Do you suffer from excruciating back pain? Is it a disc pinching ? Find, in this article, a series of 6 exercises and stretches to practice to relieve your pain related to disc pinching.
But above all, refresh your memory about this disease, why it is painful, and what are the causes of its occurrence.
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Definition of disc narrowing
La spine corresponds to the stacking of 33 vertebrae separated from each other by spaces called intervertebral discs. Disc pinching is defined by the reduction in the height of these discs which gradually sinks until total flattening.
Disc narrowing can affect the 3 segments of the spine (cervical, dorsal, lumbar), but particularly affects the cervical areas (for example C5-C6), and lumbar. This is explained by the importance of the pressures exerted on these areas.
This condition manifests itself depending on the extent of the pinching. It may not be responsible for any symptoms or complications, as it may, in the advanced stages, cause compression of the spinal cord, a source of disabling pain.
What causes disc pinching?
The etiologies of disc narrowing are numerous and vary depending on the affected area. The main causes are:
neck pain et low back pain are the most suggestive symptoms of disc narrowing, depending on its location. These pains are said to be mechanical since they are triggered by the friction of the vertebrae linked to disc compression.
Their intensity varies according to the degree of compression of the nerve roots as well as the degenerative state of the intervertebral disc. They can be mild, moderate or severe.
Other symptoms can be manifested differently from one patient to another:
A blockage of the spine: patients suffering from disc pinching (cervical or lumbar) manifest a significant blockage in the execution of certain movements such as squatting, standing up or bending the neck.
Neurological symptoms suggestive of a herniated disc: numbness, tingling, burning in the limbs.
Weakness or even loss of muscle function
Disc pinching: what management?
The management of a narrowed disc consists of
Relieve spinal pain and radiation (to the arm or sciatica-like)
Treat the cause
Intervene surgically in severe cases
The treatment of pain is essentially medicinal. It is based on the prescription of analgesics, the dosage of which depends on the intensity of the pain.
The molecules prescribed are generally: paracetamol, anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, opioids or even morphine.
Osteopathy and kinesitherapy (physiotherapy) are equally important in the management of disc narrowing, especially for muscle strengthening and spinal stability.
Alternative therapies are also recommended to relieve this type of pain:
This exercise aims to strengthen the gluteal muscles and abdominal muscles
Starting position: lying on your back, legs bent at 90°
Lift your buttocks off the ground so that the entire back, buttocks and back of the thighs are straight
Contract your buttocks and abs for 5 seconds, then relax
Return to starting position
Repeat this maneuver about fifteen times with breaks of 5 to 10 seconds between series
To be done twice a day
Nevertheless, before undertaking this series of exercises, first consult a doctor who will document your condition and advise you to contact a physiotherapist (physiotherapist). He will be able to select the exercises best suited for you.
