DISC PROPLAPSE
A 'slipped' (prolapsed) disc often causes sudden, severe lower back pain. The disc often presses on a nerve root which can cause pain and other symptoms in a leg. In most cases, the symptoms ease off gradually over several weeks.
When you have a 'slipped' (prolapsed) disc, a disc does not actually slip. What happens is that part of the inner softer part of the disc (the nucleus pulposus) bulges out (herniates) through a weakness in the outer part of the disc. A prolapsed disc is sometimes called a herniated disc. The bulging disc may press on nearby structures such as a nerve coming from the spinal cord.
What causes a slipped disc?
It is not clear why some people develop a 'slipped' (prolapsed) disc and not others, even when they do the same job or lift the same sort of objects. It seems that some people may have a weakness in the outer part of the affected disc. Various things may trigger the inner softer part of the disc to squeeze out through the weakened outer part of the disc. For example, sneezing, awkward bending, or heavy lifting in an awkward position may cause some extra pressure on the disc. In people with a weakness in a disc, this may be sufficient to cause a prolapse. Factors that may increase the risk of developing a prolapsed disc include:
A job involving lots of lifting.
A job involving lots of sitting (especially driving).
Weight-bearing sports (weightlifting, etc).
Smoking.
Being overweight (obesity).
Increasing age (a disc is more likely to develop a weakness as we become older).
Slipped disc symptoms
1. Back pain
The pain is often severe and usually comes on suddenly. The pain is usually eased by lying still and is often made worse if you move your back, cough or sneeze.
2. Nerve root pain (usually sciatica)
Pain occurs because a nerve coming from the spinal cord is pressed on (trapped) by a 'slipped' (prolapsed) disc, or is irritated by the inflammation caused by the prolapsed disc. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that come out from the spinal cord in the lower back. It travels deep inside the buttock and down the back of the leg causing pins and needles, numbness or weakness in part of a buttock, leg or foot. The exact site and type of symptoms depend on which nerve is affected.
TREATMENT:
1. Hydrotherapy: Soak in a tub of warm water 30minutes follow with cool water for 3 minute. Do this twice daily for 3 days.
(or) Hot sheet Wrap:
Applying heat and/or cold therapy to the lower back can alleviate muscle tension that is commonly present with a lumbar herniated disc. Heat helps loosen the muscle tightness that causes spasms, increases blood flow, and improves elasticity of connective tissue. Cold decreases the local tissue temperature which produces an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, thus reducing pain
2. OTHER HELPS:
* Improve your posture while standing, sitting, working and do exercise that help strengthen the back muscles.
* While sitting : sit in a straight chair with a firm back. The knee should be higher than the hips.
* While standing: Do not stand in one position for long periods. Do not lean against things. High heeled shoes will bring trouble sooner or later. (Women should wear low- heeled shoes if they want to protect their pelvic organs and spine.)
2. Take frequent stand-up breaks throughout the day. If you are sitting to long. Carry smaller bundles, and divide the weight onto both arms. If you use a shoulder bag, frequently switch it to the other side. Make sure the computer screen is at eye level.
3. Lifting Instructions: be careful when lifting something. take several deep breaths to increase muscle strength and squat and slowly lift with the legs not the back. Do not lift from a bending forward position.
4. Be warm, not exhausted. Keep the body warm and do not become overly fatigued. when the muscles or chilled or you are exhausted, it is easier to injure joints because the muscle are not able to do the work needed.
5. Not after hot baths: do not take a hot bath just before doing heavy exercise, for your muscles will be in a weaker condition.
6. Walking and rowing are good for the back
3. HERBS:
1. Dandelion root
2. Plantain plant
3. Marshwallow
Simmer them for 10 minutes and steep for 10 minutes and drink 1 cup 3 times a day.
4. DEITS: Reduce fat in your diet, the greater the deposits of fatty plaque, the greater the degeneration of spinal disc.
Your diet should be high in minerals and vegetable proteins.
Vegetarian have stronger bone density. Uric acid increases back pain so stop eating meat. Also stop coffeine.
2. Eat Nutrition: include adequate amounts of calcium & vitamin D ( Best to have is Sunlight, Spinach, Collards, Okra, Kale, Soya beans, white beans, oat meal, broccoli, sesame seeds), Minerals ( all green leafy vegetables are rich in minerals, pink salt)5. BED TIME: Firm mattress should be used. If needed place 1-2 pillows under the knees to straighten the lumbar curve. while lying side, flex the knees and if needed place a pillow between them.
Do not sleep on the stomach. This is due to the fact that the trunk being heavier, sinks farther into the bed, causing the back to arch.
When you get out of bed, roll out slowly and carefully or slide to the edge of the bed, let your legs off the bed first, Do not sit straight up in bed.
6. Ointment: Cayenne, Coriander, Mint, Ginger (dried) powder them & mix together with any veg oil & apply
7. EXERCISE:
1. Hanging
2. Half cobra pose
3. Do floor swimming:
4. Lean over exercise
Sit in a chair and lean forward until pain is felt and, breathe out and slowly lean farther, stretching muscles further.
5. Knee pull
6. Standing Extensions
7. Bird Dog
8. Cat cow
Note: Know your limit when exercising: If you feel fine 1-2 days such exercises, then it is safe to continue them at the same intensity. Start only with one exercise at first.
Give yourself a back rub: With or without some oil on your hands, stroke gently along the tops of your shoulders and up and down your back. If you feel areas that are tight, rub around and press into those tight spots. This will relieve tension and stiffness in your lower back.
What are the exercises to avoid?
1. Standing Hamstring Stretch (touching toes by bending)
2. Deadlift
3. Leg press
4. Biking and cycling
5. Sit up & crunch
6. Straight leg rise
7. Squats
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