5 Little-Known Tips for Lumbar Herniated Disc Pain Relief

A lumbar herniated disc can create sciatica pain that’s often described as a searing, burning, or radiating along the path of the sciatic nerve and down the leg.

No single treatment option works for everyone, so it’s best to learn about everything available and see what works best for you.

Here are 5 tips to help you on your way:

1. Heat can help relieve your muscle spasms.

Many people think of muscle spasms as a minor problem, but spasms in the large muscles of the lower back can be extremely painful.
Try placing a heating pad or hot compress against your lower back periodically throughout the day.
You can try different forms of heat therapy to see what works best for you—adhesive heat wraps that apply continuous, low-level heat over several hours or a warm whirlpool at the end of the day—try several options and see what helps you more

2. Consider an epidural steroid injection.

Epidural steroid injections may provide immediate pain relief to qualified candidates with severe sciatica pain from a lumbar herniated disc.
The injections are intended to deliver strong anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected nerve in your lower back.
The goal of an epidural injection is to provide enough pain relief so that you can proceed with the exercise program that will help you over the long term.

3. Talk with your physician or chiropractor about manual manipulation.

One type of manual manipulation involves a high-velocity-low-amplitude (HVLA) force or to the area to shift pressure away from the affected nerve and provide a better healing environment.
There are many types of manual manipulation available, including mobilization—which is low force (not cracking or sudden movements)—and may be preferable to some people and/or more suited for certain conditions.

4. Discuss the McKenzie Method with a physical therapist.

The McKenzie Method is one type of therapy that involves a specific approach to exercise with the goal of shifting the pain away from your leg (sciatica) and centralizing it more in your lower back.
After your symptoms have moved out of your leg, the approach usually shifts to longer term rehabilitation to strengthen your back and other key muscle groups to keep pain at bay and prevent recurrence.

5. Mindful meditation may help reduce your symptoms.

Meditation may help relieve pain through focusing on breathing.
For some people, meditation may reduce a dependence on medication over time.
There are many approaches to meditation that can bring about beneficial effects for you—and you may want to try a few to see what appeals to you. It’s a myth that you have to sit with your legs crossed and your back straight—you can meditate any way you’re comfortable, such as in your recliner, if that’s what works best for you.

SOURCE: http://www.spine-health.com/blog/5-little-known-tips-lumbar-herniated-disc-pain-relief

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Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19

Dear Patients:

Our patients, employees and family are our top priority at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

We ask you to not visit any of our locations if you have symptoms such as fever, sneezing, coughing and possible shortness of breath.

Please cancel your appointment and re-schedule once you are feeling better and are no longer suffering with symptoms.

Only non-symptomatic patients will be seen. No exceptions.

Accompanying family members – including children – are asked to remain in the waiting area and will not be allowed to enter the exam rooms.

During this time of high concern regarding the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we are taking extra precautions to maintain the highest possible standards of safety and cleanliness. Please be advised that we are carefully following recommendations from both the CDC and WHO and are here to help guide you through this time if needed.

Some steps we are taking to keeping safe:

We know how important cleanliness is and always maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. To further offer you peace of mind, we have increased the frequency of the cleaning of our office.

Rest assured that hand washing is strictly followed. Hand sanitizer is available to all staff and patients.

Additionally, if you have recently traveled to a country with high rates of the coronavirus or have been on a cruise, please reschedule your visit for at least 14 days from your return date. We will gladly accommodate your needs to reschedule. At that time, a telehealth interface can be arranged if necessary.

Find up-to-date and accurate information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website and feel free to reach out with questions.

- Your team at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

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To learn more about Long Island Spine Specialists – and to discover how we can relieve your pain and help you find an improved quality of life – please contact our office today and schedule a consultation.