Things You Shouldn’t Do with a Herniated Disc

Often the result of age-related changes affecting the spine, herniated discs can cause intermittent pain if nearby nerves are irritated. While discs damaged to the point where inner disc material pushes outward can occur along any part of the spine, it's usually the lower back area that's affected most often. Since this also happens to be one of the most mobile and moveable sections of the body, there are certain movements that tend to affect discs already damaged in some way. If you happen to have a herniated disc, here are some common symptom-triggering activities you may want to avoid.

Sitting on Sofas or Soft Chairs

If you’re parked on a really soft chair or a couch for long periods, you may end up placing more pressure on herniated lower back discs, especially if you slouch or lean off to one side. Symptoms tend to be less noticeable when standing or lying down.

In work-related situations, ask about using a standing desk—or at least a desktop that can be adjusted from a sitting to a standing position. For times when you do sit, minimize disc herniation symptoms by:

• Using a firm, nonreclining chair

• Opting for an ergonomically designed chair that provides proper lower back support

• Paying attention to your posture when sitting

• Placing a lumbar support pillow or cushion behind your back

Doing Laundry

Whether it's bending to pick up a heavy basket or get clothes out of the dryer or reaching for detergent on a shelf, there are many motions related to doing laundry that can place stress on herniated lower back discs. Consider asking family members or friends to lend a hand. Another option is to see if there’s a dry cleaner in your area that offers laundry service.

Vacuuming

Herniated discs can easily become irritated by the repetitive forward-lunging motion required to use a standard upright vacuum. Instead, take stress off your lower back by keeping your spine straight as you walk along with the vacuum. Of course, you can always opt for a handy robot vac instead.

Bending to Feed Pets

Bending down regularly to fill up food and water bowls for pets can trigger disc herniation flare-ups. If you can't get someone else to help you out with these pet care tasks, consider using a specially designed pet bowl with an extended tube. A reaching aid can help you with pet-feeding tasks as well. There are also pet bowls that come with handles so you can just lift them up when you need to fill and clean them.

Doing Unapproved Exercises

Exercise is often recommended to manage herniated disc symptoms. However, certain exercise-related movements can do more harm than good, especially if you go beyond what's approved by your doctor or physical therapist.

Squats, toe-touches, sit-ups, and certain yoga poses are among the types of exercises typically not recommended for people with lumbar herniated disc issues. Exercises that tend to be beneficial include:

• Low-impact aerobic activities like walking

• Strengthening exercises that are part of a customized physical therapy plan

• Spine-friendly yoga or Pilates moves

• Water-based exercises

It's great if you do reach a point where your herniated disc symptoms are under control. However, err on the side of caution and check with your doctor before adjusting your exercise routine.

There are many ways to effectively manage herniated disc symptoms. Some people benefit from making adjustments to dietary habits, while others see positive results from therapeutic or gentle forms of exercise. Spinal manipulation and massage therapy may also be effective. If such efforts aren't working for you and avoiding the activities discussed above isn't helping either, talk to your doctor or a Los Angeles spine surgeon about surgical options that may provide long-term relief.

It’s important for people with herniated discs to manage their everyday activities to avoid making their symptoms worse. If you’re having severe or long-lasting pain you suspect may be due to a herniated disc or another type of spine issue, make sure to consult with a specialist for prompt diagnosis and treatment. The industry-leading spinal health experts at The Spine Institute are pioneers in analyzing the sources of back problems and using state-of-the-art methods to alleviate pain. Give us a call today at 310-828-7757 to schedule an appointment.