As a person’s body ages, there are gradual wear and tear results that can lead to larger complications. The most common injuries involve improper use of the body while lifting. Many people think that they only need to use their back muscles to lift heaving items. That is not the case. Heavy lifting requires the use of the leg muscles. The legs are the strongest muscles on the body and can protect other muscles if they are used properly. A traumatic incident, as well as not taking care of one’s body, can lead to a herniated disk. Thankfully, there are many exercises and techniques that have been designed to utilize during the healing process.
Coping with the Injury
Some common symptoms are as simple as arm or leg pain, numbness or tingling, and weakness. Those few symptoms can really make for some rainy days. So what are some ways to deal with this type of injury? A San Diego chiropractor knows exactly what to suggest for a patient’s individual case, starting with making sure to rest for the first couple of days after the initial injury. It is important to alleviate pain, but only for a couple of days. If too much time is spent focused on resting, then it can actually hinder the recovery process.
Exercises
Any type of exercise is important to stabilize a person’s lower back muscles and support the spine. With the back being used throughout every movement, it is important to build strength appropriately. When a person experiences a herniated disc, it doesn’t mean to run out and start lifting heavily and intense cardio during recovery. Chiropractors suggest lying down and pushing up on the hands while carefully stretching out the muscles of the lower back. Incorporating extension exercises or press-ups into a daily routine will increase the healing results. Different stretching programs like yoga and Pilates type movements are also safe and designed to work out the muscles that are related to a herniated disc. Taking it slow is highly recommended for a speedy recovery.