By: Arthur Cooper
Submitted: 2010-09-06 07:42:44 | Word Count: 664
One of the most frustrating types of pain a person can experience is a herniated disc. Herniated disc pain can be unbearable since a great deal of the pain is caused by the disc pinching a nerve. There are a few pain relief techniques for herniated discs that many people are unaware of. One simple way to get pain relief from a herniated disc is to simply use ice or an ice pack. Herniated discs are known to cause inflammatory problems in the spine and swelling can cause added pressure against the nerves. One of the worst things you can do for a herniated disc is to use a heat pad, or heat. Heat will cause more blood to rush to the area effected by inflammation and can cause greater swelling and pain. Using ice for herniated disc pain relief works by reducing the swelling around the nerves and it also helps to numb the nerve, giving instant pain relief.
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Natural pain creams, such as Rub-on-Relief usually give hours of pain relief and are very effective for herniated discs. This pain relieving gel is effective and easy to apply. Simply rub the cream on the skin directly over the area of the herniated disc. Therapy balls, commonly found at your local gym, are another herniated disc pain relief tool. These therapy balls can also be purchased for home use. Therapy balls work by strengthening the stomach which ultimately helps keep the spine straight.
Medications that reduce inflammation like aspirin, ibuprofen and certain herbs can also be used to reduce herniated disc pain, but again it is always recommended to use the natural supplements first. Some of these medications and herbs work by thinning out the blood, allowing swelling and inflammation to be reduced. Before considering any type of medication for herniated disc pain relief, it is best to talk to a physician. Other techniques that are used for herniated disc relief are spinal injections or surgery, but are best used as a last resort. People who suffer from herniated disc pain can often find a solution that works to relieve their pain. All of these techniques are safe and depending on the person, usually work by themselves or in combination with each other.
