When some people hear the term “herniated disc,” they wince in pain. For anyone that has ever had this condition, they can relate to the pain that can be incurred when this happens. Fortunately, today’s medical doctors have developed therapies and treatments to alleviate and sometimes eliminate the pain that comes with a herniated disc.
What is a Herniated Disc?
Discs made of cartilage separate the vertebrae in the back from each other and provide cushioning during movement of the spine. The cartilage has a strong outer layer and a softer inner layer and when it is injured or just worn out from aging, the inner part of the disc can bulge out from between the vertebrae bones and compress or irritate a nerve, or even damage it.
Also called a ruptured disc, it can happen anywhere along the spine, although most herniated discs are located in the lumbar or lower region of the back. The second most common area for a herniated disc is in the upper cervical vertebrae, or neck area.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
Where the herniated disc is located will determine where the individual will feel pain. A lumbar ruptured disc will be felt in the legs and most likely in only one leg. Pain is experienced in the upper thigh and buttocks, the groin and occasionally in the foot or the lower back. It may cause tingling or numbness and even muscle weakness in the affected leg. When a disc is ruptured in the neck, the person will feel pain in the shoulder blade, under the arm and down the arm to a couple of fingers. Arm muscles become weaker, with a lessening of the grip of the hand. A sudden cough, sneeze or movement may intensify the pain, and it may come and go spontaneously, or may be constant. A physician can diagnose where the pain is coming from with a few simple tests in the office.
Diagnosis
The patient’s accurate description of the pain caused by the herniated disc will help a physician establish where it is coming from. The doctor will check for areas of tenderness along the spine, as well as perform a few coordination, muscle strength and reflex tests. If the pain is severe enough, an MRI or CT scan may be ordered to get a better look at the disc. Both MRI and CT scans can show the contrast of tissues to determine how badly the disc is ruptured.
Herniated Disc Treatment
Each individual will react differently to various types of management, and specific treatments will be tailored to the sufferer according to the patient’s lifestyle, weight and tolerance. While some people may need only bed rest, massage and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, others may benefit from physical therapy, electrical nerve stimulation, epidurals or prescription pain medication. Advanced diagnostic procedures such as discography can help physicians determine whether the pain is coming from more than one disc and can help treat the affected discs more quickly and accurately.
back surgery is occasionally an option, and with minimally invasive techniques available, it is not a bad choice. A herniated disc is treatable with a significant reduction of pain with a mixture of solutions.
About the Author
The author of this article has expertise in spinal surgery. The articles on back surgery reveals the author’s knowledge on the same. The author has written many articles on spine pain as well.
Spinal Decompression Heals Severe Spinal Stenosis with No Surgery
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I have chronic back pain since I was a child.
it’s only gotten worse the older I’ve gotten and I’m just really sick and tired of going to the doctor and being referred to a specialist and then referred to another specialist. It’s extremely frustrating and painful. I know for a fact that I have like 3 herniated disks but they don’t think that the disks are causing the pain because my pain is elsewhere. At this point the pain is from the lower back all the way to the upper portion.
advice>
is it okay to be using a heating pad?
I usually sleep with one every night
They are wrong. You have pinched muscles in your back that is the cause of the pain. Pinched muscles are the only things in your back that can put enough pressure on the discs long enough for them to end up giving out, so the muscle problems created the disc problems. The tightness may have moved over time or you are feeling what is the tightest pinched ones in your back at this time and they aren’t the same ones where the discs gave out by. To get rid of the pain you have to free up your back muscles and that will take the pressure off the discs as well, both with the one release. Here’s how to free them up to get rid of the pains:
Back:
(do from a sitting position)
Place your left hand on your left leg next to your body. Place your right hand over your left shoulder, fingers over the back and the palm in the front and firmly pull down on them and hold. After 30 seconds slowly lower your body forward and to the outside of your left leg, keeping your left arm fairly straight as you do. When you reach your lap remain there for another 10 seconds, release the pressure but rest there for another 30 seconds. Then reverse your hand positions and do your right side. If any pain remains repeat this.
For best results relax your body first by taking a deep breath and exhaling then remain this relaxed.
