At Noblesville Family Chiropractic, Dr. Dahlager is determined to help you understand that even if you have a disc herniation, you can still actively participate in your healing. In this age of information, studies have revealed that while doctors guide your healing, it’s up to you to give your body a bit of assistance in the process.

Below is a list of five things that could speed up your healing. Talk to Dr. Dahlager about them and see if they fit your particular case.

1. Inflammation that continues for a long time can interfere with healing. There are nutritional supplements that can help you decrease inflammation in the body. For example, one herb called turmeric with its active ingredient called curcumin has been shown to decrease inflammation. Another herb called cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) also has this same property. There are nutrients such as the mineral magnesium that has been shown also to decrease inflammation. Find out if any of these would be beneficial to you, or if you need a whole spectrum of nutrients that would work better, by discussing nutrition with your Noblesville chiropractor, Dr. Dahlager. Once you decrease inflammation, the tissues can heal as much as possible when combined with other methods of healing such as chiropractic manipulations and massage.
2. Become aware of positions your body is in that are increasing pain from a disc herniation. The reason why you have pain with disc herniation is because the disc is bulging in a way to put pressure on a nerve or other sensitive structures in the area. The pain is your body’s warning system not to move in that way. Work with your body during this difficult time to not cause additional pain. You’ll allow your body the much needed healing time. Dr. Dahlager can show you how to use proper posture and body mechanics to avoid worsening your symptoms.
3. If you’re using pain medications from your medical doctor, become as conservative as you can with them. Unfortunately, pain medication numb the pain that protects your body from moving in ways that can harm your body more – and possibly prolong the symptoms from the disc herniation. Tough it out as much as possible, and remember that chiropractic has several different pain-free and pain-relieving methods that are used in your treatment. Ask Dr. Dahlager about them, and if your appointments should be increased if your pain seems to increase temporarily.
4. Cut down drastically on your sugar intake. Sugar increases inflammation in the body.
5. Are you drinking enough water? One of the main components of a disc is water, and if you’re dehydrated, then it will be more difficult to heal. Ask Dr. Dahlager how much water he recommends for your particular case.

In many cases, the pain of disc herniation can be relieved with chiropractic care and these careful home remedies prescribed your Noblesville chiropractor. Start taking action today.