If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from a herniated disc, you know how debilitating it can be. You may feel like you can’t do anything without experiencing pain. Thankfully, there are many strategies that you can use to fix a herniated disc quickly. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best strategies for healing your herniated disc. We will also provide tips for preventing future episodes of pain.

How Does a Herniated Disc Occur?

There are a number of ways that a herniated disc can occur. Most commonly, it is the result of wear and tear on the discs that cushion the vertebrae in your spine. As we age, our discs begin to degenerate. This process is called disc degeneration. When this happens, the discs lose water content and become less flexible. This makes them more susceptible to injury.

Other causes of herniated discs include:

  • Trauma: A fall or car accident can cause a disc to rupture.
  • Lifting something heavy: If you lift something heavy without using proper lifting techniques, you can put too much strain on your back and cause a disc to rupture.
  • Poor posture: Poor posture puts unnecessary stress on your spine and can lead to a herniated disc.

Read a more in-depth guide in How Long Does a Herniated Disc Take to Heal?

Best Strategies to Treat a Herniated Disc

Now that we know how a herniated disc can occur, let’s discuss some of the best strategies for healing it quickly.

Stay active

One of the best things that you can do for a herniated disc is to stay active. This may seem counterintuitive, but bed rest is actually not helpful for healing a herniated disc. In fact, it can actually make the pain worse. When you are inactive, your muscles weaken and your range of motion decreases. This can lead to more pain and stiffness.

Instead, you should focus on low-impact activities that will keep your body moving without putting too much strain on your back. Some good examples of low-impact activities include walking, swimming, and yoga.

Maintain good posture

You should also try to maintain good posture. This will help to take the pressure off of your herniated disc and prevent further injury. When sitting, be sure to keep your back straight and your shoulders down. When standing, avoid slouching forward. Remember to always lift with your legs, not your back.

Manage your pain

If you are in pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You can also apply ice to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time several times a day. For additional pain relief, you may want to consider physical therapy or chiropractic care.

Conclusion

If you follow these tips, you should start to feel relief from your herniated disc pain within a few weeks. However, it is important to continue your low-impact activities and good posture even after the pain has gone away to prevent future episodes. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk to us about disc herniation in Chicago.