well. The salt facilitates penetration of the medicine and relaxation of the inflamed spot. Massaging helps to relax the muscles and loosen up tight tissues. This is effective in increasing the blood flow and production of endorphin. Endorphin is a painkilling and calming chemical.
- Eating an anti-inflammatory diet
Wondering what are some of the best anti-inflammatory foods that you can use to combat the back pain? A healing diet is a key to preventing pain from returning in future. Leafy green veggies, fermented foods and healthy fats such as virgin olive oil, coconut oil among others are good examples of foods containing the probiotics. High fiber foods help you lose weight and overcome problems like high blood pressure. High fiber diet is beneficial for gut health and digestion. This is because constipation worsens the pain. You can opt to drink at least eight glasses of water per day to help you stay hydrated. Dehydration always increases the back pain.
Disc problems are a result of a high level of inflammation that weakens your joints, muscles and bones. The best way to control problem is by eating a protein rich diet. This diet is filled with foods that will help you heal faster. It is advisable to avoid refined grain products, chemically sprayed crops, processed meat and sugar. You should try to avoid smoking or using drugs for non-medical purposes. You should be stress-free in order to reduce inflammation.
- Working on correct posture.
You might a job that requires you to sit behind your desk for several hours. It is very important that you take your time to focus on the posture you are sitting. The posture needs to be a good one or else you will end up having a back pain.
Frequently stretching, getting up and moving around helps you loosen the tight areas like your back, hamstrings and the neck. Probably you should consider taking at least a 20 to 30 minutes break so as to avoid sitting for long hours when working or when watching television.
You can also consider using a supportive ergonomic chair when working. This will help you to achieve a correct back posture. During breaks or leisure time, you can try to do some light isometric exercises. Such exercises include stretching. Stretching will help you to strengthen your spine, legs as well as loosen up your neck and shoulders.
Disc pain is sometimes referred to as age-related normal complications. I have clarified steps that you can use to help you prevent bulging disc. Other factors that contribute to disc bulging include wear and tear of the disc. A loss in mobility as well as an injury of the spine can cause lead to recurring back pain. You may injure your spine due to a fall or carrying heavy weights. A poor dieting that results in inflammation, smoking, stress as well as having poor postures are capable of increasing back pains. Chiropractic treatment is the best when you are looking to for the best way to handle such issues for good. Visit our clinic today and hear what our professionals will advise about your condition. I can guarantee you it is something you will not regret.
