Disk Desiccation - Prevention and Treatment

The spinal column is made out of twenty-three vertebral discs. The spinal vertebrae are divided
into:

● C1-C7: cervical vertebrae (neck area)

● T1-T12: thoracic vertebrae (mid of the back)
● L1-L5: lumbar spine (lower back)
● S1-S5: area below the lumbar spine
● Coccyx: Last four bone structures, that are fused together, supporting the pelvic area

The vertebral discs have fluid in them that assists the discs in their functionality: supporting the
spine, absorb shock and prevent the rubbing of bones against each other. As we grow older, the
discs tend to lose their fluid. They are then dehydrated and start to lose in size, hereby
supporting the spine and bones less and less. It can even lead to a degeneration or breaking
down of the disc. When the discs are affected, the condition is known as a disk desiccation.
Can disc desiccation be prevented?
There are some risk factors for a disc desiccation, that are easily controllable and patients
should consider, before getting the diagnosis and especially after it. Try to watch out your
posture, if you smoke start quitting immediately, maintain a healthy weight, exercise the proper
way and only practice sports that put less pressure on the spine, such as swimming. Yoga is
another way of stretching your body and performing exercises that strengthen your back
muscles. Surely, some risk factors are uncontrollable, such as the normal process of aging.

Treatment options
The first method for ​disc injuries treatment​to consider is non-invasive therapy, in which different
types of exercises and positions are repeated, to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles.
The additional strength helps support the back more, putting less pressure on the discs,
preventing them from becoming dehydrated.

Placing hot or cool elements on the painful area may also result to be helpful in decreasing pain.
There are also braces that can be used, to better the position of your pack, decreasing muscle
tensions, strengthening the muscles and thereby providing more support to your spine.

Medication may also be used to help against the pain. Most commonly, anti-inflammatory drugs
or ​oral steroids​are prescribed. This is however not recommended and should only be used in
cases of severe pain. A combination of all above-mentioned methods should be tried out to find
what best works for each individual. The goal is to decrease the discomfort and pressure on the
spine in a non-invasive way. There are also some natural remedies that are considered to help
patients and are worth trying.

White willow​is a plant known to have similar effects on the body as aspirin. It has
anti-inflammatory features and is therefore good for treating the inflammation of the disc as well
as the back pain caused by it.

Cayenne pepper is another natural remedy. It should be used as a "hot therapy" and applied to
the aching area of the back. There are many creams that contain cayenne pepper and can be
found at the drug store.

Turmeric is a spice commonly used while cooking and those who don´t and have been
diagnosed with herniated disk should start using more. Turmeric is known to be pain relieving
and improves circulation, which automatically will ease the muscle pain in the affected area.