Are you experiencing a sharp pain radiating from your spine through your buttocks to your leg? You are more likely to suffer from the herniated disc in your spine. Notably, the herniated disc occurs when the disc components bulge outwards, causing damage to the spinal nerves within that level. Sometimes, you can relieve this pain with physical therapies or medications whose effectiveness occurs after six weeks. However, when you continue experiencing pain in your lower back, Lumbar Disc Microsurgery should be your best option for effective pain relief. This less invasive procedure helps eliminate the herniated components that exert pressure on the nerve in the spine. Let us go through the following 5 self-care tips to help prevent lumbar disc herniation.
Stay Lean
Overweight individuals are at a greater risk of developing a herniated disc. Notably, excessive weight usually puts extra stress on the disc on the low spine, thus causing disc herniation. Therefore, you should be mindful of what you eat to ensure you achieve a healthy weight. Eat a balanced diet with low levels of processed meals and more natural vegetables and fruits.
Adopt a Good Posture
It would be best to watch out for your posture when performing everyday activities such as standing or sitting. Poor posture causes the joints and bones’ misalignment, which increases the chances of wear and tears, igniting spinal complications such as herniated discs. Therefore you should adopt a good posture, such as standing up erect and ensuring that your feet are flat on the ground while sitting.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is one of the controllable triggers of spinal complications. Notably, the nicotine constituents usually form residues in the blood vessels, restricting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the lower spinal discs. With the low supply of oxygen, the discs weaken, thus increasing degeneration and retard their healing after the injuries. Therefore, if you are a smoker, you should quit smoking to safeguard your spine health.
Keep Moving
Your joints and muscles are in good condition when you live an active life. Notably, engaging in moderate exercises such as walking helps to strengthen your spinal muscles, thus reducing the chances of injuries that may damage the spinal discs. Conduct these exercises for at least thirty minutes daily to achieve optimum results.
Use Appropriate Lifting Methods
How you lift objects from the ground matters a great deal when it comes to the prevention of the herniated disc. When lifting heavy items from the ground, you should bend your knees to avoid strain on your spine. Also, you should ensure that the items are not beyond your waist level as this may increase the vulnerability to disc herniation.
A herniated disc is one of the spine complications affecting millions of people worldwide. This condition reduces individuals’ flexibility and mobility, compromising their capacity to conduct their daily activities. If you are one of them, worry no more since I have great news for you. A team of skilled professionals at the University Pain Medicine Center conducts less invasive surgical procedures and other therapies for patients with herniated discs. Schedule an online consultation and visit their facility today to receive quality services.