Alternative Cures for a Bulging Disk in the Lumbar Region
According to the Mayo Clinic, "alternative medicine" refers to treatment that may replace conventional medicine and therapies. These treatments have typically not been tested extensively in clinical studies. However, those suffering from a bulging disk in the back may be willing to try any treatment to find relief. Disk pain can be debilitating and chronic. Some alternative treatments that do not involve surgery or prescription medicine are showing promise in managing the symptoms of a bulging disk.
Bulging Disk Disease
A bulging disk in the lumbar region is usually due to a change in the structure of the disk, which causes it to protrude. This type of degeneration is due to aging and the wear and tear of everyday living. Initial symptoms of a bulging disk are pain and tingling. If left untreated, it can develop into severe pain and swelling. Eventually, the pain may make it difficult to sit or stand for long periods and almost impossible to engage in strenuous activity. Additional trauma, such as that caused by lifting or engaging in sports, can lead to herniation.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture-an alternative treatment in which several thin needles are inserted into the skin-does not actually cure a herniated or bulging disk. But the rise in endorphins that results from needle treatment may relieve pain. Endorphins are our body's natural feel-good chemicals. They are usually released after vigorous exercise or sex, but they can also be stimulated through acupuncture. According to the Mayo clinic, when endorphins are released, they may act as a natural painkiller. Since acupuncture is considered "alternative," its effect on the treatment of the back is not widely understood. However, some sufferers of bulging disk pain may find relief through this ancient form of healing. Most good acupuncturists will meet with you for at least two hours in the first appointment to do a full evaluation. Next they will discuss the treatment and assess its duration. Acupuncture usually requires ongoing visits. The acupuncturist may also prescribe herbal mud treatments for your back to complement the needle regimen.
Navigate Your Pain
Biofeedback is used to treat many pain issues. Again, this will not cure the bulging disk, but it can act as an effective pain intervention. Biofeedback-"feedback" from the body which is analyzed to decide a course of pain treatment-usually relies on an electronic amplifier device. Sensors connected to the device are attached to your skin in the pain region. For back pain, electromyography-a type of biofeedback-is used to measure muscle tension by attaching little electrodes to the skin in the pain region. The EMG feedback is then analyzed to plan a course of training for the patient. First, the patients learn sensory awareness of their pain level, after which they learn techniques to gain control over such things as muscle tension, heart rate and blood flow. The patient utilizes relaxation and breathing techniques and other methods to gain back a sense of control on the road to recovery. Biofeedback is typically used in conjunction with conventional treatments and is most often used in the treatment of back pain and migraines.
All TENS
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is the use of an electrical device that, when activated and attached to small electrodes which are placed on the back near the pain region, sends mild electrical pulses to the nerves. The levels can be adjusted depending on the person's current state of pain. The idea of this treatment once again is not to change the bulging disk but to block pain signals. It may also stimulate endorphins release, which is a natural pain blocker. As always, consult with a medical doctor before starting any treatment program.
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