I Have a Herniated Disc! Now What?
A herniated disc is one of those health conditions that most people have heard of, but few very know what it means. With any luck, you’ll never need to experience it firsthand! But it’s important to understand what a herniated disc is, what the symptoms are, and what you can do if this often-difficult disc issue ever strikes.
As you may already know, your spine is made up of different segments called vertebrae. Each vertebra is cushioned by a spinal disc. When these discs are healthy, they’re like shock absorbers for the spine. These discs are what keep your spine flexible and mobile as it should be.
In some cases, however, a disc may become damaged. A herniated disc is one that has bulged or even broken open. It’s also commonly referred to as a slipped disc or a ruptured disc.
Why Do Our Discs Get Damaged?
There are plenty of reasons you could end up with a herniated disc. Our spines, though meant to take wear and tear, can end up with too much of it over time. The most typical cause of a herniated disc is that wear and tear, which occurs over time. The discs of our back should remain flexible and hydrated, but they can lose fluid and become less flexible.
The outer layer of the disc, once it loses some of that hydration, can get small cracks or tears. The disc itself can slip through those, making the disc bulge or break open.
Wear and tear isn’t, however, the only cause of a herniated disc. It can also be the result of an injury. It could be something like lifting a heavy object or even a simple sneeze! That’s just one of many reasons to take it incredibly seriously when you have back pain, particularly if it turns chronic.
It’s of the utmost importance to remember proper lifting techniques, to take it slow, and to ensure there is never more pressure than necessary on your back. When performing repetitive activities, be sure to reduce the stress on your spine as much as you possibly can.
The Signs of a Herniated Disc
It’s important to know that one of the symptoms that you may have a herniated disc is: nothing! That’s right; there may be no pain involved that would make you realize an issue is present. It’s only if the herniated disc presses on a nerve that you’ll experience discomfort. If that occurs, you may notice
- Pain down the leg
- Tingling or numbness in one leg
- Weakness in the leg
- Severe muscle spasm and pain
What to Do to Get Help
If you experience pain that doesn’t go away in a short time period, it’s time to get help. Give us a call as quickly as possible. There are several avenues of treatment for a herniated disc. An adjustment can reduce the pressure on your spine, relieving your pain and get you back on the path to living your life!
How to Use the Power of Positivity In Your Life
For decades now, we’ve been hearing all about the power of positivity. There are bestselling books, online articles, and podcasts that are all about being more positive. So what’s behind this phenomenon, and how can it be of benefit to you?
Often, people think that positive thinking means they ignore the less pleasant situations in life. In actuality, it just means that you see those times of unpleasantness in more positive, productive ways. You think the best is going to happen, and you’re able to see silver linings. Getting there, however, takes work.
Research shows overwhelmingly that thinking positive and being optimistic has incredible effects on your health and well-being. These may include
- Increased life span
- Lower depression rates
- Lower levels of pain
- Greater physical and psychological well-being
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Reduced risk of cancer, respiratory illness, and infections
- Better ability to cope with stress and hardship
From the list above, you can see how beneficial positive thinking would be. But how do you get started, if you’re not already feeling very optimistic?
The Daily Life Habits You Need
Your first step is to identify when these behaviors are occurring. Then, you need to focus on how to shift this negativity into positivity. Remember, this is a process that will take time and practice. Creating new habits does not occur overnight!
Here are some steps you can take toward being the best version of you:
- Identify which areas you need to make changes in. You may think negatively about your your job duties or a relationship with someone in your life. Focus first on one area rather than feeling pulled in so many directions. Consider some positive ways to manage the stress in this particular area of your life.
- Check your thinking. During the day, have regular intervals where you assess your thoughts. Are they mainly negative? Look for a positive spin you can put on them. To remember that you need to evaluate your thoughts regularly, consider setting a phone alarm.
- Remember the power of humor. Laugh, smile, and look for the humor, even in your typical, everyday activities. During difficult times, this can carry you through. Not feeling it? Fake it until you make it. You may find your pretend smile becomes genuine more quickly than you thought possible
- Consider other aspects of your lifestyle. If you want your mind to be healthy, your body has to get there first. Eat the right foods that support your well-being. Move your body regularly. Get ample amounts of sleep. Manage your stress levels.
- Have the right people around. You want to surround yourself with supportive people who you can turn to for good advice and positive feedback. Negative people can often increase your stress levels, which is the last thing you need when you’re trying to make positive life changes.
Remember, you are your own worst critic! But by drowning out the negativity with positivity, you will start defaulting to the positive self-talk.