How Can I Heal My Herniated Disc Naturally?

How to Heal Your Herniated Disc Naturally: A Holistic Approach

A herniated disc is a common condition that affects the spine. It occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc protrudes through a tear or a crack in the tough outer layer and compresses or irritates a nearby nerve root or the spinal cord. A herniated disc can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the back, neck, arms, or legs, depending on the location and severity of the nerve compression.

A herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc or ruptured disc, can be caused by various factors, such as aging, injury, poor posture, obesity, or genetics. The conventional treatment for a herniated disc may include medication, injections, or surgery, depending on the response and preference of the patient. However, these treatments may have side effects, risks, or limitations and may not address the root cause or the entirety of the condition.

Is there a natural way to heal a herniated disc without resorting to drugs or surgery? This article will explore some of the natural and holistic methods that can help you heal your herniated disc without resorting to invasive interventions. 

Natural Remedies and Supplements for a Herniated Disc

One of the natural ways to heal a herniated disc is to use remedies and supplements that can reduce the inflammation and pain of the nerve compression. Some of the natural remedies and supplements that can help with a herniated disc are:

• Curcumin – Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric, a spice with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can modulate the immune and inflammatory responses and inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and prostaglandins. Curcumin can also protect the nerve from oxidative stress and damage.
• Bromelain – Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It can help break down the proteins involved in the inflammatory process and reduce the swelling and pain of the nerve compression. Bromelain can also help to enhance the absorption and effectiveness of other anti-inflammatory agents, such as curcumin.
• Magnesium – Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for the health and function of the muscles, nerves, and bones. It can help relax the muscles and nerves that are spasming or cramping due to the nerve compression. Magnesium can also help regulate the calcium balance in the body and prevent the calcification or hardening of the disc and the nerve. Several studies also show magnesium can help reduce the need for painkillers.

Natural Therapies and Exercises for a Herniated Disc

Another natural way to heal a herniated disc is to use therapies and exercises that can improve the function and mobility of the spine and the affected limb. Some of the natural therapies and exercises that can help with a herniated disc are:

• Ice and heat therapy – Applying ice packs or heating pads to the affected area can reduce inflammation and pain. Ice can be used for the first 48 hours after the injury, then switch to heat. Apply for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Physical therapy – A physical therapist can design an exercise program to strengthen your core muscles, improve your posture and flexibility, and reduce pressure on your spinal discs. You may also learn some techniques to manage your pain and prevent further injury.
• Massage therapy – A massage therapist can use various techniques to relax your muscles, increase blood circulation, and stimulate healing. Massage therapy can also reduce stress and anxiety, which can worsen your pain.
• Acupuncture – Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Acupuncture can relieve the pain and inflammation of the nerve compression by activating the endorphin system, modulating the nervous system, and increasing blood circulation.
• Chiropractic – Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. It can restore the alignment and movement of the spine and the disc by applying controlled force or manipulation to the affected area. Chiropractic can also decompress the nerve and reduce the pressure and irritation.
• Yoga – Yoga is a system of physical, mental, and spiritual practices that originated in India and involves various poses, breathing techniques, and meditation. It can stretch and strengthen the muscles and ligaments that support the spine and the disc and increase the flexibility and mobility of the spine and the affected limb. Yoga can also reduce the stress and tension that aggravates the nerve compression.

Natural Lifestyle and Dietary Changes for a Herniated Disc

The third natural way to heal a herniated disc is to make some lifestyle and dietary changes that can prevent or reverse the damage to the disc and the nerve. Some of the lifestyle and dietary changes that can help with a herniated disc are:

• Avoiding or modifying activities that can worsen or trigger the nerve compression, such as prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, or twisting of the spine
• Maintaining a healthy weight, posture, and ergonomics to reduce the stress and strain on the spine and the disc
• Exercising regularly and moderately to strengthen the core and back muscles and increase blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the disc and the nerve
• Following a balanced diet that provides the nutrients and antioxidants that can support tissue repair and regeneration and nerve function and protection. Some of the foods that can help with a herniated disc are bone broth, collagen, leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds.

If you have a herniated disc that is not responding to conservative treatment, a discectomy or less invasive microdiscectomy may be discussed and potentially recommended. Although this is generally a very successful procedure, having a large hole in the outer ring of the disc more than doubles the risk of needing additional herniated disc surgery. A new treatment, Barricaid, is a bone-anchored device that closes this hole, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital. 

If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment, ask your doctor or contact us.

For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.