Herniated Disk

Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.
June 14, 2000

Intervertebral disks are elastic cartilage pads a few millimeters thick that lay between the individual vertebrae of the spinal column. Consisting of a soft, jellylike core and a fibrous ring, they make movement possible and absorb shock. When the tissue begins to age - usually when people are in their thirties or forties - the disks begin to lose water and elasticity and, therefore, some of their ability to absorb shock. Under the pressure of body weight, the disks can rupture, or herniate, so that parts of the soft core bulge outward through the fibrous ring and press on the root of the spinal nerve. These are herniated, or slipped, disks. Back pain, shooting pains in the legs, numbness in the extremities and loss of mobility can result; a physician must be consulted. Fortunately, the effects of aging and the potential for herniated disks can be offset by exercises and natural remedies that strengthen back muscles and increase flexibility.

Common horsetail nourishes tissue
Horsetail is beneficial for skin and fingernail problems, broken bones, tendon and ligament injuries and spinal traumas. This is because it is high in minerals, particularly silica, which improves calcium uptake. For a decoction, simmer ½ oz. of the dried or 1 oz. of the fresh herb in 3 cups of cold water until reduced to 2 cups. Strain and drink a small cup 3-4 times each day.

What You Can Do:
Avoid lifting or carrying unbalanced loads. Pay attention to your weight and physical fitness - being overweight places an additional burden on the disks. A slight bulge in the disk tissue can be induced to slip back into place by relaxation and loosening up of the muscles. Hot baths, massage and back exercises also help. In case of numbness in the back or legs, consult a doctor immediately.
Take a relaxing bath with comfrey leaves. Put 1 lb. of fresh or 6 oz. of dried leaves into 5 qt. of cold water for 12 hours; heat, strain and add to your bathwater.

Loosen up the muscalature
For back discomfort or muscle strain, assume the "step-bed" position several times a day. Lie on the floor, bend your knees, raise them and place your lower legs on a chair or footstool. Rest in this position for 20-30 minutes.

Your mattress matters
Besides faulty posture and bad lifting habits, a mattress that is too old is often the cause of disk problems. An ideal mattress should yield at the hips and shoulders, where the pressure is greatest, yet support the waist and legs. An old, worn-out mattress that has lost its ability to support your body places an uneven load on the spinal column. Experts recommend a lifetime of no more than 10 years for a mattress. You can also try placing a board between the box spring and mattress to increase firmness.

Strengthening the Back
Bad posture can put considerable pressure on your disks. If you spend a lot of time sitting, keep your upper body erect. Don't arch your back, and don't round your shoulders or hunch over. Try to do the following exercises regularly to reduce the risk of disk damage, strengthen your back and improve your posture.

While sitting, place your feet flat on the floor, hip distance apart. Stretch your arms over your head then bend them with both elbows pointing outward. Fold your hands behind your head. Turn your upper body gently, to the right then to the left. Lean back and breathe evenly.
Move your chair back slightly from a table and sit on the edge of your chair. With your arms bent, brace both palms against the edge of the table. Push against the table while pulling your shoulders downward; extend your back.
Sit on the front edge of a chair. Stretch one leg forward far enough so that only your heel touches the floor. Extending your back, lean your upper body forward over your thighs. Hold this position for 1 min.; repeat with the other leg.
While sitting, bend far enough forward for your chest to touch your thighs, and let your arms dangle at your sides.

Note: If you do have disk damage, a support corset can bring relief by immobilizng and supporting your lumbar region. However, don't wear a corset for a long period, as this can weaken the back muscles.

Acupressure
Acupressure is a gentle technique that you can do your self to ease pressure on your disks. Make fists with both your hands. Place your knuckles on the left and right sides of your spine at waist level, 2-4 finger widths apart, with your palms facing outward. Breathing deeply and evenly, rub this area with your knuckles until it feels warm. Repeat this exercise several times a day.

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Sources:
All information provided in this article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing, Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White; Natural Beauty from the Garden, Janice Cox; Nature's Prescriptions, Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, and The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies, Joe Graedon and Theresa Graedon, Ph.D