My Success Story with a Bulging Disc - autophagy herniated disc
Read about my journey with a herniated bulging disc and how fasting, including Islamic and intermittent fasting, played a role in my treatment. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and islamic fasting
MUSCULOSKELETAL
dr hassan alwarraqi
8/8/2024
My Success Story with a Bulging Disc - autophagy herniated disc
A defect in the vertebrae may affect the spinal cord and surrounding peripheral nerves, and cause neurological symptoms that vary in severity.
One of the most important and common of these disorders is a herniated disc.
A herniated disc is a common condition that occurs in the spine
It causes severe pain and numbness in the legs and buttocks.
This condition occurs when the spinal cartilage, which acts as a cushion and shock absorber between the vertebrae, becomes damaged.
A herniated disc may occur due to excessive pressure on the spine, injury, or aging.
Sensation of numbness or numbness in the legs or feet.
Feeling weak in the muscles
The most important symptoms of a herniated disc include:
Pain: The affected person feels pain in the area of the slipped disc, and the pain may sometimes extend to the extremities near the affected area.
Tingling and numbness: When cartilage puts pressure on nerve roots, tingling and numbness can occur in the hands, feet, or head.
General muscle weakness: A herniated disc may lead to weakness in the limb muscles.
Difficulties when standing or sitting: Sitting or standing for long periods may increase pain.
Sharp and sudden pain when moving: The patient may feel sharp and sudden pain when making certain movements.
Coldness on one side of the body: Pressure on the nerves may cause a feeling of coldness on one side of the body.
Back pain when sneezing or coughing: Sneezing and coughing may lead to increased pain in the abdominal and back area.
There are many causes leading to a herniated disc, including the following:
Factors related to aging.
These factors make the disc less flexible and more susceptible to dehydration and breakage with any wrong movement, even if it is simple.
Using your back muscles
instead of your leg or thigh muscles to lift heavy objects.
Severe injury or trauma to the back area.
How is a herniated disc diagnosed
several steps to locate the slip and evaluate symptoms
Clinical examination:
The doctor examines your back to look for sensitivity or pain. You may be asked to lie on your back and move your legs in different positions to determine the cause of your pain. He may also perform a neurological examination to check
Nerve responses:
They are examined to ensure the integrity of the nerve roots.
Muscle Strength: Muscle strength is assessed.
Ability to feel light touch, tingling, and vibration.
Imaging examinations:
X-rays: Rule out other causes of back pain and show inflammation, tumor, or problems with spinal balance.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):
Confirms the location of a herniated disc and helps monitor which nerves are affected.
Computed tomography (CT scan):
A dye is injected into the spinal fluid before the examination is performed. Pressure on the spinal cord or nerves can appear due to a herniated disc.
Neurological tests:
Nerve conduction tests and electromyography (EMG): Evaluate the movement of electrical signals across nerves and muscles. It can help locate nerve damage.
treatment can include conservative care such as changing activities to avoid movements that cause pain and taking pain medications. In more advanced cases, surgical treatment may be necessary
Can a herniated disc be avoided
Some tips to prevent a herniated disc:
Maintaining correct body posture:
Avoid sitting or standing for long periods in the same position. Change your body position regularly to reduce pressure on the spine.
Strengthening the back and abdominal muscles: Doing core muscle-strengthening exercises can help support the spine and reduce the chance of a herniated disc.
Avoid heavy lifting incorrectly:
When lifting heavy objects, bend your knees and hold the object correctly close to your body.
Exercising regularly:
Physical activity helps strengthen muscles and improve spine flexibility.
Maintaining an ideal weight:
Excess weight increases pressure on the spine. Maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and physical activity.
Avoid sports injuries:
Make sure to use appropriate protective equipment while exercising.
Rest and relaxation:
Take breaks from sitting or standing to reduce pressure on the spine.
Some common methods for treating a herniated disc:
Rest:
It is best to avoid excessive movements and rest to help reduce pain.
