Disc Pain Can Be Incapacitating
Back pain and disc problems can be a complex issue with multiple diagnoses, causes and symptoms, but there are certain best practices to help you maintain good spinal and muscular back health that will help you not only relieve some if not 
all of the pain you have but can also help prevent further issues in the future. First, if you currently have back pain, and this pain is new to you, it is likely that your pain and the condition causing you pain is temporary; brought on by a minor accident or other injury. Of course a more severe injury can cause a disc to bulge or herniate. This type of pain can be very severe and incapacitating.
Natural Ways to Help Back Pain
Below are some tips that you can try at home to help alleviate existing back and disc pain and help prevent problems in the future:
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach: Sleeping on your stomach puts significant pressure and strain on the spine and encourages misalignment (or subluxation) of your vertebrae over time. It is best to sleep on a firm mattress on your back or on your side to help keep your back properly aligned and prevent injury and strain.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Ensure that your shoes have proper arch support, have plenty of room for your foot and toes, have ample heel cushioning and only have a very low heel if any. Consider using orthopedic inserts based on an individual foot analysis for best results. If you do wear high heels, it is best to only wear them for the shortest period of time possible, but if you are already experiencing back pain, do not wear high heels at all. High heels reinforce back misalignment problems, distribute body weight from the neck to the toes unnaturally and promote back discomfort.
- Ice packs and heating pads: Initially following an injury, you want to apply ice to the affected area. In our office we often use ice packs for up to a week (or more) following an injury. Eventually, you may want to alternate between applying heat and cold to the sore area of your back to help relieve pain. Alternating between the temperatures causes your muscles to expand and contract, allowing them to gradually work out painful spasms and reduce swelling, relieving pain.
- Topical Analgesics: A gentle back rub on the affected area with a natural topical analgesic such as Sombra can be soothing and help relieve minor pain.
- Exercise: Do not perform any vigorous exercises if you are in severe pain, or you will risk further strain, delaying the healing process and even potentially causing injury. However, light stretches and gentle exercises that do not result in advancing pain can be wonderfully beneficial to help with the healing process. This is particularly true of exercises that can help build back muscles, which will help support proper alignment and skeletal support. Seek advice from your chiropractor or physician for the best exercises for you to do to help and not harm your particular problem.
- Massage: If you do seek massage therapy while having back pain or a disc problem, be certain to explain to your licensed massage therapist exactly what the nature of your pain is the best way you can describe it, where it is located and what your diagnosis for your back pain is from your chiropractor or physician. Be certain to let them know if their massage therapy is too painful at any time to prevent further irritation and even potential injury.
- Chiropractor: Do seek out a proper diagnosis and treatment from an experienced chiropractor and follow the treatment plan prescribed. This may include purchasing orthopedic devices, pillows, shoe inserts, back braces, etc. It may also include exercises, stretches and natural remedies such as vitamin, herb and mineral supplements to help support a balanced, healthy system.
If you are in pain, we want to help. Give my office a call and let them know you’d like to be seen as soon as possible. In most cases, we can see you the same day. Call us now at: 860-583-4346.
Dr David M. Spitz is the founder and clinic director of the Chiropractic Health Center of Bristol, located in Bristol, CT. Since 1982, he has treated thousands of patients for various conditions ranging from neck and back pain, to migraine headaches. He specializes in treating patients who have suffered whiplash injuries and/or back injuries in a motor vehicle accident.
Dr Spitz was a volunteer EMT-I and a lieutenant for several years at the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department. He has lectured throughout CT on various topics including, chiropractic, stress management, headaches and preventing back injury in the workplace.