Yoga Journal:Yoga for Strength and ToningWhether you’re an athlete,a yoga practitioner,or anyone interested in a great workout,these challenging practices will provide you with visible results. The 60&ndsh;minute Toning and Strengthening Sequence,along with the 30&ndsh;minute Core Practice,will work your body in new and different ways and leave you feeling stronger,leaner,and more flexible. …
Yoga Therapy for Back Pain includes 13 routines to help restore proper function to the entire back. These safe and gentle exercises increase mobility and reduce pain. This beautifully filmed DVD features five 15 minute & five 30 minute routines for the upper back, sciatic pain, bulging disk and sacro-iliac joint pain. Each condition is addressed separately, so you will get the proper care for your…
Improve your posture, relieve back pain. Lumbar Extender stretches your back easily, safely, affordably. SAVE BIG! Rigid muscles, overstretching, poor spinal alignment… just a few of the culprits that can wreak havoc on your back. Fight back with the Lumbar Extender. Simply place this curved, multi-level back stretching device on the floor, recline onto its arched surface, and center your spine …
I started to feel pain in my neck five years ago, it took a lot doctor visits to finally get the bottom of things. I had herniated discs, so I had surgery in October 2007. Surgery has been in the fuse C5 / 6 in my spine. Unfortunately, surgery does not make me feel better, only worse. I am not able to work and what they apply for disability. I therapy physical, injections and massages, but nothing makes the pain go away. Muscles are in spasm and the pain spreads steadily in the back. I keep trying to do exercise, but it hurts and I have no balance. I'm locked in the house in the coldest part of the country. I have used antidepressants, but do nothing for myself. tablets against pain does nothing, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, without assistance. I keep looking for things to occupy me. I have no health insurance. I'm sorry for me and not good. What I can do?
It may be that surgeons failed operation. I suggest you try to find a lawyer willing to work urgently on to attend a judicial solution. So, if your claim is successful, you can use these funds to find an appropriate medical center and its efforts to restart relieve pain.
Cervical Bulging Disc Pain Relief | Austin Chiropractor | Dr. John D. Carlson
Yoga Journal:Yoga for Strength and ToningWhether you’re an athlete,a yoga practitioner,or anyone interested in a great workout,these challenging practices will provide you with visible results. The 60&ndsh;minute Toning and Strengthening Sequence,along with the 30&ndsh;minute Core Practice,will work your body in new and different ways and leave you feeling stronger,leaner,and more flexible. …
Yoga Therapy for Back Pain includes 13 routines to help restore proper function to the entire back. These safe and gentle exercises increase mobility and reduce pain. This beautifully filmed DVD features five 15 minute & five 30 minute routines for the upper back, sciatic pain, bulging disk and sacro-iliac joint pain. Each condition is addressed separately, so you will get the proper care for your…
Improve your posture, relieve back pain. Lumbar Extender stretches your back easily, safely, affordably. SAVE BIG! Rigid muscles, overstretching, poor spinal alignment… just a few of the culprits that can wreak havoc on your back. Fight back with the Lumbar Extender. Simply place this curved, multi-level back stretching device on the floor, recline onto its arched surface, and center your spine …
After suffering a herniated disc in his lower back, how long it takes for the pain radiates down the leg?
I have two herniated discs back (L5/S1, L4). I was hurt, w / or specific treatment for the disks in a year. It took 3 1 / 2 months a pain to move my leg back (w / butt and hip pain developing steadily during this period.) I was decent but not too active. It usually take so long?
Any pain in surveying the needs of the leg on a sofa. For back pain, the best solution is to do sit-ups every two days to re-build strength. The best fast way out of pain (pain) is sleeping in a sleeping bag over night to circulate the flow of body heat. U wake up without pain. It really works, try.
Haverhill Family Chiropractic-Herniated Disc Testimonial
I recently had a herniated disc at the L5/S1 that was putting pressure on the S1 nerve root. It was described as “very small” but nontheless it was a herniated disc. The doc told me I had to restrict my excercising. Basically, what exercises should I stay away from? Those that put weight above my head, high intensity? If you know for sure, please let me know..
Bad exercise in your case: deadlift, jumping, sprint, sit-ups, etc
Five exercise to avoid in general: upright rows, behind the back pulldowns, behind the neck shoulder presses, stiff-legged deadlifts on the bench, sit-ups
The Lumbar region begins at the ending of the thoracic and ends with the lowest vertebrae attaching at the sacrum/pelvis. This is the area where most injuries occur. The L-5, S-1 segment is the most likely to be damaged of all the vertebrae in the back structure because it is the recipient of the greatest load bearing in comparison to the rest of the spinal column
The vertebrae of the lumbar region are larger than those of the cervical and thoracic areas. These vertebrae are responsible for supporting the body’s weight. Extremely powerful lumbar muscles attach to this part of the spine.
