Herniated disc is also called slipped disc or a ruptured disc. It is the leading cause of lower back pain, and related conditions like sciatica or leg pain. This is a commonplace condition, and while 80% of people suffer from lower back pain at some or the other point of time in their lives, a large percentage of us also suffer from herniated disc, which leads to lower back pain or pain in the legs.
Anatomy of the spine
Our spine has 24 small bones stacked on top of each other. These form a canal to protect our spine. There are five vertebrae in the lower back, and this is also known as the lumbar spine. Apart from the vertebrae, the spine has the spinal cord and nerves, which carry messages from the brain to the other parts of the body. And in between the vertebrae are the intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers. These intervertebral discs are just half an inch in thickness and are comprised of Annulus Fibrosus and Nucleus Pulposus. Annulus Fibrosus is the tougher and flexible outer ring of the intervertebral discs, unlike the Nucleus Pulposus, which is the inner part of these discs. Nucleus Pulposus is the soft and jelly like substance.
What is a herniated disc?
Herniation of the intervetebral discs occurs when owing to wear and tear, or an injury, the Nucleus Pulposus pushes against Annulus Fibrosus. This creates pressure in the Annulus Fibrosus and could lead to pain in the lower back. Similarly, if the outer disc is worn, the Nucleus Pulposus could squeeze out from the same.
When the inner jelly seeps out through the outer ring, it eases symptoms of lower back pain as it creates more room for the nerves. Symptoms of sciatica, or leg pain, however could worsen, because this could cause inflammation of the nerves.
What causes a herniated disc?
As children and young adults, we have a high water content in the discs, but with age, these discs tend to dry up and shrink, and this is also known as disc degeneration. Some of the factors that enhance one's risk of suffering from a herniated disc are being overweight or having an improper posture, especially while activities like lifting.
Physiotherapy for Herniated Disc: The Decompression Belt
Physiotherapy is very often recommended to be the initial treatment for a condition like a herniated disc. If you suffer from back pain or related pain in your legs, you must try the Decompression Belt, a home traction device that really works. While the Decompression Belt is easy to use and portable, it is highly effective for ensuring relief from pain.
On inflation, the Decompression Belt rises vertically in height to provide traction and decompression to the spine, and correspondingly create a negative pressure within the intervertebral discs, such that the bulging material and herniations are sucked back into the discs. This makes more room for the nerves and helps overcome any underlying conditions that may be causing pain, like a pinched nerve in the back.
Now with the Decompression Belt, straighten your spine as the pain goes away. The Decompression Belt not just reduces pressure on painful discs and joints, but also stretches tight muscles and helps support the back, so your back feels great. Overcome the pain with the Decompression Belt, while you work, play or relax!
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Harshad has been into freelance writing for some time now. Some of the topics he loves to write about are health, wellness, life & lifestyle, fitness & spirituality.