Everyday Activities to Avoid with Herniated Disc

Herniated disc is a spinal condition that occurs when the inner, gel-like substance of a disc protrudes through its outer layer, compressing nearby nerves in the spine. This condition can cause unbearable pain that can prevent you from carrying out your daily activities. If you have a herniated disc, you need to be very careful about your movements and actions. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some everyday activities you should avoid if you have a herniated disc.

1. Heavy Lifting

People with herniated disc should never lift heavy objects as it increases the pressure on the spine and aggravates the condition. However, if you must lift a weight, always remember to keep the object close to your body, keep your back straight and bend your knees while lifting.

2. Twisting and Bending

Twisting and bending movements should be avoided if you have a herniated disc. Such movements put additional stress on the spine and exacerbate the condition. If you need to pick something from the ground, crouch down and use your legs to bend, then lift the object slowly.

3. Sitting for Too Long

If you have to sit for long hours, you should take breaks every 30 to 60 minutes to stretch your legs and move around. Prolonged sitting increases pressure on the spine and can worsen the condition of herniated disc.

4. Strenuous Exercise and Sports

Many activities such as running, high contact sports, and jumping can be very harmful to a herniated disc. Such physical activities can lead to more severe herniation and pose a risk to degrade the condition of the disc. It is better to engage in low impact exercises such as swimming or cycling to keep your body active while also resting the spine muscles.

5. Poor Posture

Bad posture is a major contributor to herniated disc issues. Slouching or hunching over while sitting or standing can put excessive pressure on your spine. To prevent further harm, try to maintain good posture while sitting and standing. Keep your shoulders back, chest out and chin up, and use supportive chairs while working.

 

Conclusion

Herniated disc involves a great deal of discomfort and impedes daily activities. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of activities that could aggravate the condition. Avoiding the above-mentioned everyday activities can aid in reducing the pain and preventing further harm to the herniated disc. However, if you experience chronic pain or numbness in your back or legs, you should immediately consult an orthopedic surgeon to diagnose and treat your herniated disc. For skilled and competent orthopedic surgeons in Debary, FL, contact Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute today for more information.