The facet joints connect the vertebrae above and below one another and their shape restricts rotational movement of the lumbar spine. Flexion to the side, and extension and flexion of the lower back are all controlled by the lumbar facet joints. Amazingly enough they are non-weight bearing and acting in a passive manner unless the spine is extended or arched backward. The slight curve of the lower back is produced by the shape of these vertebrae and this curve is different for each individual.
It should not be a surprise to learn that different postures alter the pressure on the inter-vertebral discs. Review the following chart and notice the tremendous differences of load supported by the back in the various body positions. Especially note the last entry 269% of body weight simply by not using good body position to lift an object of only 44 pounds.
Position/activity Disc pressure expressed as a % of body weight
Supine with both knees flexed 5%
Supine lying face up 25%
Side-lying 75%
Seated in a flexed position 85%
Standing 100%
Coughing or sneezing 105 to 135%
Walking 115%
Rotation 120%
Side bending 125%
Small jumps 140%
Laughing 140 to 150%
Standing and bending forward 150%
Lifting 44 pounds with the back straight and the knees bent (good body mechanics) 173%
Lifting 44 pounds with the back bent and the knees straight (poor body mechanics) 269%
Because of the effect of leverage, presses up over your head may put you in a vunerable position if instability occurs. Disc pressure will be well close to 200% of your body weight. Don’t do that. Go swimming if you can or start learning now.
^_^ … … rest and ask for referral from your doctor to rehabilitation
CANADIAN DECOMPRESSION AND PAIN CENTRE , TORONTO, CANADA
Abdominal exercises do not exert any pressure on your back?
I used to play sports, but I'm a little out of shape now. I want to recover form, but I am not allowed to do crunches or other exercises abdominal muscles I know I have a herniated disc part (herniated disk) in the L5-S1. I am not allowed to go out running too! I would really appreciate if someone could give me some tips or ideeas. I had this back problem for 3 years without any sign of recovery until the day after having met all the tips I got from the doctors! Please, thank you, no matter … a laugh that was not funny, only not really assistance. so my situation does not really make me feel like laughing a lot!
Many people are in the same measure in this regard. They want to tone abs without putting pressure on the back – lower back in particular. Many people do crunches in the wrong direction, putting additional pressure in the lower back. Please click the link below to see a good video in very good way to do squats and abs without hurting your back. «Back to the right – this is not fun for you, but I hope you can smile after doing abdominal exercises that work and do not feel back pain. Also, make sure your posture is good or when standing. Keep your back straight. When lifting things, always bend your legs and pick them up with your legs and not your back. In addition, you should try the stomach is emptied periodically when sitting for long periods of time, as when you are driving long distances. Click the link below for the second instructions. All my best wishes to you.
good exercise / stretching to strengthen the lower back?
I am a man 20 years old and I have some serious performance problems. i herniated my L4 L5 and the disks are about 3 years and have had many problems since then. I went to physical therapy and had three epidural injections and has none of this fixed my problem. I can not stand for more than 10 minutes without burning and tingling in my right leg, then goes completely numb. I recently started trying to walk more for exercise and biking. I have some ideas on stretching and strengthening exercises you can do to improve my condition. Thanks for the tips of advancee.
I do not know if that helps, back problems may be different for different people. I used to have problems with lower back, felt like I was about to "go." An exercise building I've done is – a lie on his back two pieces of the knees to the chest 3 is formed by hand into a fist, and put them under your buttocks (To increase) 4 Slowly lift your knees toward your chest, then again with knees bent, feet of rock slowly and cautiously toward the ground. Do not go all the way to the floor as much as you feel comfortable. Gradually feel stronger and be able to go further. It uses the weight of your legs as a resistance. In addition, a pelvic examination of the activity can help pushing. (Stand with hands on knees, lean and around your back.) It feels a bit obscene, but may also increase. You may have to go to a center different treatment. They must be able to say that the best exercise for you. Also, if you go to sleep – just might be a pinched nerve? This may be different from his latest injury. You may need another MRI or something. Have you had disc surgery? It can be – OK. Luckily my husband had surgery back two years ago, and his doctor said he can not be painless.
