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back pain

Herniated Disc Stretches

Herniated disc stretches are sometimes employed as part of an exercise program directed at treating the pain associated with disc herniations and degenerative disc disease. Stretching is a nice way to improve overall flexibility and range of motion, but is typically misdirected as a therapy modality for any symptomatic disc condition.

Herniated Disc Stretches

Theory of Herniated Disc Stretches

Most doctors and therapists, who recommend stretching as a herniated disc relief program, theorize that elongating the spine will somehow help to take pressure off the compressed disc. While this is not completely illogical, it rarely occurs to a large enough extent to make a significant difference in the symptoms experienced. Additionally, stretching does not normally do anything to encourage a bulging disc to shrink back into its normal place between the vertebral structures. Calisthenics, yoga, tai chi and other forms of stretching are terrific fun, great exercise and a valuable part of a health maintenance program, but are simply not good choices for actively treating a herniated disc.

Facts about Herniated Disc Stretches

Stretching can provide some symptomatic relief, especially noticeable in patients whose pain has been incorrectly identified. Misdiagnosed herniated disc pain conditions are usually caused by a regional oxygen deprivation process and therefore respond positively to the increased circulation and oxygenation provided by vigorous stretches. While this symptomatic relief is nice, it will not do anything to resolve the ischemic back pain, nor the underlying condition causing the process to occur.

Patients who are suffering from verified structural disc pain will usually not experience noticeable relief from stretching. These patients might appreciate the theory behind stretching the spine, but simply have not been able to optimize the potential on their own. Employing spinal decompression treatment is a far better idea for most disc pain sufferers. Decompression will gently and precisely stretch the spine, while encouraging bulging discs to shrink back into place. Best of all, permanent pain relief is typically enacted in a few weeks time.

Advice on Herniated Disc Stretches

If you experience noticeable temporary relief of your diagnosed disc pain from exercise and stretching, there is a very good chance that your diagnosis might be incorrect. This is even more true if your disc pain has not responded well to a variety of appropriate treatment options. For these patients, I always recommend knowledge therapy as the best place to start searching for the answer to their pain question. For all others, I think it is best to go with a proven solution, such as decompression, to resolve the actual source of the pain, rather than simply treating the symptoms, only to have them return in a few hours or days. After you are pain free, you can use stretches as part of a lifelong exercise program designed for enjoyment… not pain management.
Herniated Disc Stretches to Herniated Disc Home
9/17/08 Revised 12/8/09

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