If you often have back pain, you might be dealing with disc desiccation. This issue is also known as degenerative disc disease. This occurs when the disc between the vertebrae of your spine causes pain. Moreover, it can occur when you get older, or when you do many intense activities that will progressively damage your spinal discs. Below you’ll find information about disc desiccation, the symptoms, the causes, and how to heal from this disease.

Causes of Disc Desiccation

The most common cause is one’s age, yet, it can also be found in younger people. The spinal discs are circular discs that are made of soft tissue lodged in between the vertebrae to absorb pressure and shocks. As the years go by, these will often get deteriorated, which will eventually cause pain. That said, several external factors can increase the symptoms.

For example, heavy smokers, heavy workers, people with an obesity problem, and athletes as well, all are more or less at risk to have disc disease. The latter can be caused by an accident, trauma, or simply by gaining or losing weight.

Symptoms of Disc Desiccation

The symptoms of disc desiccation normally depend on the area of the spine that is affected. For example, lumbar disc desiccation causes lower back pain, while cervical spine disc desiccation causes neck pain. Anyhow, there are common symptoms that can be found in this disease. One of the first signs is stiffness in the back. After feeling stiff in your neck, you will also feel pain, on top of feeling weak and tingling. Besides, if the discs of your lower back get affected, you will feel numb in that area. Furthermore, it depends on whether the affected discs are pressing against a nerve which can make some people feel pain in the legs and knees.

Treatments for Disc Desiccation

If you feel back pain, there are a couple of ways to relieve the pain from the affected spinal discs naturally. Below are the best ways to treat disc desiccation:

• Apply heat or cold

Disc desiccation can be easily treated by using ice or hot compresses on the area where you feel pain and discomfort. While some people may like the feeling of a hot compression, ice can also help numb the pain.

• Change your dietary

There are several kinds of foods that can help lessen or even eliminate the pain caused by disc desiccation. For example, turmeric is regarded as one of the best anti-inflammatory agents. Taking two to four capsules between one and three times per day is probably enough to relieve the pain. Additionally, having food like bone broth, supplements like Vitamin D, and Hyaluronic Acid can lower the severity of the symptoms.

• Correct the posture

Poor postures will only worsen the symptoms of disc desiccation. Therefore, you should change your posture as soon as possible. For instance, you should make sure that your back is always straight and relax your shoulders when you sit. Also, to keep your abdominal muscles pulled in and control the curvature of your lower back, it is important to tighten your stomach and buttocks. Moreover, you can place a small cushion behind your lower back to help you sit in the correct posture.

Additionally, you should make sure that your feet are flat on the floor and keep your knees a bit above hip level. For people who have to stand for long periods of time, try to distribute the weight equally on both of your feet and make sure not to lock your knees. Finally, try to avoid high-heeled shoes, and opt for flat or low-heeled shoes instead.

• Try core exercises

Back pain is one of the most common issues when our body is not getting enough exercise. Therefore, it is suggested that increasing the strength of the back muscles through core exercises can lower and relieve back pain.

• Taking medicines

If other home remedies do not show any result, you could try over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription pain relievers. It is recommended you talk to your pharmacist or doctor beforehand.

How to Prevent Disc Desiccation?

Preventing disc desiccation is the best way to avoid big problems later on in your life. These prevention methods will help you prevent disc disease, as well as other back pain related issues:

• Stay hydrated

If you do not drink enough water each day, your body will not function well and will not retain enough water, which your discs need.

• Do not smoke

Using cigarettes will affect not only your health but also your back, which can lead to an increase in the rate of degenerative disc desiccation.

• Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight will increase the pressure on the back and spine. As a result, it will cause the desiccation of the intervertebral discs.

• Exercising regularly

Doing cardio and weight training regularly can strengthen your muscles and bones. Moreover, it can develop a good range of motions for your back.

Conclusion

Due to disc desiccation being commonly found in aging people, it can be treated naturally by correcting your posture, exercising, or adjusting your diet. However, if it is getting serious, consulting with a doctor or specialist is recommended.