Sunday, November 2, 2008

Manage Chronic Pain Caused by Narrowing Disc Disease

Back pain can be difficult to deal with, especially if its primary cause is the narrowing of the spinal discs. Narrowing disc disease refers to the gradual loss of the gel-like substance in the center of every vertebra that facilitates movement. Pain in the lower back is the most common symptom of narrowing disc disease. But since there are other diseases that have back pain as a primary symptom, here are some signs to watch out for to determine whether you have the disease:

Continuous, mild, tolerable pain with occasional flare ups for a few days. Pain in the lower back are often dismissed by most people as fatigue or stress. But continuous pain, even without an apparent cause, that intensifies over a few days is a cause of alarm.

Amplified pain when sitting down. People with the disease experience an amplified sense of pain when they sit due to the fact that the discs carry a heavier load when a person is in this particular position.

Exacerbated pain due to movements centered on the lower back. Movements that are centered on the discs or the lower back like bending, lifting, or twisting can make the pain worse.

If you are suffering from narrowing disc disease, here are some tips that can help alleviate the pain and speed up recovery:

1.Rest a lot.

Sitting can cause extreme stress in the spine, especially if you happen to be overweight. The excess weight can cause your lower back muscles and your lumbar spine to seize up and hurt. Rest or lie down on your back and support your back muscles with a firm mattress or cushion. Doing so alleviates the stress and tension on the spine and reduces risks of injuries to the discs. If you have a hurting back, resting for a couple of days can make the pain go away.

2.Take medications.

If you can afford it, you can take supplements with chondroitin, a substance that is known to increase the size of the discs. However, if your back and spine cause chronic pain, it is important that you consult a doctor for possible use of pain medications. There are lot of pain medications available in online pharmacies and local drugstores so you can be sure to find one that is suitable for your condition.

3.Consider spinal manipulation.

You might want to consider undergoing a spine alignment program to ensure that your vertebra are back in good working order. Physical therapists can perform major spine alignment procedures and teach you simple exercises that can help you manage your spine.

4.Go for regular exercises.

Exercising to restore motion and strength to a painful lumbar spine can be very helpful in relieving pain. Some of the most effective spine exercises are aerobic and specific to the spine. Some exercises include walking, jogging, swimming, and bicycling. Aside from strengthening your muscles, these exercises can also improve your flexibility; making spinal movements easier.

5.Practice proper posture.

Often, improper posture is the leading culprit of many spinal injuries and disorders. Practicing proper posture, especially when lifting objects, can reduce your risks of developing narrowing disc disorder. Improperly bending over to lift can cause a large increase in strain on the low back. Proper lifting keeps the back straight while you bend with the knees.



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Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.

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