I've been a caretaker of an elderly woman with dementia for over two years. I've seen the effects of this mental affliction, and how devastating it can be to loved ones. This is why I am a firm believer in seeking a professional diagnosis, so the patient may receive necessary care and treatment. Once diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, a plan can be devised. Through social interaction and daily care, my charge has achieved a higher quality of life. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you can make a difference. Love will find a way.
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Dementia and Your Loved One
Do You Have A Herniated Disc? Non-Invasive Treatments At Your Disposal
Vickie Armstrong
If you have pain in your back, weakness in your arms and legs, and numb sensations, you may have a herniated disc. Something as serious as trauma from an accident to something innocuous like sneezing can cause a herniated disc, where the soft areas of the spine bulge and press on nerves. While surgery is an option to fix this problem, there are thankfully non-invasive methods you can try first:
Chiropractic Care
A common technique that chiropractors use for herniated discs is "flexion-distraction." During this treatment, you will lie on a special table that will gently stretch your spine (known as distraction). Then after careful examination, your chiropractor will locate the herniated disc and flex the area of the spine with a gentle pumping action. This treatment is not painful and should help you gain flexibility and help your herniated disc slide back into place.
Your chiropractor may also incorporate massage. This is also an ideal treatment since massages can relieve tension and spasms associated with herniated discs.
Exercises that are Recommended by Your Doctor or Physical Therapist
While exercising may be counterintuitive, it does help. For instance, your doctor or physical therapist (PT) may recommend hydrotherapy, since floating in a pool won't put pressure on your back. If you decide to see a PT, he or she will give you some safe exercises to strengthen your back and core muscles. These exercises can release some of the pressure along your spine.
Hot and Cold Packs at Home
Alternating between hot and cold packs will help you reduce your pain. A hot pack can dilate blood vessels and increase blood circulation around the affected area. This is good because it encourages healing and the removal of waste products. Cold packs are also beneficial because they can reduce any swelling around the area.
Epidural Steroid Injections
While you still have to go into the doctor's office, you don't need to go under the knife for these. Epidural injections can reduce nerve pressure and inflammation. Your doctor or PT may encourage you to get these so that you are better able to handle exercises they recommend.
As you can see, these are just a few of your options before jumping immediately to surgery. If one of these treatments helps, you may actually see improvements in about four to six weeks and not need to consider surgery at all! Talk with your doctor for more information on how to handle a herniated disc.
Contact a medical center like Southwest Florida Neurosurgical & Rehab Associates for more information and assistance.
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