Low back pain: disks

Many of us are no stranger to low back pain. If you've ever experienced it, you know how bad it can hurt, and how it keeps you from being able to perform the simplest of daily tasks. Fortunately, most low back pain goes away on it's own. For some, however, it's a daily struggle. In this article, we'll give everyone some treatment tips that can help ease the pain.

First off, today we'll be focusing on the disks as a cause. Although there are many causes for your lower back to hurt, this one is very common. The first thing most of us do when our backs hurt is google “low back pain, disks”. Yep, there it is...almost a million sites pop up. So, which needle in this proverbial “haystack” are you going to trust your back to? (This one, of course!)

First, let's consider some of the terms you may see online, or hear from your doctor:

• Slipped disk

• Ruptured disk

• Herniated disk

• Bulging disk

• Degenerative disk

• Blue disk

Okay, that last one is not real, just making sure you are paying attention. Basically, these conditions have different names, but all have similar treatment; they all can hurt. That's what we are concerned with. Making the pain go away.

Let's take a closer look at what the disks do. Disks act as little shock absorbers between the bones of your back. The spine is designed to accommodate a wide range of motion, in several directions. It is also under constant impact-related stress from walking, running, or pretty much all physical activity. Not to mention, the weight it bears even if you are just standing still not doing much at all.

Over time, these disks may lose their flexibility, and may not absorb impact very well. Although time and age can affect us all at some point, there may be things you are doing to accelerate the process of natural degeneration, and pain. Below are some things that can greatly decrease your disk's ability to perform well:

• Lack of daily exercise

• Lack of quality sleep

• Poor diet (this is a big one)

• Nutritional deficiency

• Injury

The pain from these disk conditions comes when the disk dries up, or flattens out and allows nerves to be pinched or crushed between the back bones. Serious injuries can also damage disks, or cause them to rupture. Next, let's talk about what's most important – treatment!

If your pain is in fact due to a disk issue, you'll be happy to know that in most cases, a simple at-home treatment provides the most relief. In the event that you have a structural complication from an injury such as a rupture; you will want to allow a specialist to correct it. So, what is this at home treatment?

A device called an inversion table. An inversion table is a very basic and inexpensive device that takes pressure off the disks in the back. If used regularly, an inversion table can greatly reduce pain, and help the disk retain it's original form and function. In fact, many patients report immediate relief after just one use. Consider purchasing an inversion table for your home. There are no co-pays, you won't have to make an appointment with a doctor- and you only have to spend about 3-5 minutes at a time on it, to get results. (More time will yield even greater results).

Remember, there is no magic pill or device for low back pain (or any pain for that matter). An inversion table can certainly help, but you must eat right, exercise daily, and get good quality sleep for long-term relief. Every part of your body relies on what you eat for daily maintenance, healing, and resistance to injury. Eat junk food, and you will have junky body parts.

Here's some more information on where to purchase a quality inversion table

Ironman Gravity 4000 Inversion Table

FitForm Inversion Therapy Table by Teeter Hang Ups

New Fitness Health Inversion Table 2010 Release