Herniated disc means the protrusion of the disc in the spine. It is essentially the same situation as a bulging disc, which can be an extremely painful condition. Its occurrence is manifested by a herniated disc pain that is usually felt on the back or thigh and leg area. A herniated disc is more common in the lumbar area, than any other area in the back.
As a person ages, his or her disc tends to become brittle, dry, and have less of a cushiony existence. Once the disc has weakened, the outer part is prone to tearing or any damage. The internal substance of the disc can push through the tear resulting in a herniated disc. As this happens, the person can experience herniated disc pain. Herniated disc is far more common in people aged 30 and over.
Herniated disc pain can be felt at the lower back part down to the legs and feet, which often throws sufferers initially- as the pain is not necessary localized to the problem area. However generally, the pain is felt in the one side only. The pain will be concentrated depending on which side the weak or damaged disc is located. The intensity of the herniated disc pain also varies on the pressure put upon the nerve by the bulging disc. Most patients under this condition complain of spreading pain over their buttocks that goes down one thigh down to their calf. Others experience the herniated disc pain on both legs, while some in some cases the legs can feel weak, numb and have a tingling sensation.
A herniated disc ia also more common in patients who work at their desks or computers for extended periods of time without mobility. In this instance to reduce the amount of herniated disc pain, or to minimize its intensity, try shifting positions and perhaps changing your chair, and making sure to take a break at least once every hour and walk around your home or office. You may discover that supporting yourself up with both your hands while sitting down alleviates the pain. Shifting weight from one side is also helpful. A herniated disc is essentially an alignment problem- the spine becomes adjusted to an unnatural position and you get the bulging disc resulting in herniated disc pain
Physicians test their patients to see if they are really suffering from a herniated disc by asking relevant questions, doing some thorough physical examinations, and diagnostic testing like x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computer tomography scan (CT). Medications may be prescribed to ease the pain- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are often the most effective, specifically ‘Medrol Dose Pack’. Medication is not always effective on its own, and often a rehabilitation course of strengthening exercises can help the patient to correct the poor alignment and build up the muscles surrounding the problematic areas. Failing such treatment, special massages can be effective, chiropractic care, postural changes and the at the utmost last resort, surgery.
Surgeries are only recommended when all the other non-invasive treatments have been exhausted and if severe pain is still present after six weeks or more. However not all patients are eligible for surgery on a herniated disc, it depends entirely on the severity of the condition, and the health of the patient, and other important factors.
Conclusion
Herniated disc pain varies from mild, moderate to extremely agonizing- and obviously pain is a hard thing to estimate unless you are the person experiencing it. Apropos medications and treatments may be readily available- however these may not be the most effective for everyone. It may take some time to discover which style of treatment of the herniated disc is more effective. However rest assured that with the advancements in technologies and medical science that putting up with herniated disc pain is truly a thing of the past.

If you have experimented with the more standard herniated disc treatment, and wish to try something new, it may be well worth considering the traditional Chinese therapy of acupuncture. Acupuncture is perhaps the most popular form of traditional oriental medicine, and it has proven to be quite effective for treatment of a herniated disc and the sciatic pain associated. Further to this the acupuncture can also relieve spinal stenosis, lower back pain nyc, spine root compression, neck pain, neuropathy and other irritating and debilitating diseases.
In some cases Chinese herbs and acupuncture have been proven to be more effective, less risky and less invasive in comparison to more common forms of treatment for a herniated disc such as surgery and oral steroids. Side effects associated with drugs for treating a herniated disc is a common reason for people experimenting with acupuncture.
Acupuncture tends to be even more effective when it is utilized upon the onset of the initial symptoms of a herniated disc such as back spasms and cramps. If the condition of the herniated disc is more severe, often acupuncture will be teamed with traditional Chinese herbal remedies to assist in the recovery process. Further to this the longer lasting effects of acupuncture are realized through combining the treatment with physical therapy and exercises. When acupuncture is delivered correctly there can also be additional benefits for the patient- such as an improvement in mood and less fatigue.
It is very important for one’s recommended doctor or physician to assess the degree of damage involved in the herniated disc and associated sciatica pain, before considering acupuncture as an effective treatment for the herniated disc.
It is a frightening statistic that more than half of the US adult population experience or are affected by sciatica pain. It is that burning pain from the lower back down to the feet caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve resulting in most instances in a herniated disc. The normal reaction for sufferers of a herniated disc and sciatic pain is too improve the posture and walk and site more upright. This however can increase the pressure on the problem area, resulting in further discomfort. It is quite common that, with age and poor nutrition, the back bone and its muscles and other essential body parts deteriorate and breakdown, and factors like overexertion, accidents, diseases, and bad posture all result in back problems.
Acupuncture as a herniated disc treatment when performed as early as possible has been shown to rapidly improve recovery time and ease sciatica pain significantly. Research has shown that the acupuncture stimulates the damaged area of the spine creating naturally occurring steroids encouraging it to repair and producing valuably endorphins in the body. In this natural way the swelling is minimized and the pain of the herniated disc is eased. This dual effect from the acupuncture is why is can be so effective
Conclusion
The benefits of acupuncture often vary from patient to patient and are also very dependent on the person administering the acupuncture. Always seek you doctor or physician’s advice before getting acupuncture treatment for a herniated disc and sciatica pain. Acupuncture is certainly a far more positive option for treating a herniated disc than surgery and more serious oral steroids.