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Do’s & Don’ts for Slipped Disc

Slipped Disc can get severe and more debilitating if certain norms are not followed and appropriate healing time is not given to the spine. It can result in further damage to the disc.

If the disc gets damaged then the cushioning between the vertebrae can slip out of the spine and impinge on the nerve root causing much more pain and discomfort to an extent that an individual may not be able to carry out activities of daily living at work and at home.

The symptoms may be so severe that the pain may start radiating down the lower extremities. As stated, this condition will heal on its own without requirement for any intervention if the individual having this condition allows the spine the rest it needs to heal. This article gives a brief overview of some of the dos and don’ts for Slipped Disc.

Do's & Don’ts for Slipped Disc

Do’s for Slipped Disc

For calming down the severe pain as a result of Slipped Disc for the first few days NSAIDs can be quite beneficial. Pain killers may also be used but for a short period of time.(1) Some physicians may prescribe narcotic pain relievers on a controlled basis.

Additionally, bedrest for a few days and avoidance of activities that tend to aggravate the symptoms of slipped disc is also recommended. This will give time for the spine to heal and repair the damage that has been incurred to it.

Once a course of NSAIDs and other pain relievers are over and the patient still does not have the desired relief from symptoms of slipped disc or if the pain comes back then application of heat and cold therapy is also of great benefit.(1)

Slipped disc patient can take some ice cubes and wrap it in a towel and apply it on the affected area for 15-20 minutes two to three times a day. Alternatively heat can also be used to calm down the pain and inflammation. It should be noted that both heat and ice therapy should never be applied simultaneously as it may result in formation of blisters.

As the intensity of the pain lessens, the physician may recommend exercises to strengthen the back and core muscles. The exercise regimen will not only strengthen the back muscles but will also improve flexibility and range of motion of the spine.

The patient will be referred to a physical therapist who will formulate a detailed exercise regimen best suited for the patient. Additionally, chiropractic treatments and osteopathic manipulative therapy may also be of great benefit in relieving symptoms of Slipped Disc.

Don’ts For Slipped Disc: What do You Need to Avoid With Slipped Disc?

While we have discussed what to do in cases of a slipped disc to allow the spine to heal and bring relief of symptoms to the patient, there are certain activities which one needs to avoid with a slipped disc.

It is recommended that if an individual has a known diagnosis of Slipped Disc then he or she need not be bedridden totally and not do any activity as this may result in excessive stiffness of the back and may worsen the scenario.

It is vital for slipped disc patient to remain as active as possible and as comfortable and symptom free as possible while doing any activity. Just doing gentle cleaning around the house and other gentle household errands can be done even with a Slipped Disc.

While this said, it is also important to note to stop any activity that causes pain instantly and not attempt to do that. It is highly recommended for slipped disc patients to abstain from any type of activity that requires the individual to bend, twist, lift, push, or pull objects.

Jerking motions should also be avoided by slipped disc patients such as when driving. These activities will put pressure on the spine and aggravate the symptoms and cause more pain and discomfort.

It is also recommended that the patient avoid sitting on low set furniture as this also puts immense pressure on the back and cause an increase in the symptoms of slipped disc.

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:June 6, 2019

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