Pharmacological treatment:
includes the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen to relieve pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy:
Certain exercises can be performed to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles.
This helps support the spine and reduce the chance of a herniated disc.
Using heat and cold as a local treatment:
Heat (with warm water) or cold (with ice) can be used to relieve pain and swelling in the affected area.
Acupuncture and physical therapy:
If symptoms do not improve with physical therapy, acupuncture can be tried to relieve inflammation. If all initial methods fail, surgical treatment may be necessary
Back injection:
A cortisone-like substance is injected into the area around the nerve, providing short-term relief from pain.
Can a herniated disc be completely cured
Symptoms improve gradually over several weeks to several months, and may take up to 3 or 4 months.
During this period of improvement, symptoms may become unbearably severe and may seriously affect activities of daily living.
Many people believe that a herniated disc is a chronic health problem that cannot be cured.
But it is a temporary illness whose long-term damage can be mitigated by resorting to early surgical treatment and following an appropriate and sound healthy lifestyle and movement regimen.
Surgical treatment
There is a small percentage of patients with a herniated disc who may need surgery to relieve symptoms, especially if the following symptoms are present:
Muscle weakness.
Loss of ability to walk.
Urinary incontinence.
The operation involves removing the slipped part of the cartilage by making a small incision in the back area in the relevant place, which relieves pressure on the spinal nerves.
Surgical intervention is followed by a rehabilitation phase to restore flexibility and strength of the muscles and legs.
There is a risk of recurrence of the herniated disc at a rate of 5-10%, whether with surgical or non-surgical treatment.
Feeling pain in different areas of the lower extremities, and this may be accompanied by pain in the lower back. This is called sciatica.
Symptoms of a herniated disc in the upper vertebrae
Symptoms of a herniated disc in the upper back vertebrae include the following:
Feeling pain in the shoulder or arm area, and sometimes in the hand and fingers area.
Pain in the neck area, and the pain may increase when moving the neck forward or to the sides.
Spasm in the neck muscles.
Through my experience with a herniated disc, I learned some important lessons, including:
paying attention to back health:
Care must be taken to strengthen the back muscles and maintain the flexibility of the spine to avoid a herniated disc.
Listen to your body:
You should not ignore any pain or discomfort in the body, especially in the back area, and go to the doctor as soon as you feel any abnormal symptoms.
pathophysiology
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner part (nucleus pulposus) of the intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in the hard outer part (annulus fibrosus).
This can happen anywhere in the spine, but most commonly occurs in the lower back or neck.
Islamic fasting and intermittent fasting with a herniated disc
Islamic fasting is a fundamental pillar of Islam and is practiced during the holy month of Ramadan.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset.
Intermittent fasting:
It is a diet that includes alternating periods of eating and fasting.
Intermittent fasting diets vary, but usually involve fasting for 16 hours and eating within 8 hours.
The effect of fasting on herniated disc:
There are not enough studies to directly determine the effect of fasting on herniated disc.
What should be taken into account when practicing intermittent fasting with a herniated disc:
Drink plenty of water and fluids:
It is important to drink plenty of water and fluids during periods of fasting to avoid dehydration, which may worsen the symptoms of a herniated disc.
Eat healthy meals:
Make sure to eat healthy meals rich in nutrients during eating periods to provide the body with the energy and nutrients it needs.
Listen to your body:
If you feel any pain or discomfort while fasting, stop fasting and consult your doctor.
Tips for practicing intermittent fasting with a herniated disc:
Start slow:
If you're new to intermittent fasting, start with short fasting periods and gradually increase their duration.
Eat small, frequent meals:
Eat small, frequent meals during eating periods to avoid feeling extremely hungry.
Exercise regularly:
Exercise regularly to help strengthen your back muscles and improve spinal flexibility.
