If you’ve been diagnosed with a herniated disc, it’s important to take the right steps to ensure your recovery. However, there are also some things you should avoid doing if you have a herniated disc. Here are the top seven things not to do if you have a herniated disc.
1. Don’t ignore your symptoms. A herniated disc can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as pain, tingling, and numbness. If you experience any of these, it’s important to seek medical advice. Ignoring the symptoms of a herniated disc can lead to further complications and longer recovery time.
2. Don’t stay in bed all day. While it’s important to rest, it’s also essential to keep your body moving. Staying in bed all day can lead to muscle weakness and stiffness. Instead, try and stay active, but avoid activities that involve rigorous movements such as running and weightlifting.
3. Don’t neglect physical therapy. Physical therapy is a key part of the recovery process for a herniated disc. Make sure to attend your physical therapy appointments and follow your therapist’s instructions. This will help you to strengthen the muscles around the disc and improve your range of motion.
4. Don’t take painkillers excessively. Painkillers can help to relieve the discomfort of a herniated disc, but it’s important not to take them excessively. Only take painkillers as prescribed by your doctor and never take more than what’s recommended.
5. Don’t lift heavy objects. Lifting heavy objects can put a lot of strain on your back and can make a herniated disc worse. Avoid lifting anything heavier than 5 pounds, and if you need to lift something heavy, make sure you bend at the knees and not the waist.
6. Don’t smoke. Smoking can have a detrimental effect on your health, and it can also worsen a herniated disc. Smoking limits the amount of oxygen that reaches your spine, which can lead to slower healing.
7. Don’t push yourself too hard. Pushing yourself too hard can cause further injury to the disc. If you feel like you’re pushing yourself too hard, take a break and rest.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure your recovery from a herniated disc is as swift and successful as possible.