How long does a slipped disc take to heal?

A slipped disc or herniated disc is a serious injury that happens to the lower back along the spine. The soft inner portion of the disc pushes through the rough exterior portion; this is called a herniated disc. 

The causes of a herniated disc can be anything from pressure, injury, age, and even bad luck that causes the inner portion of the disc to project out. It could also be the result of a serious accident, or it could be as simple as bending down in the wrong position. The infuriating pain that happens during this time is sure to be noticeable, and the pain does not go away with time or with rest. 

The pain that one experiences while having a herniated disc occurs when the nerve is pinched. When the person who suffered from the herniated disc begins to experience symptoms, the pain becomes severe.

Most people heal within a few weeks once the ayurvedic treatment has started. The time it takes to heal varies from person to person, depending on the injury and symptoms that cause a slipped disc, etc. Other factors that might have a solid effect on the healing process will be the health of the patient, their age, and their level of activity. 

And in some extremely different cases, it can take up to a few months. 

Signs that your slipped disc is healing 

The healing of neurological symptoms will be the first sign that your disc is recovering. The pain that shoots from the nerve to the arm or leg is the first symptom that goes away. The numbness of the nerves might be there for a little while longer. 

Neck and back spasms are most likely to protect the area from further damage. The muscle spasms that were there at the start of the herniated disc will heal within a short time after the ayurvedic treatment starts. 

What to expect from a herniated disc?

Doctors may initially prescribe some anti-inflammatory medications throughout the ayurvedic therapy. These medications help reduce discomfort as they are muscle relaxants. They may also ask you to seek the help of a physical therapist, who will help with some exercises that will help loosen the nerves and muscles to make them more flexible and improve circulation.

Having said that, it is critical to rest thoroughly during the first few weeks following ayurvedic treatment. But this doesn’t mean that you have to be in bed, as prolonged periods of rest can be a reason to cause stiffness in the muscles, which can lead to a longer recovery period.

How can we make the healing process faster?

As discussed earlier, every person has their own pace for healing from the herniated disc. There are some attributes that can contribute to the healing process:

• Diet
• Exercise
• Quick Diagnosis
• Age
• Smoking

As in all cases, early diagnosis is the best way to ensure quick results. Pain that doesn’t subside for a long time has to be treated without delay. If you are younger, the chances for a quick recovery are high.

• Start with a normal regular day activity like walking but do not exert yourself to make it as light as possible.
• Slow walking on the treadmill or on the elliptical is the best way to start the exercise routine after the slipped disc. Swimming is also a good activity that gives complete muscle activity.
• Intense exercise can be started after at least 12 weeks post treatment. The pain of the disc might be completely resolved by this time period. 

What are the causes of slow healing?

Being sedentary is the main factor that can contribute to slow healing. Rest is important, and immediate movements can worsen the slipped disc. The inactivity of the muscles can cause them to stiffen and affect the healing process. Do not move to strenuous exercises right after the ayurvedic treatment; start slow and gradually increase the intensity of the exercises. A physiotherapist will give the right guidance on the kind of exercises to include in the schedule. 

Don’t bend over and lift heavy objects because it can make it worse. If the patient who has the slipped disc has any other kind of lifestyle disease like diabetes, it can slow down the healing process of the herniated disc. 

Most patients prefer Ayurvedic massage and medication over surgery because it eliminates the need for them to undergo surgery. Ayurvedic massage is known to effectively heal herniated discs. The duration of the treatment may range from 14 to 21 days, with a strict diet and internal medicine as part of it. 

The condition of a slipped disc or herniated disc can be quite a painful situation, but early diagnosis and the proper treatment schedule provided by a good Ayurvedic practitioner are all you need to recover from the pain and discomfort in no time. At Leelajani Ayur Care, we offer effective ayurvedic treatment for slipped discs according to the severity of the disease. Contact us for more details.