A herniated disc occurs when the inner, gelatinous portion of your intervertebral spinal disc, or nucleus pulposus, ruptures through the surrounding disc tissue and protrudes into your spinal canal or the holes through which your spinal nerve roots exit your spinal column. Herniated discs, states MayoClinic.com, may cause numbness, weakness or pain in your extremities. Some supplements may help reduce your disc herniation-related symptoms or promote disc healing, but you should only use supplements if you are under the care of a licensed health care professional.
Background
Disc herniations, notes MedlinePlus, most commonly develop in men who are middle-aged or older. This health problem is especially common in middle-aged men who engage in vigorous physical activity. Certain congenital conditions may cause a smaller than usual spinal canal, which may increase your risk of experiencing spinal cord impingement from a herniated disc. In most cases, disc herniations cause pain and other symptoms -- numbness, tingling, weakness -- on only one side of your body. Disc herniations are most common in your lower back and neck.
Helpful Supplements
Many dietary supplements have been used in treating the symptoms of a herniated disc as well as the root cause of its symptoms. However, not all supplements historically used to help repair a herniated disc may be backed by extensive clinical research evidence. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," some of the most helpful supplements in repairing injured back tissues may include zinc plus copper, a multivitamin and mineral complex, chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate, free form amino acids, L-proline, and manganese.
Featured Supplement
Zinc plus copper may be a helpful dietary supplement in repairing a herniated disc. Zinc, an essential trace element, is commonly used as a dietary supplement to help boost your immune system and reduce your wound healing time. Zinc is necessary for collagen -- the principal component of connective tissue in your body -- synthesis. Copper works in combination with zinc to form elastin, notes Balch. Elastin, a protein in your connective tissue, is required to help your injured tissues regain their shape after injury.
Disclaimer
Though dietary supplements may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating your herniated disc-related symptoms, the use of these supplements does not guarantee a favorable health result. In some cases, you may require surgery to repair your herniated disc, especially if your disc herniation is affecting your spinal cord or spinal nerve roots. To better understand the role of dietary supplements in treating your disc herniation, meet with a health care professional specializing in clinical nutrition.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Herniated Disk
- MedlinePlus: Herniated Disk
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- MedlinePlus: Zinc
