You may not realize just how often you use your cervical spine until you develop a herniated disc in your neck. Every little movement, from turning your head to check for traffic or leaning back in your chair to stretch, can become excruciating if a cervical spinal nerve is being irritated by extruded disc material. The good news about this condition is that most herniations will heal on their own through a process called resorption, and symptoms can be effectively managed with a conservative, non-surgical treatment regimen until the healing process is completed.

Lifestyle Alterations to Reduce Pain

When talking to your doctor about treatments for a herniated disc in your neck, he or she may suggest analgesics, hot/cold compresses, physical therapy, and intermittent rest, among others. Your doctor may tell you that lifestyle modifications can also prove beneficial, such as:

– Altering your exercise routine – If you normally do high-impact exercises like road jogging or volleyball, try opting for low-impact fitness alternatives like swimming, hiking, or recumbent stationary cycling. These put less pressure on the spine, thereby minimizing impact-related pain.

– Using a supportive mattress – While sleep is meant to be a period of recovery and regeneration, lying in bed for eight hours can wreak havoc on a herniated disc in the neck or back. Invest in a therapeutic mattress and a pillow with cervical support so that your spine can maintain its neutral “S” shape while you sleep.

– Trying ergonomic furniture – Ever wonder why your neck or back hurts after a day at the office? Sitting for hours in front of a computer can cause stiffness or poor posture, either of which can exacerbate a herniated disc. Use an ergonomic chair with lumbar support; make sure the armrests are positioned so that you can relax your forearms at a 90 degree angle, parallel to the floor.

Other Treatments for a Herniated Disc

If conservative treatments don’t help your herniated disc symptoms to abate, more targeted pain management techniques may be recommended or explored. Epidural corticosteroid injections, prescription medication, ultrasound therapy, or acupuncture are possibilities. Surgery should only be considered as a last resort if your discomfort becomes chronic (lasting three months or longer) and reduces your quality of life.

In Conclusion

Regardless of which treatment avenue you explore for a herniated disc, make sure that you remain under the regular care of your physician. While there are treatments you can try at home to ease the pain of your herniated disc – such as stretching and weight loss – neither of these options should be attempted without receiving prior approval from your doctor. Some exercises could make your condition worse; and anyone considering a weight loss plan should speak to a doctor first and make sure the plan provides proper nutritional support.

If you feel that your primary care physician’s treatment plan is not helping your back or neck pain, think about getting a second or third opinion from a specialist. Several different types of specialists may be able to provide you with a different approach to treating your condition, such as a neurologist, neurosurgeon, rheumatologist, orthopedist, orthopedic surgeon, physical therapist, or chiropractor.

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for herniated discs and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: Herniated disc