Herniated Discs: What to Avoid

What ways are within our power to influence our spinal health? There are four primary ways: posture, exercise, sleep and nutrition. For sufferers of herniated discs, there are also many daily activities that will aggravate the injury. At Espinosa Family Chiropractic, our holistic approach to healing begins with chiropractic treatment, but we want you to leave our office instilled with an awareness of the injury and a penchant for healthy actions. If you are serious about rehabilitating a herniated disc, watch out for the following pain aggravators

For hardcore fitness enthusiasts and more casual gym-goers alike, exercise is an appreciable part of your repertoire for healing spinal injuries. It is also a double-edged sword: some exercises antagonize the injury and others encourage healing. If the pain of your herniated disc is pronounced, avoid twisting exercises, weight-lifting and leg presses. Replace them with exercises focused on core-strengthening and aerobic fitness. Conducive stretching and flexibility exercises can also help to relieve pressure on nerves.

Avoid extended periods of static inactivity, if possible. Anyone can benefit from this advice! Whether sitting or standing, it is important to stay in motion; the body was not meant to stagnate. If standing in one place for long periods of time, try to alternate putting each foot up on a box or stool every fifteen minutes. You will notice a difference in the pressure accumulating in the lower spine. If sitting, use a stool to keep the knees elevated slightly above the hips.

When relaxing, avoid overly soft furniture. Sinking into a couch or recliner feels comfortable at first, but it is most likely working against your recovery efforts. The unnatural position that your spine takes while slumped in “relaxation” is very harmful in the long run. If you are interested in finding out more, call us today at (916) 457-8825. At our office in Sacramento, our treatment includes a cataloging of your daily routine. By charting healthy habits and highlighting negative habits, we can begin to use the power of the body to effect its own rehabilitation.

Dr. Raymond Espinosa, D.C.