3 Things to Avoid if You Have a Herniated Disc
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If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc, you may be feeling overwhelmed and frightened. It is important to remember that there are things you can do to help minimize your pain and improve your quality of life. In this post, we will discuss three things that you should avoid if you have a herniated disc. We hope that this information will help you manage your condition and live a happier, healthier life!
1. Bed Rest
While it may seem tempting to stay in bed and rest when your back is hurting, this is actually one of the worst things you can do for a herniated disc. When you are inactive, your muscles weaken, and your joints stiffen. This can lead to further pain and make it more difficult to resume normal activities. Instead, you should try to stay as active as possible and take breaks when needed. It will also be best to consult with your doctor for disk herniation in Chicago to come up with a pain management plan that is best for you. They will likely recommend a combination of physical therapy, medication, and exercises.
2. Excessive Heat or Cold
Applying heat or cold to your back may provide temporary relief from pain. However, you should avoid using these methods for more than 20 minutes at a time. Excessive heat can actually make your pain worse and increase inflammation. Cold therapy may help to numb the pain and reduce inflammation. However, you should always wrap the ice pack in a towel to avoid injuring your skin. Either way, it is best to alternate between heat and cold to find what provides the most relief.
3. Poor Posture
One of the most common causes of back pain is poor posture. When you slouch or sit for long periods of time without moving, your spine can become misaligned. This puts unnecessary pressure on your discs and nerves, which can lead to pain. To avoid this, make sure to sit up straight and take breaks often to move around. You may also want to invest in an ergonomic chair or back support to help keep your spine in alignment. Additionally, learning how long a herniated disc takes to heal will give you a better idea of the timeline for your recovery. And finally, be sure to practice good posture when you stand and walk to avoid further pain.
Wrapping Up
By avoiding these key three things, you will be on your way to managing your herniated disc and living a pain-free life! If you have any questions or would like to learn more about herniated discs, please contact a healthcare professional today to get started on your road to recovery!
