Disc herniation is a very common health problem today. So much so that, according to medical estimates, 1 in every 100 adults in the world suffers from this condition. Likewise, it is believed that at least 50% of people suffer or suffer from a problem in their backs throughout their lives.
It is known that the herniated disc is more frequent at the cervical or lumbar level, that is, in the neck or lower back. This is because these are the areas with the greatest mobility in the spine. However, a hernia can appear in any segment of it.
Not all persistent back pain corresponds to a herniated disc. Also, not all herniated discs cause pain. It is believed that about 30% of the population could have one of these hernias, without any symptoms manifesting.
Herniated disc
When the disc loses resistance, due to age or trauma, the fibrous ring may rupture and a herniated disc is formed.
The spine is made up of several bones called vertebrae. Adults have 26 vertebrae in total. Each vertebra is separated from the next and the previous one by means of structures called intervertebral discs. There are only no discs in the sacrum and coccyx area.
The discs are formed by a pulpy tissue. Its main function is to cushion the impact between the vertebrae, during movement. These have a high water content, which begins to diminish over the years.
These discs have a fibrous ring that surrounds them. When the disc loses resistance, due to age or trauma, the fibrous ring may break. That is when the herniated disc is formed, which is usually painful and even disabling. Many times it is corrected through surgery, but it can also be treated by going to alternative solutions.
Nutrition as a means to treat the herniated disc
One of the measures both to prevent and to treat herniated disc is to follow a proper diet. It is very important to drink enough water daily. It is recommended that an adult consume at least two liters a day. This protects the intervertebral discs and reduces inflammation if there is a herniated disc.
The diet alone does not correct a herniated disc, but it does contribute decisively in the treatment. Combined with other actions usually give good results. It is advisable to have a diet based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and all kinds of antioxidant foods.
Likewise, acidifying or inflammatory elements should be avoided. Some of these are red meat, sugar, all foods that contain preservatives or dyes, those that contain gluten and the so-called “junk food”, among others.
Physiotherapy and chiropractic
Both physiotherapy and chiropractic can help the rehabilitation of a herniated disc. However, they must be performed by a professional.
Physiotherapy is one of the most used resources to treat disc conditions. Usually, the health professional indicates an exercise routine that should be followed scrupulously. It is also very frequent that measures such as application of cold, heat, or both are used in the affected area.
One of the most effective treatments for a herniated disc is chiropractic. Against this point, it is important to emphasize that whoever carries out this type of intervention has to be someone really trained and experienced. Bad chiropractic can not only be ineffective but in some cases dangerous.
A good chiropractor is able to correct a herniated disc, either cervical or lumbar. The goal of this treatment is that the vertebra reabsorbs the tissue and the hernia heals completely. In the early stages, it is also a very effective measure against pain.
Phytotherapy
There are some medicinal plants that can be taken as an infusion and that help treat the symptoms of a herniated disc. In particular, they reduce inflammation and pain. One of the most effective is the infusion of thyme, oregano, and horsetail. Together they have an anti-inflammatory effect that is beneficial for this condition.
- You just have to take a bowl and add half a liter of water.
- Then, pour there a teaspoon of thyme, one of oregano and one of horsetail.
- Bring to medium heat and simmer for five minutes.
- Then, stand for 10 minutes and strain.
- You should drink three cups a day, before each meal.
You can also prepare an infusion of thyme and rosemary, in the same way. Other plants that serve the same purpose are white willow bark and harpagofito root. Remember that none of these measures replace medical consultation.