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Would I be able go get through airport Security with a TENS unit strapped to my body?
I am going on an International flight in a couple weeks. I am also suffering back pain (herniated discs, arthritis, etc) which I am sure will be aggravated by a 14 hour flight. A TENS unit gives me some relief.
Take it off before going through security. They’ll scan it in the x-ray machine, perhaps ask some questions and show it working, but it should be fine.
Back Pain Relief: Surgery without incision: MUA TexasMUA.com
Yoga Journal:Yoga for Strength and ToningWhether you’re an athlete,a yoga practitioner,or anyone interested in a great workout,these challenging practices will provide you with visible results. The 60&ndsh;minute Toning and Strengthening Sequence,along with the 30&ndsh;minute Core Practice,will work your body in new and different ways and leave you feeling stronger,leaner,and more flexible. …
Yoga Therapy for Back Pain includes 13 routines to help restore proper function to the entire back. These safe and gentle exercises increase mobility and reduce pain. This beautifully filmed DVD features five 15 minute & five 30 minute routines for the upper back, sciatic pain, bulging disk and sacro-iliac joint pain. Each condition is addressed separately, so you will get the proper care for your…
I was in a car accident and it concerns me 7 herniated discs … 4 on my neck and lower back in March. They also suffer from TOS (thoracic outlet syndrome) in my right shoulder. I do not want to take pain medication on a regular basis … any suggestions would be helpful …. need more information please ask …. Thanks
There are many options and a good doctor who has a combination and methods. Good practice is to ensure that drugs are combined with a range of other treatments for best results.
Yoga Journal:Yoga for Strength and ToningWhether you’re an athlete,a yoga practitioner,or anyone interested in a great workout,these challenging practices will provide you with visible results. The 60&ndsh;minute Toning and Strengthening Sequence,along with the 30&ndsh;minute Core Practice,will work your body in new and different ways and leave you feeling stronger,leaner,and more flexible. …
Yoga Therapy for Back Pain includes 13 routines to help restore proper function to the entire back. These safe and gentle exercises increase mobility and reduce pain. This beautifully filmed DVD features five 15 minute & five 30 minute routines for the upper back, sciatic pain, bulging disk and sacro-iliac joint pain. Each condition is addressed separately, so you will get the proper care for your…
Yes.
The herniated disk is protruding and being squashed by the vertabra that is surrounding it.
This causes great pain usually and dizziness. Plus a number of other things. Such as numbness/and or tingling in the face and neck.
West Los Angeles, CA Chiropractor Frank E. Kaden, DC and Neck Pain
1. Symptoms like chest tightness, palpitation, insufficient lung capacity, difficulty breathing, stiffness, soreness and pain of the shoulder and arms caused by compression of the thoracic vertebrae.
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Many patients with back pain, leg pain, or weakness of the lower extremity muscles are diagnosed with a herniated disc. When a disc herniation occurs, the cushion that sits between the spinal vertebra is pushed outside its normal position. A herniated disc would not be a problem if it weren’t for the spinal nerves that are very close to the edge of these spinal discs.
What is the spinal disc?
The spinal disc is a soft cushion that sits between each vertabrae of the spine. This spinal disc becomes more rigid with age. In a young individual, the disc is soft and elastic, but like so many other structures in the body, the disc gradually looses its elasticity and is more vulnerable to injury. In fact, even in individuals as young as 30, MRIs show evidence of disc deterioration in about 30% of people.
What happens with a ‘herniated disc’? (Click here for a cool illustration) There are several causes for disc herniations. The most common is related to degenerative changes associated with chronic subluxations (misalignment of the vertebrae). When vertebrae are left out of place not only can it cause pain, but the misalignment causes degenerative changes . As the spinal disc becomes less elastic, it can rupture. When the disc ruptures, a portion of the spinal disc pushes outside its normal boundary–this is called a herniated disc. When a herniated disc bulges out from between the vertebrae, the spinal nerves and spinal cord can become pinched.
What causes symptoms of a herniated disc?
When the herniated disc ruptures and pushes out, the nerves may become pinched. A herniated disc may occur suddenly in an event such as a fall or an accident, or may occur gradually due to subluxations that have been left uncorrected resulting in repetitive trauma of the spine. Often people who experience a herniated disc already have misalignment of their vertebrae or spinal stenosis, a problem that causes narrowing of the space around the spinal cord and spinal nerves. When a herniated disc occurs, the space for the nerves is further diminished, and irritation of the nerve results. This makes any misalignment of the vertebrae, much more critical.