Get enough sleep: Get enough sleep to help reduce pain and improve the healing process.
intermittent fasting fasting cure herniated disc
hopkins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0DcKHlbVFo
https://www.newenglandspineanddisc.com/patient-success-stories.html
https://vanguardspine.com/blog/what-next-if-facet-joint-injections-dont-work/
https://app.ahrefs.com/dashboard
https://www.prolianceorthopedicassociates.com/spinal-injections-what-you-need-to-know
mayoclinic
keywords
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Frequently Asked Questions About Herniated Discs and Fasting FAQS
What is a Herniated Disc and What Are Its Symptoms?
A herniated disc is a common spinal condition that occurs when the soft inner part of the spinal disc (nucleus pulposus) pushes through a tear in the outer layer (annulus fibrosus).
This can cause severe pain, numbness, and muscle weakness, often affecting the lower back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine).
Common symptoms include:
Localized pain at the site of the herniation, which may radiate to the limbs.
Numbness or tingling due to nerve root compression.
Weakness in the muscles of the affected limbs.
Difficulty sitting or standing for long periods.
Sharp, sudden pain during certain movements.
A cold sensation on one side of the body.
Increased pain when sneezing or coughing.
What Causes a Herniated Disc?
The causes of a herniated disc are varied and include:
Aging, which leads to disc dehydration and reduced elasticity.
Improper lifting techniques, such as using back muscles instead of leg muscles.
Severe injuries or trauma to the spinal area.
Genetic factors that make some individuals more prone to disc degeneration.
How is a Herniated Disc Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a herniated disc involves several steps, including:
A clinical examination to identify pain points, assess muscle strength, and evaluate nerve responses.
Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans to locate the affected disc and assess nerve involvement.
Neurological tests like electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies to evaluate nerve damage.
What Are the raditional Treatments for a Herniated Disc?
Traditional treatments for a herniated disc include:
Non-surgical options such as rest and activity modification to avoid movements that trigger pain.
Pain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Physical therapy to strengthen back and core muscles.
Heat or cold therapy to reduce inflammation and pain.
Corticosteroid injections for temporary pain relief.
Surgical intervention is considered when conservative treatments fail, especially in cases of severe nerve compression leading to muscle weakness, loss of mobility, or bowel/bladder dysfunction.
Can a Herniated Disc Be Prevented?
Yes, the risk of a herniated disc can be reduced through several measures, including:
Maintaining good posture and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing in the same position.
Strengthening core muscles through exercises that support the spine.
Using proper lifting techniques, relying on leg muscles rather than the back.
Exercising regularly to maintain spinal flexibility.
Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the spine.
What is the Role of Fasting in Treating a Herniated Disc?
Fasting, particularly intermittent fasting, may promote healing from a herniated disc through autophagy, a natural process where cells remove damaged components.
This process may help regenerate spinal disc tissue and reduce inflammation, both of which are key factors in managing herniated disc symptoms.
Additionally, weight loss from fasting may reduce spinal stress and alleviate symptoms. However, direct studies linking fasting to herniated disc recovery are limited, and more research is needed in this area.
What is HKEM's Return and Refund Policy?
You have the right to cancel your order within 30 days without providing any reason.
You must notify them of your decision to cancel via email.
Your refund will be processed within 30 days of receiving the returned goods, using the same payment method you used for the purchase.
To be eligible for a return, the goods must have been purchased within 30 days and be in their original packaging.
Some items are non-returnable, such as custom-made goods, perishable items, or items that cannot be returned for health or safety reasons.
You are responsible for the cost and risks of returning the goods.
If the goods were a gift, you will receive a credit for the return value.
How Can I Contact HKEM for Inquiries or Support?
You can contact HKEM for inquiries related to their return and refund policy or any other matters via email at hassan@h-k-e-m.com or by calling 00201094052056.
Their address is:
Egypt, Cairo, P.O. Box 11841.
a comprehensive overview of herniated discs, their symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment options, prevention strategies, and the potential role of fasting in recovery.
It also includes information about HKEM's return policy and contact details.
