A herniated disc occurs when the gelatinous inner part of your intervertebral spinal disc -- known as your nucleus pulposus -- ruptures through the fibrous tissue encasing it and protrudes into your spinal canal or other parts of your spine. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that a herniated disc is a common source of pain in your neck, lower back, arms or legs. Ask your doctor about herbs before using them to treat this condition.
Herniated Disc Information
A herniated disc, sometimes called a slipped disc, may place pressure on your spinal cord or on a single nerve root, causing pain in the affected area and in other parts of your body. The National Health Service of the United Kingdom states that most disc herniations occur in your lower back, more commonly affect men, and take place between the ages of 30 and 50. In most cases, it can take about one to two months to recover from disc herniations.
Commonly Used Herbs
Commonly used herbs in treating herniated discs usually posses pain-relieving action. In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," herbal medicine expert and naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner states that herbs with analgesic, or pain reducing, properties include willow, passionflower, kava kava and devil's claw. Herbs that may help treat nerve pain -- a common symptom associated with herniated discs -- include St. John's wort, gotu kola, rosemary and wood betony. Scientific research about these herbs' true effectiveness in treating this condition may be lacking.
A Potent Herb
Passionflower is a potent herb in the treatment of pain, including the pain associated with your herniated disc. Ed Smith, an expert herbalist and author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," reports that passionflower is an anodyne for the relief of pain, and that this herb possesses antispasmodic action, or the capability of eliminating your muscle spasms. Muscle spasms and splinting in your back or neck often accompany herniated discs. Passionflower may also help treat nerve pain -- another common symptom associated with this condition.
Considerations
Because there are more than a dozen possible causes of a herniated disc, you should always report to a qualified health professional if you develop the symptoms that are associated with this musculoskeletal condition. A licensed health care practitioner can order the imaging -- X-rays, MRI, CT scan -- and other tests that may provide an accurate diagnosis of your condition and its underlying cause. Discuss all herb-related topics with your doctor before using herbs, including dosage, treatment duration and possible side effects.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Herniated Disk
- National Health Service: Slipped Disc
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
