A slipped disc, also known as a herniated or ruptured disc, is a condition that affects the spine. It occurs when the soft, jelly-like material that is normally found inside the disc bulges or leaks out through a tear in the outer layer of the disc. This can cause pressure on nearby nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area.
The spine is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae that are stacked on top of each other, separated by small cushions called intervertebral discs. These discs act as shock absorbers, protecting the spine from the impact of daily activities such as walking, running.
While acupuncture can be an effective treatment for slipped disc, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure that the treatment is safe and effective. Here are some precautions to keep in mind:
Find a qualified acupuncturist: It is important to find a qualified and experienced acupuncturist who is trained to treat slipped disc. This can help ensure that the treatment is safe and effective.
Provide a complete medical history: It is important to provide a complete medical history to the acupuncturist, including any medications, allergies, or other health conditions. This can help the acupuncturist tailor the treatment to your individual needs and minimize the risk of adverse reactions.
Avoid certain acupuncture points: Some acupuncture points may be contraindicated for people with slipped disc. For example, points on the lower back may be avoided or used with caution, depending on the severity and location of the slipped disc.
Be honest about pain and discomfort: It is important to be honest with the acupuncturist about any pain or discomfort during the treatment. This can help the acupuncturist adjust the treatment to minimize discomfort and maximize effectiveness.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water before and after acupuncture treatment can help flush out toxins and promote healing.
Follow post-treatment recommendations: The acupuncturist may provide post-treatment recommendations, such as rest, exercise, or dietary changes. It is important to follow these recommendations to ensure that the treatment is effective and to minimize the risk of complications.
By following these precautions, acupuncture can be a safe and effective treatment for slipped disc. However, it is important to work closely with a licensed and experienced acupuncturist to ensure that the treatment is tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Acupuncture points that may be used to help with a slipped disc:
GV4 (Mingmen) – located on the lower back, between the two dimples at the base of the spine. This point is believed to strengthen the lower back and relieve pain.
GV6 (Jizhong) – located on the lower back, in the center of the spine. This point is believed to relieve lower back pain and improve circulation.
GV14 (Dazhui) – located on the upper back, in the center of the spine, at the base of the neck. This point is believed to relieve neck pain and improve posture.
BL23 (Shenshu) – located on the lower back, on either side of the spine, at the level of the waist. This point is believed to strengthen the lower back and relieve pain.
BL24 (Qihaishu) – located on the lower back, on either side of the spine, one level below BL23. This point is believed to relieve lower back pain and sciatica.
BL25 (Dachangshu) – located on the lower back, on either side of the spine, two levels below BL23. This point is believed to relieve lower back pain and constipation.
BL40 (Weizhong) – located on the back of the knee, in the crease behind the knee joint. This point is believed to relieve lower back pain and sciatica.
BL60 (Kunlun) – located on the ankle, in the depression between the ankle bone and Achilles tendon. This point is believed to relieve lower back pain and sciatica.
BL62 (Shenmai) – located on the ankle, just behind the lateral malleolus (outer ankle bone). This point is believed to relieve lower back pain and sciatica.
BL67 (Zhiyin) – located on the little toe, on the outside edge of the toenail. This point is believed to relieve lower back pain and sciatica.
GB30 (Huantiao) – located on the buttocks, at the junction of the hip and thigh. This point is believed to relieve hip and lower back pain.
GB34 (Yanglingquan) – located on the outside of the lower leg, below the knee joint. This point is believed to relieve lower back pain and sciatica.
GB39 (Xuanzhong) – located on the outside of the lower leg, one finger-width below the knee joint. This point is believed to relieve lower back pain and sciatica.
GB40 (Qiuxu) – located on the outside of the ankle, in the depression between the ankle bone and Achilles tendon. This point is believed to relieve lower back pain and sciatica.
GV1 (Changqiang) – located on the lower back, at the base of the spine. This point is believed to relieve lower back pain and strengthen the lower back.
GV2 (Yaoshu) – located on the lower back, two finger-widths above the tailbone. This point is believed to relieve lower back pain and strengthen the lower back.
GV3 (Yaoyangguan) – located on the lower back, four finger-widths above the tailbone. This point is believed to relieve lower back pain
Exercises for slip disc
Slipped disc, also known as herniated disc, is a condition that occurs when the soft tissue inside a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the outer layer of the disc. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area, as well as radiating pain that can travel to other parts of the body.
It is important to note that any exercise program for slip disc should be tailored to the individual’s condition and severity of symptoms, and should be done under the supervision of a medical professional. Here are 20 exercises that may be beneficial for people with slip disc:
Cat-cow stretch: This exercise involves getting on your hands and knees and alternately arching your back up towards the ceiling (cat) and then dropping it down towards the floor (cow). This can help to stretch and mobilize the spine.
Knee-to-chest stretch: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Bring one knee up towards your chest, holding it with both hands, and hold for 10-30 seconds. Repeat with the other leg.
Pelvic tilt: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Flatten your lower back against the floor by tightening your abdominal muscles, holding for a few seconds before releasing. Repeat several times.
Glute bridge: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Tighten your glutes and lift your hips off the ground, hold for a few seconds before lowering back down. Repeat several times.
Seated hamstring stretch: Sit on the edge of a chair with one leg extended straight out in front of you. Keep your back straight and lean forward slightly, feeling a stretch in the back of your thigh. Hold for 10-30 seconds before switching legs.
Seated spinal twist: Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Twist your torso to one side, placing your hand on the outside of your opposite knee for support. Hold for a few seconds before returning to center and repeating on the other side.