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
When the spinal cord or spinal nerves become compressed, they don’t work properly. This means that abnormal signals may get passed from the compressed nerves, or signals may not get passed at all. Common symptoms of a herniated disc include:
· Electric Shock PainPressure on the nerve can cause abnormal sensations, commonly experienced as electric shock pains. When the compression occurs in the cervical (neck) region, the shocks go down your arms, when the compression is in the lumbar (low back) region, the shocks go down your legs.
· Tingling & Numbness
Patients often have abnormal sensations such as tingling, numbness, or pins and needles. These symptoms may be experienced in the same region as painful electric shock sensations.
· Muscle Weakness Because of the nerve irritation, signals from the brain may be interrupted causing muscle weakness. Nerve irritation can also be tested by examining reflexes.
· Bowel or Bladder Problems
These symptoms are important because it may be a sign of cauda equina syndrome, a possible condition resulting from a herniated disc. This is a medical emergency, and your should see your doctor immediately if you have problems urinating, having bowel movements, or if you have numbness around your genitals.
All of these symptoms are due to the irritation of the nerve from the herniated disc. By interfering with the pathway by which signals are sent from your brain out to your extremities and back to the brain, all of these symptoms can be caused by a herniated disc pressing against the nerves.
How is the diagnosis of a herniated disc made?
At Barton Chiropractic in Concord the diagnosis of a herniated disc is made by physical examination. By testing sensation, muscle strength, and reflexes, your Chiropractor can often establish the diagnosis of a herniated disc.
An MRI is commonly used to aid in making the diagnosis of a herniated disc. It is very important that patients understand that the MRI is only useful when used in conjunction with examination findings. Patients in their 20s may begin to have signs of disc wear, and this type of wear would be expected on MRIs of patients in their 40s and 50s. This is due to the fact that most people have chronic conditions that have been left unchecked for years. Low back pain that has “gone away by itself.” Symptoms come and go, but problems do not correct themselves.
Making the diagnosis of a herniated disc, and coming up with a treatment plan depends on the symptoms experienced by the patient, the physical examination findings, and the x-ray and MRI results. Only once this information is put together can a reasonable treatment plan be considered.
Treatment of a herniated disc depends on a number of factors including:
· Symptoms experienced by the patient
· Age of the patient
· Activity level of the patient
· Presence of worsening symptoms
Most often, treatments of a herniated disc begin conservatively, and become more aggressive if the symptoms persist. After diagnosing a herniated disc, treatment usually begins with:
· Chiropractic adjustments
· This is the only way to correct the underlying cause of the herniation which is the misalignment of the vertebrae.
· Rest & Activity Modification
The first treatment is to rest and avoid activities that aggravate your symptoms. It is important to avoid activities that aggravate your symptoms.
· Ice & Heat Applications
Ice application can be extremely helpful in relieving the painful symptoms of a disc herniation. By helping to relax the muscles of the back, ice and heat applications can relieve muscle spasm and provide significant pain relief. Check with your doctor at Barton Chiropractic in Concord to see which is right for you.
· Physical Therapy
Physical therapy and lumbar stabilization exercises do not directly affect the recovery of the herniated disc, but they can stabilize the lumbar spine muscles. This has an effect of decreasing the load experienced by the disc and vertebrae. Stronger, well balanced muscles help control the lumbar spine and minimize the risk or injury to the nerves and the disc, however recent research has shown that more often than not, patients will increase the severity of their condition by exercising due to the fact that the vertebrae are misaligned. The safest exercise for a herniated disc is walking and nothing else unless you are under the supervision of a doctor. When your doctor feels you are ready, we will start you on a rehabilitative exercise program.
· Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed, and often help relieve the pain associated with a disc herniation. By reducing inflammation, these drugs can relieve some pressure on the compressed nerves. NSAIDs should be used only under your doctor’s supervision and as a last resort. They just cover up the pain.
· Oral Steroid Drugs
Oral steroid drugs can be very helpful in episodes of an acute (sudden) disc herniation. Drugs used include Prednisone and Medrol. However these drugs have severe side effects.
