| A herniated disc can happen anywhere in the | | | | and hydrotherapy can also be used to treat this |
| spine, and can take you completely by surprise. | | | | condition. Most of the time, a herniated disc will |
| One minute you are playing ball with the kids, and | | | | resolve own its own, but in rare instances, this |
| the next, you're floored by debilitating back pain. | | | | condition can be serious, and surgery may be |
| There are several things that can contribute to a | | | | required. How to Prevent a Herniated Disc Some |
| herniated disc, some of them include: " being | | | | factors that can contribute to herniated discs |
| elderly " a sedentary lifestyle " overdoing | | | | can't be helped, but there are some things you |
| strenuous exercises " being obese " degenerative | | | | can do to reduce your risk of this type of back |
| health conditions " smoking " previous back | | | | injury. Regular exercise and stretching can help |
| surgery " working a job that requires heavy lifting, | | | | strengthen the muscles in the midsection, and |
| repetitive motions, and frequent bending and | | | | improve flexibility in the spine. Eating a diet that's |
| twisting movements " sitting for prolonged periods | | | | rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D can |
| of time " poor flexibility in the spine " weak core | | | | keep bones strong, and make the spine less |
| muscles " poor postural alignment Treatment | | | | prone to injuries. Dairy products such as milk, |
| Options for Herniated Discs If you are one of the | | | | yogurt, and cheese are excellent sources of |
| unfortunate people suffering from a herniated | | | | calcium. Magnesium is found in foods such as |
| disc, take it easy, and avoid doing anything to | | | | mustard greens, lentils, broccoli, halibut, collard |
| aggravate the condition. But being sedentary too | | | | greens, celery, cucumbers, and strawberries. |
| long will weaken the muscles in your midsection, | | | | Enriched milk and orange juice are good sources |
| and make back problems worse. Obviously, you | | | | of vitamin D. It's hard to get the recommended |
| won't be turning cartwheels after a herniated disc, | | | | daily amount of vitamin D from food alone, so |
| but to prevent further back problems, get up and | | | | talk to your doctor about using supplements to |
| move around as soon as possible. | | | | help. Some other things you can do to prevent a |
| Over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever and | | | | herniated disc include maintaining good posture |
| anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen, | | | | when sitting, standing, walking, and sleeping. |
| naproxen, and ibuprofen work well to manage the | | | | Investing in a quality mattress, and avoid lifting |
| pain associated with a herniated disc. Some OTC | | | | heavy objects. If you must lift things that are too |
| pain relievers can cause dangerous drug | | | | heavy, find someone to help. A herniated disc |
| interactions, so if you are taking medications to | | | | doesn't have to ruin your life as there are several |
| manage other health conditions, talk to your | | | | ways to treat this condition. Talk to your doctor |
| doctor before mixing meds. Drug treatments | | | | or chiropractor to determine which treatment |
| aren't the only option for treating a herniated disc. | | | | option is right for your situation. |
| Acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, | | | | |