{"id":1164,"date":"2022-10-17T13:28:04","date_gmt":"2022-10-17T13:28:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drkarenhudes.ca\/?p=1164"},"modified":"2022-10-17T13:28:07","modified_gmt":"2022-10-17T13:28:07","slug":"disc-herniation-and-low-back-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drkarenhudes.ca\/index.php\/2022\/10\/17\/disc-herniation-and-low-back-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"Disc Herniation and Low Back Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This week we will start a 10 part series on lower back pain.\u00a0 There are so many causes of lower back pain we wont even try to cover them all here but I will mention the most common and give a few good exercises for most back problems in general for strengthening.\u00a0 Today we will start with the number one most common back problem: disc herniation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disc herniation and back pain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is a super common cause of back pain and can range in severity from mild low back pain to excruciating pain with or without pain down one or both legs all the way to the foot. It can also cause tingling and numbness.\u00a0 But, did you know a whole bunch of the population walks around with a disc bulge without knowing it at all?\u00a0 On MRI 50% of people found to have this feel nothing.\u00a0 So, what is this? Picture a jelly donut. Got it? This donut sits between 2 vertebrae and we call it the disc. Ok, sometimes the jelly in the middle of the donut works its way through the outside \u2018dough\u2019 and comes out or pushes the dough out in a spot \u2013 this lump or extruded jelly can put physical pressure on nerves or cause a ton of inflammation in the area which also puts pressure on nerves \u2013 your body interprets this as pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Disc
Disc Herniations influence the nerves and cause pain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What to do about back pain from a herniated disc<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First get checked by your chiropractor or other healthcare provider. It is important to have an accurate diagnosis to know what to do.\u00a0 Remember that exercises I give are general ones and may not be right for you.\u00a0 If you do have a herniated disc you will most definitely need hands on care to heal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A great exercise for lower back pain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a sweeping generalization though this extension exercise is great for most people and the first one I give to patients with a disc bulge or disc herniation.\u00a0 All you do is stand up and put your hands on your lower back and then gently extend or arch your back then stand right back up.\u00a0 Do this 5-6 times. It takes about 20 seconds.\u00a0 For those with an acute problem I get then to do this once an hour.\u00a0 Others I recommend a few times per day as it is protective and the opposite than all the flexion we usually do (sitting, bending, slouching).\u00a0 See my YouTube video below for a visual demonstration.\u00a0 If you try this and it increases you pain \u2013 STOP and ask your healthcare provider. Always listen to your body!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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