The Non-Surgical Approach To Disc Herniations: Part 2
If you have not read through and been practicing the pelvic tilting drill from part one of this series, then do NOT go further until you have done so!! (Click here for part 1) For those of you who have, welcome back. Hopefully you have gained some useful insight as a result of practicing your pelvic tilting motions throughout the day. Most people will notice a few things here:
1. Correcting your posture every hour on the hour is a pain in the a##. (No pun intended!)
2. Getting into neutral or anterior pelvic tilt has shown you how far out of neutral you really are, or how flat your spine really is.
3. Pain relief is directly correlated to the pelvic position you are in.
Here is a video re-cap:
More Lifestyle
As I mentioned, LIFESTYLE adjustments are the most important factors to consider when working with a disc herniation. Structural problems with the spine take time, so the most important thing to focus on is essentially to not “add insult to the injury”.
The lifestyle factors I am about to deliver here may be at first seem drastic, and you may feel tempted to follow only the ones you feel like, but you have to trust me on these.
When doing a consultation, I will NOT work with a disc herniation patient unless they are fully committed to these lifestyle changes, and have their spouse assist them in the process.
Why?
Well, because it only takes ONE STUPID choice to lift something improperly, or bend over the wrong way, etc. in order to blow the disc. Then you have to
start all over again, or its off to the operating table!
Take care of these lifestyle recommendations, and you will have success. Failure to follow them may result in long term and repeated setbacks in the healing process.
So, don’t say I didn’t warn you!
-
Training and Taping Of The Lumbar Curve
Here is a quick video:
One of the best tricks I picked up was taping the lumbar spine. This is a cool little trick for teaching you how to stay in the ideal position for pain relief, and it also functions as a “warning light” as to when you are unconsciously flexing your lumbar spine.
You will need someone to assist you will this process.
First, lay face down on the ground. Naturally, you will have some extension in your lower back which is good.
Next, perform an anterior pelvic tilt as far as you can comfortably go. Then, from the end of the range of motion, allow your pelvis to move back toward neutral just a hair. This is the position in which you will hold for the taping.
Then, have your helper run two strips of tape from just below your PSIS bones to about T-11/T-12. (Just above your last ribs).
I highly suggest using some “pre-tape” here. This makes it easier to remove later without ripping your skin or hair off if you happen to have some on your lower back.
Find GOOD tape here:
http://www.optp.com/Departments/Taping/All-Varieties-of-Tape.aspx
Run about 2 strips up each side of the spine, and make sure they are securely in place.
Now, here is the fun part….
Since the tape is now holding your spine into a light extension, you will need to get up onto your hands and knees, then get to a standing position without pulling the tape off! You will now find it VERY easy to know when you are flexing your lumbar spine. Whenever that tape begins to tighten, it will be a signal that you need to watch out in that particular position or activity for increased disc pressure.
It is a fabulous learning tool, sometimes aggravating, but VERY necessary in the process of reducing disc herniation pressure and pain.
The tape will naturally wear as you shower and move with it, but in some cases, it will stick as long as a week, depending on the type of tape you buy, your skin type, and how securely you applied it.
That’s it for part 2! Baby steps, baby steps. Remember, with disc herniations, you have nothing but time, and a focus on NOT adding further insult to injury! Now, get out there and do some taping!
See you next time for Part 3!
-Sam Visnic NMT
Welcome back!
Comments
-
FREE Online Video on How to End Your Back Pain with Sam Visnic!
(You can NOT buy anything here, even if you tried! Real video, not a sales pitch.) 
We will NOT share your email address, we hate SPAM too. Click Here To Learn About My Back Pain Relief DVD System!
-
"Having someone like Sam to refer my patients to who is as comprehensive, brilliant and caring as he is makes my job so much easier!! I feel assured that my patients are in good hands and are going to get the results they so desperately want. I highly recommend Sam to anyone who is looking to resolve their back pain easily and effectively!”
-Dr. Holly Lucille N.D., R.N. -
“I've used Sam on more than one occasion to help me with back pain issues. As a full time web designer I often spent too many hours sitting behind the pc which led to chronic back pain. I started working with Sam a few years ago and his knowledge and insight helped me to alleviate my back pain issues and even improve my posture. Whenever I start to have back pain issues I just re-implement the tools and techniques he showed to me and in no time my back pain goes away. He really is the back pain specialist!”
-Jimmy Powell
Owner, Stellar Media Group -
“Sam is an excellent mind/body fitness coach & trainer. When it comes to eliminating complex back problems, Sam's your man. He is passionate about his work and dedicated to healing his clients. I highly recommend his services.”
-Michelle Armstrong
Author, "Manage Your Mind, Master Your Life" -
“In my experience it is rare to find a health practitioner who consistently cures the underlying issues, and successfully drives to total wellness. Sam has become our trusted family 'health support system' because he is one of those rare people. He has successfully helped my mother in law, sister, wife, daughter, and myself cure what western medicine has been unable to. We highly recommend Sam ... plus he's a cool guy !”
-Tim Parsey
Microsoft Partner, Dir UX -
“I was so impressed when working with Sam, from his detailed and thorough evaluation, to the great workouts and home exercises prescribed. I've referred a number of people to Sam and in the past we've used his DVD for gifts to patients for home care. I strongly recommend Sam's services and hope to be working with him personally at some time in the near future.
-Dr. Matt Costantino
HealthSource Chiropractic and Progressive Rehab