The side effects of prednisone include adrenal suppression, Adrenal suppression refers to the body’s inability to synthesize natural corticosteroids, resulting in a dependency on the prednisone taken by the patient. Stopping prednisone treatment abruptly can cause the life-threatening Addison’s disease, in which in the body no longer produces sufficient amounts of adrenal steroid hormones
The short-term side effects of prednisone use include high blood glucose levels. Other short-term side effects of prednisone include insomnia, euphoria and, in some cases, even mania. Using prednisone for long periods can cause side effects such as Cushing’s syndrome, weight gain, osteoporosis, glaucoma and type II diabetes mellitus. Upon withdrawal of prednisone after long-term use, patients also suffer from depression. Almost all long-term users of prednisone experience a reduction in their sex drive, as well.
Prednisone use can affect the eyes as well. The most common side effects in the context are glaucoma and cataract formation.
Prednisone use of any period can give rise to many other side effects such as unnatural fatigue or weakness, abdominal pain, blurring of vision, peptic ulcers, infections, pain in the hips or shoulders, osteoporosis, occurrence of acne and sleeplessness. Some of the less serious side effects of prednisone include weight gain, stretch marks on the skin, swelling in the face, nervousness, increase in appetite and hyperactivity.
· Epidural Steroid Injections
Injections of cortisone can be administered directly in the area of nerve compression. Like oral anti-inflammatory drugs, the idea is to relieve the compression on the nerves. When the injection is used, the drug is delivered to the area of the disc herniation, rather than being taken orally and travelling throughout your body.
Is back surgery necessary in the treatment of a disc herniation?
Not usually. Chiropractic care has been showt to have amazing results whith disc herniations. (Click to read research documents).
About the Author
Christian
Married for 23 years
Father of five GREAT children
Private practice for 23 years
Yoga Journal:Yoga for Strength and ToningWhether you’re an athlete,a yoga practitioner,or anyone interested in a great workout,these challenging practices will provide you with visible results. The 60&ndsh;minute Toning and Strengthening Sequence,along with the 30&ndsh;minute Core Practice,will work your body in new and different ways and leave you feeling stronger,leaner,and more flexible. …
Yoga Therapy for Back Pain includes 13 routines to help restore proper function to the entire back. These safe and gentle exercises increase mobility and reduce pain. This beautifully filmed DVD features five 15 minute & five 30 minute routines for the upper back, sciatic pain, bulging disk and sacro-iliac joint pain. Each condition is addressed separately, so you will get the proper care for your…
In the DVD volume 4 who is the internationally renowned expert in the Medical and Sports Massage, will provides a detailed verbal explanation followed by on screen caption commentaries at the time of hands-on performance. He teaches how to perform region specific self-massage for painful lower back region, including trigger point therapy, application of hot stones and ice, post isometric relaxatio…
I’m 14 years old and I’m pretty tall (5’8) so I can hide my “chub” pretty easily. (awesome benefit of being tall!!) However, I want to get that toned, bikini body. I’m hoping to lose about 20 pounds. What is a diet that is effective and somewhat easy to do. I have the whole summer, so I’m starting now!!!
**Also, I have a fractured back and a herniated disc in my neck, so I am out of ALL exercising……..just tell me a good diet…..not that I have to exercise. Thanks sooo much!!!!
I’m currently on the GI-plan.
It works by balancing your blood-sugar levels, releasing the right amount of sugar at the right times so that you don’t feel hungry.
It’s not a ‘diet’ as such – it’s a new way of life – a healthy eating plan.
It really does work. You don’t feel hungry, it gives you healthy alternatives for snacks (which are actually quite tasty!) and you can lose the weight without doing any exercise.
Good luck! Hope this helps a bit!
Dr. Bryan Haas Demonstrates Spinal Molding Exercises Los Angeles Montrose Ca Chiropractor
Yoga Journal:Yoga for Strength and ToningWhether you’re an athlete,a yoga practitioner,or anyone interested in a great workout,these challenging practices will provide you with visible results. The 60&ndsh;minute Toning and Strengthening Sequence,along with the 30&ndsh;minute Core Practice,will work your body in new and different ways and leave you feeling stronger,leaner,and more flexible. …
Yoga Therapy for Back Pain includes 13 routines to help restore proper function to the entire back. These safe and gentle exercises increase mobility and reduce pain. This beautifully filmed DVD features five 15 minute & five 30 minute routines for the upper back, sciatic pain, bulging disk and sacro-iliac joint pain. Each condition is addressed separately, so you will get the proper care for your…
Improve your posture, relieve back pain. Lumbar Extender stretches your back easily, safely, affordably. SAVE BIG! Rigid muscles, overstretching, poor spinal alignment… just a few of the culprits that can wreak havoc on your back. Fight back with the Lumbar Extender. Simply place this curved, multi-level back stretching device on the floor, recline onto its arched surface, and center your spine …
What is a good exercise program for back problems?
