Herniated discs are surprisingly common conditions that don’t always cause symptoms. However, when they do, you’re usually acutely aware of the sharp pain and other effects. If you play a sport, you might be more at risk of a disc herniation injury, which can also become more likely with age.
We can help with your recovery at Active Care Chiropractic & Rehabilitation in Lafayette Hill, the Main Line, East Falls, Elkins Park, Manayunk, and Hatfield, Pennsylvania. We’re herniated disc specialists, using chiropractic care and other therapies to help your body recover efficiently.
Let’s take a closer look at both your recovery from a herniated disc as well as what you can do to prevent future injuries.
Spinal discs have two types of tissue. A tough outer shell surrounds a more viscous, gel-like center. A disc becomes herniated when the gel escapes through the outer shell.
This damage can result from a variety of causes, including:
Some factors also increase your chances of suffering a herniated disc, such as:
People with diabetes may also have a higher risk of suffering from herniated discs.
The majority of herniated disc injuries will heal spontaneously in about six weeks or fewer. However, you may be in substantial pain in the first few days before your symptoms start to ease.
The first step in recovery is avoiding activities and movements that aggravate your pain. Complete rest should be limited to the first 24 hours after an injury, combined with cold packs to control pain and ease inflammation.
After this, low-impact activities like walking and swimming encourage blood flow that helps to jump-start natural healing.
It’s never too soon to visit us for an assessment and treatment. Chiropractic care focuses on improving conditions for your body to repair itself at peak efficiency.
We can also provide you with feedback on your recovery, including information on how to modify your sports activities like playing or training, so you’ll know what’s safe and what you should avoid.
Perhaps the best way an athlete can prevent future injuries is through training to improve core muscle strength. Toned core muscles transfer some of the load off your spine, easing pressure on spinal discs.
If weight lifting is part of your training regimen, review your form with a personal trainer to make sure you’re not adding unnecessary loads to your spine through errors in body mechanics.
Focus on posture and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing in restricted positions. Take frequent breaks to redistribute weight.
Ask us more about how to minimize the back risks from your favorite activities. Active Care Chiropractic & Rehabilitation has six convenient locations to help you, so a consultation is a mouse click or phone call away. Book your appointment now.
