Can A Herniated Disc Be Avoided?

A herniated disc is a condition that affects your spine. Basically what happens is that one of the discs that prevents your spine bones from rubbing against each other, starts to break apart. Thus the name, bulging disc. The substance inside the disc which is the nucleus pulposus may start to hit a spinal nerve, and this causes the spinal pain.

Unless the herniated disc is caused by a sudden injury or accident, there are ways you can avoid getting this. Also, by following simple precautionary measures, you can also prevent a second or third occurrence if you have already has this problem in the past.

First of all, to avoid a bulging disc, you should try to maintain your ideal body weight. This will allow your back to properly support your weight. You can start by joining some exercise class, or going to the gym. Naturally, you should take it slowly at first, and make sure to consult with the trainer in the gym for the right kind of exercise program for you.

If you are a smoker, quit. The toxins from smoking make you extremely vulnerable to a slipped disc. In fact, nicotine causes the discs to be at risk to accidents because it prevents nutrients from being absorbed properly, and this means that your spine is not as strong as it can be.

At all times, you should be conscious of good posture. It does not matter whether you are walking, running, sitting in front of the TV or your PC, you should try to keep your lower back always properly supported. If your chair is giving you problems, tuck in a small pillow to add some support to your lower back. Even when you are sleeping, you could try a small pillow or a rolled towel, either under your knees or your lower back. This will help you from experiencing terrible spinal pain from a slipped disc.

If you are already suffering from a herniated disc, you can still adopt these measures as part of your herniated disc treatment. However, should the spinal pain get unbearable, and stop you from functioning normally, you will need to seek medical attention for a possible change in your herniated disc treatment.

Most of all, it is important to listen to your body, but know that in most cases, including herniated disc situations, the body can heal itself over a period of time. For this to happen, you will be required to be patient, and avoid over-exerting yourself.