Verified on 04/16/2024 by Alexane Flament, Editor
Herniated discs cause severe pain in the lower back or neck. These can radiate into the legs, buttocks or arms.
Fortunately, certain positions allow you to relieve pain effectively. Here’s how to do it!
Herniated disc: why does it hurt?
THE herniated discs are a fairly common problem that generally affects people aged 30 to 55. They follow an injury to the intervertebral discs. These are cartilage discs located between the vertebrae. They act as shock absorbers for the spine.
When a disc is injured, its contents can move and compress the spinal cord or a nerve. There may be cervical disc herniations (at the neck) or lumbar disc herniations (at the lower back). Herniations can be caused by incorrect movement, repeated strain, age-related disc degeneration or genetics.
Pain, for one hernie cervicale, can be located at the neck, arm, shoulder or hand. Weakness in the shoulder, arm or hand may also occur.
The pain, for a lumbar hernia, can be located in the lower back, in the leg. Numbness in the buttock, thigh, leg or foot may also occur. Likewise, we sometimes notice weakness in the buttock, thigh, leg or foot.
Certain positions can relieve this pain.
Three positions to relieve herniated discs
Certain positions can help relieve lower back pain, hip pain, or other pain related to a herniated disc.
Chiropractors recommend:
- You lie flat on your back and elevate your legs using a pillow or support. This creates an upside down “V” and relieves your pain at the same time. In fact, this position helps relieve the pressure exerted on the spine: this promotes circulation and healing in this region;
- Stretch across the length of the bed. This helps to lengthen the spine and relieve it;
- Don’t sit or stand for too long. This increases tension on the muscles in your lower back and hips. Take regular breaks to stretch. You will see the difference in your pain.
If the pain does not go away, do not hesitate to call a health professional who will be able to help you perform exercises to relieve you.
Health journalist
April 16, 2024, at 3:15 p.m.
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