Activities That Can Worsen A Herniated Cervical Disc

Activities That Can Worsen A Herniated Cervical Disc

A herniated cervical disc can cause pain, numbness, tingling and weakness that can start in the neck and radiate to the arms and hands. A herniated disc, also called a displaced disc or ruptured disc, occurs when a small portion of the fibrous cushion between the vertebrae comes out of alignment and compresses the spinal cord or spinal nerves. According to the Mayo Clinic, conservative treatments are usually the best to combat a herniated disc. To help in recovery you should avoid doing certain activities.

Avoid bad posture

You should avoid bad posture to avoid worsening a herniated cervical disc. Poor posture can cause your neck not to be properly aligned to allow the herniated disc to heal. In addition, poor posture can worsen the problem and increase the risk of a second hernia. When you consult your doctor, ask if physiotherapy is a good option for your treatment. A physiotherapist can teach you different exercises that help improve your posture. Medline Plus indicates that these exercises strengthen the muscles that support the spine.

In addition to the above, you should make an extra effort to sit up and stand up straight, especially when working with a computer or driving. Make sure that the level of the computer screen is at eye level to improve your working posture. When driving, make sure you sit up straight and that you are not too far from the steering wheel.

Avoid contact sports

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Avoid contact sports such as football, basketball, rugby, karate and boxing. These sports increase the risk of your neck being exposed to high-level impact, which can worsen the alignment of your spine and aggravate your symptoms.

Avoid diving

Diving, especially high diving, can worsen the symptoms of a herniated disc. This is an activity that you should avoid because the speed at which your head comes in contact with the water causes an impact with significant force on your neck. This can worsen the herniated disc or increase your risk of having a second hernia. Wait until your doctor allows you to continue participating in this activity.

Avoid Excessive Stretching

While light neck stretch may be beneficial, you should avoid excessive stretching of the neck. This can cause too much tension in your neck, which can increase the pressure exerted on your herniated disc and prevent it from healing. Therefore, follow the exercise recommendations provided by your doctor or physiotherapist.

Video Tutorial: 8 Exercises To Avoid For A Bulging Disc.

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