I injured my back leaving me with multiple herniated discs. I used to do Karate and am no longer able to do it. I feel so inactive now. I was thinking about Yoga or Pilates but I haven’t done them before so I don’t know if they put any stress on the back or neck. I want to do something that is somewhat strenous instead of just stretching. Any suggestions??
I like swimming, but it can require a lot of leg and ab strength, and if you have been out of the game for a while, that might be difficult to start with. I think that Winsdor Pilates should be definitely looked into for you; it was created by a doctor in WWII who wanted to rehabilitate soldiers who were incapacitated from various war wounds (like loss of limbs, paralysis and such) and help them regain muscle strength.
Both mat and “machine” Pilates have their benefits and drawbacks, but because they were created for the purpose of strengthening back, abs, and general core muscles, both types of excercise will do the trick. Trust me, they are both quite heavy on the toning side of things,which may not sound strenous, but just try it for the first time and see how strenous they are!
Yoga is along the same lines but is, in my opinion, something one should attempt once some core strength has been realized. If you have back injuries, any knowledgeable person would probably tell you to find a class, instructor or situation that combined all of these techniques. There are quite a few yoga studios that encompass all of these techniques; look for one in your area that works with all of them.
The other thing is to make sure that you follow up your routines with appropriate chiropractic care. Even before your injury, the impact of Karate probably was doing a number on your spine and associated parts. A chiropractor should, in my opinion, be the backbone of your workout. Your chirporactor can, over time, help your bones and attached skeletal muscles hold in the right positions so that as you do your workouts, your discs don’t go anywhere they are not supposed to go. They can take a lot of the pain and inflammation that has plagued you for so long, and will help you speed up your recovery. Once your back is in good shape, it will be much easier for you to do everything, not just exercise.
You cannot stretch enough. I know it doesn’t seem like it’s doing much, but as you do get back into the swing of things, your flexibility will be invaluable. Once you have gained some initial strength through the Pilates and yoga, move back into some assisted help, either with a trainer, physical therapist, or someone of that ilk, with some light weight training and walking-not running-on the treadmill or cardio machine of your choice. It’s important not to go it alone in this stage, as someone can help spot you, particularly on free weights with your injuries at first.
I think that the most important thing to remember is that you can’ t spot train your spine into behaving. It is the nerve center of your body and requires the toning of all the skeletal muscles that interact with it. This is why you really need to listen to your body. Stuff like stair climbing on a cardio machine might be too much for you initially, so just try it for a few minutes and see how things go. So whole body workouts, whether or not they include impact exercise, will tone and burn fat gradually as your back strengthens.
If you have some weight to lose as a result of a lack of activity, be patient with yourself. You only get one spine, and yours may not ever be the same if you beat it up too much. If you work your way back into things slowly, you will be back to your best shape in no time.
Yoga Journal:Yoga for Strength and ToningWhether you’re an athlete,a yoga practitioner,or anyone interested in a great workout,these challenging practices will provide you with visible results. The 60&ndsh;minute Toning and Strengthening Sequence,along with the 30&ndsh;minute Core Practice,will work your body in new and different ways and leave you feeling stronger,leaner,and more flexible. …
Improve your posture, relieve back pain. Lumbar Extender stretches your back easily, safely, affordably. SAVE BIG! Rigid muscles, overstretching, poor spinal alignment… just a few of the culprits that can wreak havoc on your back. Fight back with the Lumbar Extender. Simply place this curved, multi-level back stretching device on the floor, recline onto its arched surface, and center your spine …
No one is immune. For people from champion athletes to desk-bound white-collar professionals, many simple acts of life–a relaxing evening stroll through the neighborhood, an exhilarating run along a sandy beach, just bending down to tie a loose shoelace-are often acts of torture. The walking wounded suffer from torn rotator cuffs, tennis elbow, jogger’s knees, bad backs, stiff necks, sore feet, a…
