i can't afford the surgery and i'm sick of taking pills. the stuff the doctor gives me makes me sleep and i'm sick of sleeping away my life, over the counter pain releivers do nothing. heating pads and ice packs are temporary. the first thirty minutes in the pool is good then i'm misserable all over again. please don't be crude i don't need to hear it. just good suggestions. thanks.
2007-06-24 15:19:04 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
Previous answers are good and can all help.
However, there is one thing that is not mentioned and that is the cause of EVERY case of herniated discs - dehydration.
The discs in your spine are like little pillows filled with fluid. Their job is to act as shock absorbers between the bones and to protect the many blood vessels, nerves etc that pass between the vertebrae.
When you are dehydrated (and virtually everyone is these days), the fluid in the discs gets thicker and reduces in volume, causing the discs to sag, shrink and allowing them to be squeezed out from between the vertebrae. That is exactly what a herniated disc is - a disc that has been squeezed out from where it should be to where it shouldn't.
Consequently, the fastest, cheapest and easiest way to resolve the problem, both in the short and longer term, is to rehydrate yourself and the only way to do that is to drink fresh, pure water.
Not coke, not tea, not coffee, not beer, not squash, not juice - WATER!
Ideally it should be spring water, but tap water can be OK if you either use a reverse-osmosis filter or even one of the cheap jug-type filters you can buy just about anywhere.
The average person should be drinking AT LEAST 2 litres (about 5 pints) of water a day and would probably benefit from drinking far more (3-4 litres in most cases). Water is the major constituent of your body. Every system needs it, every cell is bathed in it and every organ uses it copiously.
Re-inflating your dicscs by proper hydration WILL resolve the problem - think of a balloon - when it is limp and flacid, you can stretch it any way you like, but when it is fully inflated (like a car tire) it is pretty hard to change its shape significantly. When you rehydrate your discs will inflate and go back to their normal shape and their normal place, which is in between your vertebrae!
Brian
http://www.natural-health-information-centre.com
2007-06-25 01:16:46 · answer #1 · answered by Natural Health Information Ctre 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just about anything you do at this point, will be temporary in nature, depending on how far out the disc is protruding, and if there is any nerve compression. Acupuncture is worth investigating, and you can also get steroid shots injected, some get relief from pain for months, others it may not be as effective, but I understand it is quite useful. Massage therapy will bring circulation to the area, and the muscles will heal with this. I would assume you have muscles that are "guarding", and massage therapy is very good at removing that tendency. It may take a few sessions, but something I would look into. It's around 40hr, at the places I've gone, with treatment totally up to you, as far as how often you want to go, or can afford to go. Hot springs, natural or man-made are useful. Walking daily, no matter how bad it hurts, is a must. You must keep things moving, and not all stiffened up. Even if it's a short distance, getting out, especially in a park, or natural area, is not only excellent for pain relief, it also soothes the soul and brings you closer to nature. Sometimes having a calm mind, is the best pain reliever there is. I understand your dilemma, it's a frustrating situation, and it seems to never end. Good luck.................
2007-06-26 19:46:55 · answer #2 · answered by fisherwoman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A herniated disc is a disc that extrudes into the spinal canal. It is also referred to as a bulging disc, ruptured disc or slipped disc. As a disc degenerates, it can herniate (the
EXERCISES:
Begin by stretching. Bend over forward and bend to the sides. Start these exercises after your back is a little stronger and doesn't hurt as much. The goal of exercise is to make your back and stomach muscles stronger. This will ease the pressure on your disk and make you hurt less. Ask your doctor about exercises for your back. Your doctor may want you to see a physical therapist to learn about safe back exercises.
Good posture (standing up straight, sitting straight, lifting with your back straight) can help your back by reducing the pressure on your disk
1. Bend your knees and hips when you lift something, and keep your back straight.
2. Hold an object close to your body when you carry it.
3. If you stand for a long time, put one foot on a small stool or box for a while.
4. If you sit for a long time, put your feet on a small stool so your knees are higher than your hips.
5. Don't wear high-heeled shoes.
6. Don't sleep on your stomach.
Most people with a herniated disk are better in about 4 weeks. Sometimes it takes longer. If you still have pain or numbness after 4 to 6 weeks, or if your signs get worse, talk with your doctor.
If you have trouble going to the bathroom or have weight loss, pain at night or more pain or weakness than usual in your backbone, tell your doctor right away. These might be the signs of a more serious problem.
2007-06-24 19:45:29 · answer #3 · answered by amembal4444 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My husband had to go to physical therapy. This helped a lot. He had so much trouble before that, and was to the emergency room more than once. A good physical therapist can work wonders, and covered by insurance depending upon the plan. Another thing to try is Shark's Cartilage, along with Glucosamine. This helps the discs to heal. It cannot be used if you have any heart problems or have had any heart attacks. Look this up online. Make sure you do not have any of the problems mentioned in the precautions. Remember that it can take months for the discs to heal, and if you feel a little better (maybe with rest or exercise) and then overdo it, you will go right back to where your were. You need to respect the fact that degenerated discs take a long time to heal properly and with proper treatment.
2007-06-24 16:17:37 · answer #4 · answered by PR 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
definitely see a chiropractor and explain your problem. You will get relief....I work at a chiropractic office and I have seen adjustments done on people with hurniated disks and they do see amazing results. Standard chiropractic exam is $35...much cheaper than the drugs and surgery, and your insurance probably covers chiropractic
2007-06-27 14:58:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can also try energy therapy. Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a great drug free therapy that helps both physical and emotional issues. You can down load a free manual from the EFT site and learn how to do it yourself.
More info from these web sites below... do have a look - energy therapy really can help.
2007-06-24 20:11:02 · answer #6 · answered by Stuff Buster 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Walk into a co-worker's desk to chat rather than instant messaging.
2017-03-11 01:54:52 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don’t focus on your defects, spotlight your best bits. Tiny waist? Belt it in. Beautiful bust? Lower the neckline. Beautifully shaped butt? Rock tight jeans. Sexy legs? Show ‘em off. It’s really that easy.
2016-01-27 23:04:49 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eat in front of a person rather than a screen. It cuts down on mindless eating and enables you to more accountable for each nip.
2016-02-26 19:45:02 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For sandwich-lovers, use spinach or swiss chard leaves instead of a wrap, skip the portion of cheese, and load through to the veggies.
2016-12-28 11:50:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