A slipped disc is also called a prolapsed or herniated disc. This is a chronic medical condition in which the discs in the spine break down or become inflamed. These discs are very soft gel-like discs. When this disc breaks, a rubber or jelly-like substance starts flowing inside. This is called a slip disc or lumbar herniated disc.
A damaged or broken disc can put pressure on the entire spinal cord or on a single nerve root. This means that a slipped disc can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the area of the protruding disc and in the area of the body that is controlled by the nerve that is pressing on the disc.
This can cause pain in your back, buttocks and even thighs. Movement such as bending, lifting, twisting and sitting can increase the pain. In case of severe pain, lying flat on your back by bending your knees gives relief. Lying in this way reduces the pressure on the spine.
It is not always clear what causes a lumbar herniated disc to rupture. Herniated discs also tend to wear down with age. As we age, the discs wear out, the amount of water in the spinal cord starts to decrease, and its flexibility gradually ends.
Sometimes lifting heavy objects also leads to lumbar herniated disc. When you lift something heavy, instead of stretching your leg and thigh muscles, your back muscles get stretched and herniated disc becomes a problem.
Herniated discs in the lower back are common in people who are obese or lead a sedentary lifestyle. Regularly doing yoga exercises, maintaining a healthy body weight, drinking plenty of water, avoiding smoking and staying active can reduce your chances of getting a herniated disc.
Include back strengthening exercises in yoga for herniated disc. There’s nothing wrong with doing simple isometric exercises for the abdominals and back.
Lumber Disc Hernition & Yoga
Yoga can be beneficial for people with a herniated disc, but it’s important to approach it with caution and under the guidance of a qualified yoga teacher who has experience working with people with back pain.
Here are a few general guidelines to keep in mind when practicing yoga with a herniated disc:
- Start slowly: Begin with gentle, basic yoga poses and gradually work your way up to more advanced poses as your body becomes more comfortable.
- Focus on alignment: Proper alignment is key to preventing further injury to your back. Make sure your teacher emphasizes proper alignment and adjusts you as needed.
- Avoid poses that put pressure on the back: Poses that involve deep forward folds or twists can put excessive pressure on the spine, which can exacerbate herniated disc symptoms. Avoid these poses or modify them as needed.
- Practice poses that strengthen the core and back muscles: Strong core and back muscles can help support the spine and prevent future injury. Plank pose, cat-cow stretch, and bridge pose are all good options.
- Listen to your body: If a pose feels uncomfortable or painful, stop immediately. Don’t push yourself beyond your limits.
Yoga Poses For Herniated Disc or To Treat Slip Disc
Yoga poses for the treatment of herniated disc or slip disc strengthen the muscles and ligaments of your spine. Practice with other yoga asanas that can give rest to the spine from time to time.
Ustrasana
Ustrasana is a very effective asana to relieve spinal pain. To do this asana, the body remains in the posture of a camel. In this pose, the body is tilted backwards, which creates positive pressure on the spine. This asana helps in relieving the pain.
Shalabhasana
Shalabhasana Yoga is such an asana in which the spinal cord is folded by lying on the ground on the stomach. By doing this yoga, relief from slip disc and back pain starts in a few days.
Bhujangasana
In Bhujangasana, the body is in the shape of a snake with its hood up. In this shape, there is pressure on the upper bones of the spine, due to which the bone starts coming in the old position. Bhujangasana is one of the 7 asanas of Surya Namaskar. It makes the body flexible as well as gives relief from back pain.
Cat-cow pose
The cat-cow pose is one of the most recommended yoga for to treat herniated disc in lower back that engages two separate spine movements in a single pose. This pose also requires focus on your abdomen, shoulders and spine, will help the herniated disc contain its jelly-like insides.
Shavasan
Shavasana is considered a difficult posture of yoga practice. This asana increases the internal energy of the body. This natural energy of the body helps in curing every disease and problem by getting absorbed in your body.
Conclusion
It’s also important to note that yoga should be just one part of a comprehensive treatment plan for a herniated disc. Be sure to talk to your doctor and physical therapist about what exercises are safe and appropriate for your specific condition.
Along with yoga exercise, it is important that your diet is balanced and nutritious. To reduce the risk of slip or herniated disc, eat foods that are rich in vitamins C, D, E, protein, and calcium. Also, make sure to eat green vegetables and seasonal fruits.