Standing hamstring stretch: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and slowly lean forward, keeping your knees slightly bent. Reach towards your toes or as far as you can go without pain, feeling a stretch in the back of your thighs. Hold for 10-30 seconds.
Standing calf stretch: Stand facing a wall and place your hands on the wall at shoulder height. Step one foot back and press the heel into the ground, feeling a stretch in the calf muscle. Hold for 10-30 seconds before switching legs.
Wall squats: Stand with your back against a wall and your feet hip-width apart. Slowly slide down the wall until your thighs are parallel to the ground, holding for a few seconds before standing back up. Repeat several times.
Bird dog: Get on your hands and knees and lift one arm and the opposite leg, keeping them straight and parallel to the ground. Hold for a few seconds before lowering and repeating with the other arm and leg.
Superman: Lie on your stomach with your arms extended out in front of you. Lift your arms, legs, and chest off the ground, holding for a few seconds before lowering back down. Repeat several times.
Prone press-up: Lie on your stomach with your hands under your shoulders. Slowly lift your upper body off the ground, keeping your hips and lower body on the ground. Hold for a few seconds before lowering back down.
Wall angels: Stand with your back against a wall and your arms at your sides. Slowly raise your arms up above your head, keeping them in contact with the wall. Hold for a few seconds before lowering back
Physiotherapy in slip disc
Slip disc, also known as a herniated disc, is a condition where the soft cushion-like material (disc) between two vertebrae in the spine slips out of place and presses on the surrounding nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. Physiotherapy can play a crucial role in the management of slip disc by reducing pain, improving mobility and strength, and preventing the recurrence of the condition.
The physiotherapy management of slip disc typically includes the following components:
Assessment: The physiotherapist will first assess the patient’s condition by evaluating the range of motion, muscle strength, reflexes, and any neurological symptoms. They will also consider the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and occupation to understand the root cause of the slip disc.
Pain management: Pain management is one of the primary goals of physiotherapy in slip disc. This can be achieved through a variety of modalities such as hot/cold therapy, ultrasound therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and soft tissue mobilization.
Exercise therapy: Exercise therapy is a crucial component of physiotherapy in slip disc. The physiotherapist will design an exercise program that includes stretching, strengthening, and aerobic exercises. The exercises will be tailored to the patient’s specific needs and condition.
Stretching exercises aim to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness in the affected area. Examples include knee-to-chest stretch, hamstring stretch, and piriformis stretch.
Strengthening exercises focus on improving muscle strength and stability in the spine and surrounding muscles. Examples include pelvic tilts, bridges, and bird dogs.
Aerobic exercises such as walking, cycling, and swimming are essential for improving overall fitness, increasing blood flow to the affected area, and reducing inflammation.
Posture correction: Poor posture is a significant contributor to slip disc. The physiotherapist will teach the patient how to maintain good posture while sitting, standing, and lifting heavy objects.
Lifestyle modifications: The physiotherapist will educate the patient on healthy lifestyle habits such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and staying active.
Prevention of recurrence: Physiotherapy can also help prevent the recurrence of slip disc by providing the patient with tools and techniques to manage their condition in the long term. This includes educating the patient on proper body mechanics, stress management, and self-care techniques such as heat therapy and stretching.
In summary, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the management of slip disc by reducing pain, improving mobility and strength, and preventing the recurrence of the condition. The treatment plan will be tailored to the patient’s specific needs and condition, and may include pain management modalities, exercise therapy, posture correction, lifestyle modifications, and prevention strategies.
Allopathic medicine for slip disc
Slip disc, also known as herniated or ruptured disc, is a condition that occurs when the soft material inside the disc pushes out through a crack in the tough exterior. This can result in pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area. Treatment for slip disc may involve a combination of medication, physical therapy, and surgery in severe cases. Here are some allopathic medicines commonly used to treat slip disc:
Ibuprofen – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation and pain.
Naproxen – Another NSAID that is commonly used for pain relief.
Acetaminophen – A pain reliever that is effective for mild to moderate pain.
Gabapentin – A medication used to treat nerve pain and control seizures.
Pregabalin – Another medication used to treat nerve pain.
Tramadol – A pain reliever that works by blocking pain signals to the brain.
Chiropractic for slip disc
A slipped disc, also known as a herniated disc, is a common condition that occurs when the soft tissue inside a spinal disc protrudes through a tear in the outer layer. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area.
Chiropractic care is a popular alternative treatment option for slipped discs. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, including the spine. They use a variety of techniques to help alleviate pain and improve function.
Here are some of the ways chiropractic care can help with a slipped disc:
Spinal manipulation: This is the most common technique used by chiropractors. It involves applying controlled force to the spine to realign the vertebrae and reduce pressure on the affected disc. This technique can be done manually or with the help of special instruments.
Flexion-distraction: This is a gentle, non-invasive technique that involves stretching the spine in a specific way. The chiropractor uses a special table to apply pressure to the affected area, which can help to reduce pressure on the disc and promote healing.
Ultrasound therapy: This technique uses sound waves to stimulate the affected area and promote healing. The chiropractor will use a special device to deliver the ultrasound waves to the affected area.
Electrical stimulation: This technique uses a low-level electrical current to stimulate the muscles and nerves in the affected area. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing.
Heat therapy: This technique involves applying heat to the affected area to help increase blood flow and reduce inflammation.
It’s important to note that chiropractic care is not a cure for a slipped disc. However, it can be an effective way to manage symptoms and promote healing. If you are considering chiropractic care for a slipped disc, it’s important to consult with a qualified chiropractor who can create a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and medical history.