Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Is Better For A Bulging Or Herniated Disk At
Question: What is better for a bulging or herniated disk at the base of the spine? Heat or cold?
Brief Answer:
Hot in case there is numbness ,cold if there is tingling or burning or infl
Detailed Answer:
Hi Alz,
Thank you for the query.I have read it &understand your concern.
Herniation or bulging of the intervertebral disc can cause -
- Back pain at the site of herniation... due to local inflammation ..&here alternate cold &hot pack/ either of them , would help in soothing the pain. .Oral/injectable anti inflammatory drug is indicated to hasten healing inflammation
- The herniated disc can cause pressure or pinching of spinal nerve. This leads to pain in arm/leg ....depending on which vertebral disc is affected. Such pain may be reduced by fomentation.
-The affected spinal nerve has different nerve fibers to carry out different actions.
a) It may cause numbness/cold feeling of the limb...which would be eased by hot pack.
b) But if the part has burning or tingling feel...cold pack would help.
-If the nerve fibers supplying to muscles are affected...movements would be weakened..&here only release of pressure on nerve would help...no hot or cold pack is likely to help.
*In short anatomy of the affected part of nerve fibers is very difficult to guess..(can be confirmed only after MRI)So one has to guess from symptoms & act by trial & error.
I hope that helps.Anyfollow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
Hot in case there is numbness ,cold if there is tingling or burning or infl
Detailed Answer:
Hi Alz,
Thank you for the query.I have read it &understand your concern.
Herniation or bulging of the intervertebral disc can cause -
- Back pain at the site of herniation... due to local inflammation ..&here alternate cold &hot pack/ either of them , would help in soothing the pain. .Oral/injectable anti inflammatory drug is indicated to hasten healing inflammation
- The herniated disc can cause pressure or pinching of spinal nerve. This leads to pain in arm/leg ....depending on which vertebral disc is affected. Such pain may be reduced by fomentation.
-The affected spinal nerve has different nerve fibers to carry out different actions.
a) It may cause numbness/cold feeling of the limb...which would be eased by hot pack.
b) But if the part has burning or tingling feel...cold pack would help.
-If the nerve fibers supplying to muscles are affected...movements would be weakened..&here only release of pressure on nerve would help...no hot or cold pack is likely to help.
*In short anatomy of the affected part of nerve fibers is very difficult to guess..(can be confirmed only after MRI)So one has to guess from symptoms & act by trial & error.
I hope that helps.Anyfollow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
I am only guessing what the problem is. It is however spinal, not muscular. It is in the same spot and I can relieve this intense pressure on a very specific point in my lower spine. Somewhere between L1 and L3. Once I lay on my back on a flat surface I can XXXXXXX my lower back and , more or less, "pinch" the problem area to "pop" back into place. Which results in immediate relief. Base of the spine right at the waistline or just below.
Brief Answer:
It's better to have a confirmed treatment Free exact diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Alz,
Thank you for the follow up query.
I think it's not wise step to guess your own diagnosis, try to have self remedy &neglect own sufferings for...
Now your exact pointing to the area of trouble ,and referring to the snapping the pain back with arching the lumber spine....suggests it to be either herniated disc, or arthritis(may be intervertebral joint or sacroiliac joint).The treatment &management of both the conditions have totally different approach.
So now at this point though hot pack &anti inflammatory drugs would ease the things...it's important to consult an orthopedic surgeon for local examination &also imaging investigation to pin point the cause along with few blood tests to support the diagnosis.
This would be followed by specific treatment of the cause . It will give you relief &prevent aggravation/progression in long run.
I hope you get my point. Any more query in this respect is welcome.
Thanks
It's better to have a confirmed treatment Free exact diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Alz,
Thank you for the follow up query.
I think it's not wise step to guess your own diagnosis, try to have self remedy &neglect own sufferings for...
Now your exact pointing to the area of trouble ,and referring to the snapping the pain back with arching the lumber spine....suggests it to be either herniated disc, or arthritis(may be intervertebral joint or sacroiliac joint).The treatment &management of both the conditions have totally different approach.
So now at this point though hot pack &anti inflammatory drugs would ease the things...it's important to consult an orthopedic surgeon for local examination &also imaging investigation to pin point the cause along with few blood tests to support the diagnosis.
This would be followed by specific treatment of the cause . It will give you relief &prevent aggravation/progression in long run.
I hope you get my point. Any more query in this respect is welcome.
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
