Herniated Disc: Causes And Prevention
As you get older, the discs that cushion the spine dry out
, lose pliability, and become more vulnerable to damage. And when constant pressure is placed on the spine, the damaged discs will eventually rupture, pinch the nerves, and cause pain in the back. If the herniated disc puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, it can cause pain not only in the lower back area, but in the hips, back of the legs and calves as well.
Causes of Herniated Discs
Putting extensive pressure on the spine can be done inadvertently through your everyday activities. Things such as lifting heavy objects, poor posture, sleeping on an old mattress, slumping in your chair, and repetitive bending and twisting motions can all contribute to the gradual wear-and-tear of the spine.
Traumatic injury to the spine caused by the impact from a fall or accident can cause discs to suddenly slip. And health conditions such as osteoarthritis can lead to deterioration of the discs in the spine, and make them more vulnerable to damage.
Back Pain Prevention
The overall physical condition of your body plays an important role in herniated disc prevention. So it's important to exercise regularly to keep the muscles in the abdominals, back, thighs, and glutes strong enough to support the spine. Gentle stretches can help maintain flexibility in the spine, and reduce the risk of injury.
Do not bend at the waist, or use your back when you are lifting heavy objects. Instead, bend your knees, squat, and lift with your legs. Hold the object close to your body to prevent any unnecessary straining.
Obesity can put excessive pressure on the spine. So if you are overweight, talk with your healthcare provider about some of the things you can do to lose a few pounds.
Invest in a mattress that supports the natural curve of the spine. If you sleep on your back, put a pillow under your knees to take some of the pressure off your lower back. When you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees so that your spine stays properly aligned. Also, avoid fluffy pillows, as they can compromise the alignment of the spine, and place your neck in an awkward position.
Practicing good posture when you sit and stand can keep excess strain off your spine. If your job requires you to sit at a desk all day, invest in a chair that supports your back. And adjust the chair so that your desk is elbow height. Also, smoking increases your risk of herniated discs, so put out the cigarettes.
A doctor can diagnose a herniated disc by doing an examination, and asking you a series of questions about your symptoms. If your healthcare provider deems it necessary, he may also do a CT scan, or MRI.
A herniated disc can be very painful, so the best thing to do is to prevent it from happening in the first place. And simple things like staying in shape, lifting properly, avoiding smoking, practicing good posture, and losing weight will reduce your risk of damaged discs.
by: Chris Tomshack
Driving In And Around Selkirkshire Up, Up And Away With Balloon Rides Tiki Bars and How to Make One Looking At Crowns And Bridging The Best Way to Stop the Balding Process and Keep Looking Good Driving In And Around Stirlingshire Stock Trade - Merits And Demerits Saw Palmetto And Associated Benefits Drunk Driving and Wrongful Death Lawsuits - The Ultimate Culpability How Early Can You Detect And Hear A Heartbeat? Your Mind Power And The Unconscious Mind In Bible versus Quran: They Burn all the Towns and all the Camps Your Mind Power And Intuition