Every individual vertebra of your spine is protected by a cushion known as a spinal disc. This disc keeps bones from rubbing against each other. Typically, this kind of disc is hard on the outside but softer in the center. A herniated disc occurs when the hard exterior is replaced by that soft inner material. That does not provide enough cushion to protect the vertebrae, and it causes pain and limited mobility. And there are several activities to avoid with a herniated disc to prevent it from worsening.
All of our herniated disc patients find it difficult to perform certain common tasks and sit in common positions throughout the day. Unfortunately, while dealing with a herniated disc, there will be limits to the everyday activities you can do.
Below is a short list of some of the biggest activities to avoid while dealing with a herniated disc. Remember to reach out to Dr. Yashar, a herniated disc specialist in Los Angeles, to schedule an appointment for further treatment.
House Chores
It can be maddening sitting around the house when there are chores that need to be done and not being able to do them. But you need to give your back a break when you have a herniated disc. Housework that requires a lot of physical motion, such as vacuuming or folding laundry, is totally out of the question. You will need to spend less time using your back and more time treating it. Try to get in touch with a trusted friend or a local cleaning service to help you out for a while since you can’t do these chores on your own.
Exercise
Dealing with a back injury? Going to the gym is out of the question. Any kind of strenuous exercise is bound to exacerbate the painful symptoms of your herniated disc. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Sit-ups and pull-ups
- Running and jogging
- Jumping rope
- Squats
- Yoga and stretching
Any kind of strenuous activity is bound to worsen the symptoms associated with your herniated disc. Even stretches are too dangerous to attempt, as they put too much pressure and movement on your spine. If you are interested in learning about some safe exercises, check the herniated disc exercises from Spine-Health.
Caring for Plants and Pets
If you’re a nurturer at heart, it will be difficult for you to stop doing the things you do so naturally. But taking care of your pets and your gardens demands too much physical labor from someone who is dealing with herniated disc pain. Bending down to fill dog bowls with food is something that you cannot do when you are injured.
Gardening is also off-limits to you while you are being treated for a herniated disc. Much like feeding a pet, gardening requires too many movements that have you bending over or kneeling down. Using a shovel to dig up the soil in the garden is an activity that should be avoided at all costs.
Safe Exercises to Consider
Now that you know a bit about what you need to avoid, it’s important to also know about some of the safer exercises you can still do when your back is injured. It’s okay to partake in gentle, healing exercises such as slow walking and swimming. For some patients, cycling is also a way to relieve herniated disc pain, but every individual is unique, so be sure to approach any new activity with caution and control.
Sitting down for long periods of time is also discouraged. Make sure you go for walks and find ways to keep your blood circulation flowing.
Treat Your Herniated Disc ASAP
Spinal injuries can lead to a lifetime of pain, irritation, and suffering. In the event of a herniated disc, the first step is to figure out the cause. Herniated discs and sciatica issues can be caused for several different reasons, and it’s important to figure out the cause so a proper treatment plan can be made. The longer you wait to get help with your spinal issues, the worse and more permanent its resulting symptoms can be. Get in touch with Dr. Yashar, the best spine surgeon in Beverly Hills, today and schedule your consultation for a pain-free future.
