Each intervertebral disc consists of an external annulus fibrosus and a central nucleus formed by a gelatinous mass that acts as a cushion.
Due to different reasons, the annulus fibrosus can degenerate and become ruptured.
When this happens, a part of the gelatinous nucleus comes out and forms a bulge that compresses the nerve roots of the spinal cord, which causes, among other symptoms, pain.
A herniated disc is most common among men between the ages of 25 and 45. This is due to the fact that after the age of 25, the discs begin to dry out, being drier upon awakening, so physical activity should not be done without warming up.
Discs also become more vulnerable to herniation as a result of the normal stresses of daily life and minor injuries. Sometimes disc damage is caused by improper bending or twisting, or by improperly lifting a heavy object.
From the age of 45, fibrous tissue forms around the discs, stabilizing them and making them less prone to such damage. A herniated disc can occur in any section of the spine. However, it is the lumbar region that is most often affected. In order of frequency they are followed by the cervical and dorsal regions.
The symptoms of a herniated disc can develop progressively or appear suddenly. They include:
- Dull pain in the alerted area
- Muscle spasm and stiffness in the affected area that makes movement difficult and makes pain worse.
If the disc presses on a spinal nerve, you may also feel:
- Tingling or numbness in the leg, or if the neck is affected, the arm
- Weakness or restricted movement of the leg or arm.
The pain is usually relieved by rest, but may be worsened by climbing stairs, sitting, coughing, sneezing, or bending over. Having a bowel movement can also make the pain worse.
What relationship has the sciatica with herniated disc? Sciatica in this case is nothing more than a symptom that appears when one or both roots of the sciatic nerve that start from the spinal cord and descend through the buttocks, thigh and leg, to the foot, are affected. It is almost always due to a herniated disc located between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebra or between it and the sacrum.
folk remedies
Remedy for herniated disc #1: Put in a cup of boiling water 2 tablespoons of root of devil’s claw . Cover and let cool. Then strain and drink a cup twice a day.
Remedy for herniated disc #2: Boil for 10 minutes 2 tablespoons of white willow bark in a liter of water. After that time, cover, strain and drink throughout the day
Remedy for herniated disc #3: Undergo ozone therapy, as it has been one of the most useful tools in the treatment of herniated disc, to the point that it has reduced the need for surgery in these cases by 80%. It consists of injecting ozone at the level of the herniated disc and in the paravertebral musculature. Ozone accelerates the degradation of part of the gelatinous nucleus, thereby decreasing the volume of the herniated material.
Remedy for herniated disc #4: Undergo chiropractic sessions, and especially manipulations. They consist of manual movements of pressure and rotation of the spine. Its purpose is to separate the affected disc herniation from the nerve root that it compresses to eliminate the painful symptoms. This treatment is not carried out in the acute phase, but rather when the pain has subsided and the muscular contraction has been made to subside by means of massages.
Remedy for herniated disc #5: Undergo acupuncture sessions to relieve his ongoing back pain. It is important to note that in 1979 the World Health Organization (WHO) included herniated disc in the list of diseases that can be successfully treated by this therapeutic method with needles.
Remedy for herniated disc #6: Apply, in full crisis, thick poultices of clay warm, hot, throughout the lumbar region, and if the pain extends from the leg to the foot, extend the poultice to this area as well. Keep them at least two hours and remove with lukewarm water. Add 15 drops of arnica mother tincture to the poultice water. Repeat the poultices until the pain moderates. Although relief will appear soon, it is necessary to continue the twice daily applications of the poultice for a week or ten days.
Remedy for herniated disc #7: Undergo a Chinese therapeutic massage that includes the following actions: Place the affected person lying face down, with arms next to the body.
- Relaxation: Apply a thumb massage on each side of the lumbar spine and on the buttocks, gradually increasing the force. Pressure will be applied to acupoints such as mingmen, shenshu, the eight liao, huantiao, wefzhong, and chengshan. To conclude, the roller method is used, advancing from top to bottom along the lower back and the leg of the affected side.
- Traction: The patient lies on their side, with the affected side facing up. The lumbar stretching method, type 1, is applied by vigorously bending the hip and knee joints forward. Leg movement: the method of stretching the lower limb is used. Strong posterior extension, indicated when the painful symptoms have improved or in chronic cases:
recommendations
Perform exercises designed to strengthen the lower back and abdominal muscles. Thus, thanks to its power, it prevents the spinal column from being forced and therefore the disc from increasing its herniation and compressing the nerve roots, causing pain.
In mild herniated discs, with the constant practice of adequate gymnastics and avoiding very sudden movements, it is generally achieved that the symptoms do not recur.
Go to the doctor if, despite natural remedies, the pain remains with the same or greater intensity, since it may indicate the need to treat it surgically.
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