Things To Try Before Getting Back Surgery On A Herniated Disc

What to try before you have back surgery on yourGet a few opinions: Have you really tried everything?
herniated discSurgery of any sort always involves calculated risks
If you or someone you care for is due for backthat you must be fully aware of. Spinal surgery in
surgery on a herniated disc, then this may be theparticular can be risky, and a positive outcome is not
most important letter you ever read.always achieved. Be sure to try a number of
Here's why…Going straight in for back surgeryconservative treatments (physiotherapy, osteopathy,
on a herniated disc without taking some crucial stepschiropractic, acupuncture) before you decide to walk
to prepare can increase the already inherent risks ofdown the path of surgery. For the majority, surgery
such surgery on general health.can provide some relief but the degree of
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapists are experts atimprovement varies from person to person. There
assessing and treating disorders of the spine. Gettingare also cases of chronic pain that develop and
professional help early can dramatically reduce yourpersist after spinal surgery.
recovery time and get you back to work and sportMcKenzie Exercises: Robyn McKenzie is a
more quickly. You will receive advice on exercises andphysiotherapist from New Zealand who developed a
movements to avoid, as well as those thatsystem of assessing and treating spinal problems,
encourage healing. Many physiotherapists areincluding disc injuries. Her exercises and advice are
experienced at teaching pilates and can design abased on positions and movements that encourage
program to strengthen your back and preventappropriate "re-positioning" of the disc fragments.
further injury in the future.Once the disc is sitting in its correct position, it will
Pilates: While it may be the latest fashion in sportsnot be painfully impinging on nerves and tissues
and exercise, there is real benefit to be found fromaround the spine. Many physiotherapists are skilled in
Pilates. Pilates exercises are based on improvingMcKenzie therapy.
posture and strengthening the "core" muscles.Hydrotherapy: Combining exercise in a warm
Whenever there is an injury or pain in the lowerenvironment where there is no gravity can be
back, the core muscles reflexively "switch off";absolutely superb in relieving pain and improving your
Pilates can help to "switch on" your core again aftermobility. Hydrotherapy is an excellent place to begin
injury. A strong core will provide crucial support andrehabilitation exercises.
reinforcement to the lower back. Make sure youAvoid activities that irritate herniated discs: Whenever
participate in a Clinical Pilates class that is run by anwe "herniate" or "bulge" a disc, it is usually displaced
experienced physiotherapist.either backwards or backwards and to the side. The
Heat packs: Physiotherapists will frequentlyfollowing activities and positions can really irritate a
recommend the use of heat packs as a selfdisc problem: Sitting, Bending towards your toes,
management strategy. Heat packs are a wonderfulBending forwards and twisting at the same time,
and simple pain relief device that have been usedLifting, Driving long distances, Yard work, Gardening
successfully for thousands of years. The applicationThe following can help to relieve pain and pressure on
of heat will assist in reducing or blocking painan injured disc: Laying on your tummy, standing up,
sensations to your brain and will also encourage tightWalking, McKenzie exercises, Pilates exercises with an
muscles to relax. This will leave you with more"extension" bias (ask your pilates instructor or
movement and less pain.physiotherapist for more information).
Anti inflammatory medication: The natural responseIn my experience as a physiotherapist, I have seen
of the human body to any injury is the release ofthe majority of disc injury patients make an excellent
inflammatory cells. These irritate pain receptors in therecovery using the above conservative approaches.
injured area and create discomfort. Anti-inflammatoryWHAT TREATMENT IS BEST?
medication effectively blocks the pain receptors andAs we are all unique individuals, what works for one
decreases the pain sensation. They are especiallyperson may not necessarily work with another. Of
useful if you are experiencing pain during the night. Ifthe treatments described, physiotherapy is widely
you are asthmatic, suffer from stomach ulcers or arerecognized and accepted by western medicine.
pregnant, check with your doctor before usingChiropractic and Osteopathy are offshoots of
anti-inflammatory medication.western medicine dating back to the late 19th
Back brace: A brace can help to provide extracentury but they are not overly supported by
support to your back while it is recovering. Itwestern medicine. Along with chiropractic and
essentially provides the same kind of support yourosteopathy, myotherapy is also considered a
core muscles would provide when they are strongcomplementary health approach.
and functioning correctly. Many people report andHOW DO I CHOOSE A THERAPIST?
immediate improvement on using a back brace .Always choose a therapist that is registered with a
Walking: Walking is a wonderful, low impact activityprofessional body (such as the Australian
that can help to maintain fitness throughout your life.Physiotherapy Association). It is important to find a
It is also excellent for your lower back. Thetherapist who really cares about you and your injury.
movement of your legs encourages gentleBe wary of practitioners who refute the value of
movement of the pelvis and spine, thus reducingother interventions. All philosophies and sciences have
stiffness. Being in a standing position can also reducesomething unique and valuable, and in a
the loads and forces on the disc, therebycomprehensive treatment plan, this will be
encouraging healing and decreasing pain.acknowledged by a competent therapist.