Is it good to walk with a herniated disc?

A Back painespecially in the lower back, may be due to a type of hernia called herniated disc, a problem related to the intervertebral discs. It can be so painful that it prevents you from even moving.

The question of whether it is good to walk with a herniated disc is common. In this article you will see that, if the discomfort (and the doctor) allow it, it is advisable walking to strengthen the back, increase spinal stability and decrease stress on the affected disc. You will also see that it is also convenient to ask yourself some questions beforehand and take some precautions.

What is a herniated disc?

The spinewhich holds us and provides us with stability, is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae. Between each of them there are discs that act as shock absorbers to protect them from rubbing and prevent them from wearing out.

A herniated disc can occur anywhere in the spine, although the most common is that it happens in the Lower back. It occurs when the disc moves out of place or when the soft inner part of the disc (known as the nucleus pulposus) bulges through a tear or rupture in the outer layer of the disc (the annulus fibrosus).

The cause of herniated discs is usually the disc wear or degeneration due to aging or yet repetitive stress in the spine. It may also originate from a trauma or injuryfor example, by lifting a heavy object or due to a fall.

Types of herniated disc

One way to classify hernias is according to their severity and level of disk damage intervertebral:

Disc protrusion or bulge: is a mild form of hernia in which the inner part of the disc presses against the annulus fibrosus, but the outer layer of the disc remains intact.disc extrusion: when the nucleus pulposus passes through the fibrous ring, but remains attached to the disc. sequestered herniated disc: a kind of more serious hernia in which internal material completely leaves the disc and moves into the spinal canal. It can cause significant nerve compression and, often requires an operation.

Herniated discs too can be classified based on their location in the spine, for example: cervical disc herniation, lumbar disc herniation…

Symptoms of a herniated disc

When the herniated disc puts pressure on nearby nerves or the spinal cord it can cause pain (which can last a few days and then get better), numbness, tingling, or weakness.

The pain may be localized in a specific area of ​​the spine or spread to other areas and, in general, the discomfort worsens during activity and decrease when resting.

However, the specific symptoms will depend on your location, for example:

The lumbar herniated discs They are the most frequent and affect the lower back, the lumbar spine. can provoke low back painon the buttocks, on the legs (sciatica), numbness, tingling, and weakness in the buttocks, legs, and feet. cervical herniated discs are those that occur in the neck area (in the cervical spine) and can cause symptoms such as pain in the neck, shoulders, or armsnumbness, tingling, and weakness in the shoulders, arms, and hands. thoracic herniated discs affect the mid back area (the thoracic spine) and are not as common as cervical or lumbar. They can cause back pain and, in some cases, radiating symptoms around the chest or abdomen.

Is it good to walk with a herniated disc?

Walking is a low-impact exercise that helps improve circulationkeep the flexibility and Strengthen muscles of the body, including those that support the spine. It can be beneficial for general health and well-being even if you have a herniated disc, but it is important that you listen to your body and consult your first doctor or physical therapistwhich are the ones that can best assess your condition and the convenience of doing any type of exercise.

keep these in mind precautions when walking with a herniated disc:

Start by doing short, low-intensity walks and gradually increase the pace depending on how your body responds.Take care of your posture when walkingkeeping the head in line with the spine, the shoulders relaxed and activating the core muscles. Use a comfortable shoes with good cushioning (to reduce the impact on the spine) and appropriate for the type of terrain. Opt for flat and even surfaces (well paved paths, treadmills…) so that the stress on the spine is less.

If you notice pain, discomfort or any changes in your state during or after walking, it is advisable to stop and, if necessary, consult a doctor.

How to deflate a herniated disc naturally

The treatment of a herniated disc depends on its location and severity. However, these natural suggestions can help you alleviate symptoms such as pain:

Include in your diet foods rich in collagen to help promote the healing of damaged tissue, as well as antioxidant-rich foods and Omega 3.apply heat in the area can help you relax muscles and increase blood flow. Coldon the other hand, helps reduce inflammation and pain. If you are overweight or obese, lose weight will have a positive impact on herniation symptoms, as excess weight puts pressure on the discs. physiotherapy It can strengthen your back muscles and improve flexibility and help reduce pain.

On the other hand, the acupuncture it can also reduce pain and inflammation in people with herniated discs and relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing can help you reduce stress and improve pain control.