Health Tips for November 27

Health Tip: Managing Herniated Disk Pain

A herniated disk occurs when the nucleus of a disk in the back or neck pushes out of the disk toward the spinal canal, putting pressure on surrounding nerves.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers this list of potential non-surgical treatment options:

• Rest your back, taking care to avoid any strain of the spine and surrounding muscles.
• Take an anti-inflammatory medication -- over-the-counter or prescription -- to ease pain and inflammation.
• A few times each day, apply ice or a cold compress to the area. But don't leave it on for longer than 20 minutes each time.
• Once the spasms have stopped, apply heat to the area.
• Perform exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles.
• Talk to your doctor about cortisone injections to help ease inflammation.

Health Tip: Help Prevent Low Back Pain

It's not always possible to prevent low back pain. But the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says there are things you can do to help keep it away:

• Get plenty of regular exercise, including aerobics and exercises to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles.
• When carrying heavy objects, lift with your legs, not your back. Always bend at the knees with a straight back; don't bend over.
• If you're overweight, lose those extra pounds to reduce stress on the lower back muscles.
• Don't smoke. Smoking contributes to degeneration of the spine.
• Maintain good posture, especially while sitting, lifting objects and standing.