We have all had those days when we struggle with a stiff back, and a herniated disk is no joke.
Back pain can range from a mild discomfort to an intense pain, whether it be from lifting heavy weights in the gym or sitting at a desk for 12 hours.
As the discs in our spine degenerate over the years, the inner core leaks through the outer walls of the disc. A process known as disc herniation.
The weaker spots forming the outer core of the intervertebral disc are directly below the spinal nerve root. This puts tremendous pressure on the nerve causing severe lower back pain.
Pressure exerted on a nerve can cause pain which radiates through the buttock and down the leg. This pain is also known as sciatica.
Between 60-80% of people will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. Many of them will suffer from lower back and leg pain due to a herniated disc.
Lumbar Herniated Disc Symptoms
There are several types of disc herniation which occur.
They affect the lower bottom of the spine.
The most common symptoms of a lumbar herniated disc are as follows:
- Sciatica, can occur with or without lower back pain. Usually worse than the lower back pain itself
- Numbness, weakness or a tingling sensation in the leg
- Buttock or lower back pain
- Loss of bladder or bowel control in the most rarest of cases.
Lumbar Herniated Disk Treatment
Many alternative therapies do not receive an official stamp of approval from the medical community, but many still provide a number of benefits to 
those suffering from a herniated disc.
The herbs below are taken internally and others may be applied directly to the targeted area. Herbal remedies can alter physiological processes in the body, just like pharmaceutical drugs.
Herbal medicine experts Ed Smith, author of ‘Therapeutic Herb Manual’ states the following herbs have pain-relieving properties.
- Arnica
- Black cohosh
- California poppy
- Meadowsweet
- Butterbur
- St. John’s wort
- Wild yam
Notable anti-inflammatory herbs include:
- Burdock
- Feverfew
- Turmeric
If you are considering alternative therapies for a herniated disc, before you start the treatment, consult with your physician about proper procedures, risks and any likely drug interactions.
Certain herbs should be avoided if you are pregnant. Consulting with a botanically-trained health care professional will give you detailed insight and
offer guidance in selecting the correct herbs and combinations.
The Basics
Treating the human body with heat and cold has been used for many years.
The easiest way to use heat and cold.
- Place a heating pad on low or medium setting for 10-20 minutes every 2-3 hours.
- If u have no heating pad available you can take a shower in place this will be equivalent to one session with the heating pad.
- You Can purchase single use heat wraps from your local pharmacist, the wraps will last for up to 8 hours.
- The good old ice pack, 10-15 minutes every 2-3 hours, same as the heating pad.
Yoga
Some people might not know this but, yoga is one of the best forms of treating chronic back pain.
The structured stretching of each yoga position lengthens the body and strengthens the core. It will help relieve pressure in the back preventing further back issues.
DMSO
DMSO, also known as dimethyl sulfoxide, is an organic sulfur compound. In the body, sulfur compounds are responsible for creating new cells, maintaining life and detoxing the body.
Laboratory studies suggest that DMSO cuts pain by blocking peripheral nerve C fibers.
DMSO is widely used as an effective treatment for a herniated disc.
Exploring alternative methods may not only make you more relaxed and pain free, but also keep you out of the operating room.
Stay Dedicated
There are several factors within your control when it comes to spinal care, such as heat or cold treatment, quit smoking, healthier diet, light exercise, and thoroughly making use of any natural remedies and/or treatment plan available to you.
Staying dedicated can be hard at times and some days you will naturally feel better than others, but it’s important that you remain dedicated.
Performing all of these things won’t guarantee a miracle cure for your pain however, they are the healthiest steps you can take to ensure that you have done everything in your ability.
By staying mentally strong and dedicated, the treatments provided can make a positive improvement in your condition.
For more tips on how to treat a this painful condition, please read Herniated Disk Relief At last.
