It's okay to partake in gentle, healing exercises such as slow walking and swimming. For some patients, cycling is also a way to relieve herniated disc pain, but every individual is unique, so be sure to approach any new activity with caution and control. Sitting down for long periods of time is also discouraged.
Generally speaking—as long as they're performed correctly—core and back exercises are beneficial for bulging discs, as are activities like walking, elliptical exercise, swimming, and riding a stationary or regular bike.
Some common restrictions that doctors recommend for people with bulging discs are: Not lifting boxes or anything over a certain weight limit, like 25 pounds. Not bending, twisting, or moving your body in any way that exacerbate the bulging disc.
The pain from a herniated disc usually is worse when you are active and gets better when you are resting. Coughing, sneezing, sitting, driving, and bending forward may make the pain worse. The pain gets worse when you make these movements because there is more pressure on the nerve.
Treatment with rest, pain medication, spinal injections, and physical therapy is the first step to recovery. Most people improve in 6 weeks and return to normal activity. If symptoms continue, surgery may be recommended.
A L4–L5 disc bulge (or slip-disc) in the L4-L5 region can cause severe health issues such as impotence and reproduction issues. It can also lead to infertility, loss or control of the bowel or bladder, paralysis in one or both of your legs, and even death.
Rest. Most often 1-2 days of strict bed rest will calm severe back pain. Bed rest should not exceed 48 hours. Once you are back into your daily routine, you should take frequent rest breaks throughout the day- but avoid sitting for long periods of time.
While some people may think they need to stop exercising if they have a disc herniation, this is not the case! Exercise is recommended for people with a disc injury with the main goal of strengthening the muscles of the back to support the spine.
Whether to go to work really depends on the severity of your symptoms and the type of work you do. Most people are able to work with a herniated disc but if the pain gets too severe you may have to take time off until the pain, numbness and tingling resolve. That may take up to six weeks.
Daily walks are an excellent way to exercise with a herniated disc, without putting additional strain on your spine and causing painful symptoms to flare up.
Sitting. Sitting for long periods of time isn't ideal for people with a herniated disc. A standing desk is a great option, but if you must sit, rest your spine firmly against the chair back, sit up straight, and don't slouch (which strains the spinal ligaments and aggravates a herniated disc).
Herniated Disc
One study shows that swimming can reduce inflammation and nerve pain caused by lumbar disc herniations. The study posits that swimming may be an effective therapy for improving herniated discs in the lumbar region.
Low-impact aerobic exercises can not only help you stay active, but also help subside some of the pain associated with a bulging disc. Low impact cardio may include water exercises, walking or stationary biking.
Cycling is very useful for herniated disc patient beside their medical suggestion. In the first stage of a herniated disc, doing exercises and having a heathy diet should be prior than other medication. Cycling is highly recommended for Osteoarthritis problem, even Herniated disc.
This article explains what should be avoided if you have disc-related issues to prevent further injury or painful flare-ups. On a related note, squats, both with and without weight, should be avoided. The main reason is because the motion required for squats shifts your body weight down to your lower spine area.
Most (80-90%) cases involving bulging or herniated discs will heal within 2-4 months. This of course depends on the severity of the injury, as well as the age and overall health of the patient. This is why exercises and activities to strengthen the supporting muscles are so essential.
Disc bulges are not permanent. The disc is a fluid filled structure and therefore has the capacity to heal, resolve and be re-absorbed.
The good news is that in most cases — 90% of the time — pain caused by a herniated disc will go away on its own within six months. Initially, your doctor will likely recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever and limit activities that cause pain or discomfort.
Chiropractic is a preferred treatment option for many people with bulging and herniated discs because it is a non-invasive process and does not require drugs or injections. Once you have reached your diagnosis, you and your chiropractor can work hand in hand to look for the best way to treat your condition.
Stage 4: Sequestered Disc – Once the nucleus pulposus layer breaks through the outer layer, the inner layer will lie outside the disc and affect the spinal canal, causing a herniated nucleus pulposus. At this stage, it is considered to be a complete herniation and a neurological deficit.
Massage therapy can offer relief of bulging disc by treating the condition at its roots. Very often, imbalances in the skeletal structure, such as being “stuck” in a side-tilted position, may predispose one toward this injury, and/or result from it.
You may be able to heal your herniated disc with a few weeks or months of rest, medicine, and exercises. In some cases, you may need surgery. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.