Have A Bulging Disc? What You Should Know

If you have a back problem, don't feel alone. It is estimated that 8 out of every 10 people in the United states suffer from some sort of back problem. In fact, it is the leading cause of work absence.

First, let's explore what a bulging disc is, and then look at your best course of action when it comes to working and other activities.

Of course, your ultimate goal is healing the condition, but the best way to do it may surprise you. Inactivity is the worst choice. Depending on your condition, the best course of action is simply going about your normal activities as much as possible while you are healing.

The reason for this is because if you become inactive, like laying around on the couch or in bed, your body goes into low metabolism mode and becomes de-conditioned, so to speak. This means you'll have a much harder time getting back to your normal physical production and movement level, and most importantly, during this time you'll be way more prone to injury again.

It was only 3 or 4 years ago when the dominant advice to patients was "bed rest". And to some degree this is still true. But, unfortunately, this is one of the worst things you can do with a bulging disc.

Let's look at the reasons why. First, when you lay around with a bulging disc injury, your body begins to develop scar tissue inside the injured disc in an attempt to heal itself. This only causes the disc to become weaker in the future, and more prone to future injuries and pain.

Here's a good plan of attack when it comes to a bulging disc injury:

If you work in an office and sit in a chair a lot, you need to get up and walk around every 30 minutes. Five minutes every half hour is a good start. This goes a long way to promote healing without excessive scar tissue.

Now if you have a job where you're on your feet, lifting things, and moving around constantly here's some important things to remember:

The first thing is to take a break if you are in real pain. We're talking the type of pain where you find it hard to move. Lay off until the pain subsides. If you can tolerate usual movement, and your job is not entirely dependent on lifting objects all day, then you just need to stay active. If you do have to lift objects then you need to be careful on the way you lift things.

You see, when it comes to a bulging disc or any kind of disc injury, how you lift is what you need to be careful of. The worst type of maneuver is bending and twisting at the same time. Look at your daily activities and eliminate these types of movements from your routine.

Another good thing to do while you are recovering is a healthy diet. Cut out the acidic foods like red meat, saturated fats, oils, fried foods, dairy products and sugar. It is also a good idea to reduce gluten foods like pasta, breads and pastries. And definitely stay away from caffeine and alcohol!

In other words, eat more fruits and vegetables. And don't forget to increase your intake of water. This helps flush the toxins from your body as it heals itself. Following this simple advice will speed up the healing process and get you back to normal much faster.

However, reading about what you need to do and getting it done is another matter. If you're experiencing chronic back pain without relief you may want to see a professional. If you like a natural approach to healing, a chiropractor is your answer. They can diagnose and locate the areas that are causing pain, and have a variety of procedures you can choose from. You'll be amazed at how quickly and easily your pain can be reduced, and even permanently eliminated!