Neck and Back Pain Caused by a Bulging or Herniated Disc

​Isaiah 48:17 – This is what the LORD says – your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”

It was just a normal morning. I was attending a training session. Some of it sounded interesting while other sections not so much. And then it happened.
                        
I was doing what could be seen as a regular training activity when I picked up something that weighted fifty pounds then twisted it while lifting and I heard a pop in my neck and immediately my left index finger became numb and pain radiated from my neck and down into my arm.
 
Like I said, it was just a normal morning when it turned into a life changer. That one movement. That one task. That one instruction session caused a herniated disc.
 
I was scared. I didn’t feel normal and I was in pain. I thought about whether I should tell someone or just wait and see if the pain went away. But it didn’t and by the next morning I was in more pain so I went to see my doctor.
 
It is said that you can do the same task time after time, but then when you’re not paying attention, that task can cause damage to the discs in the neck or back. These are the kinds of stories you hear about someone simply bending over to pick something up when it becomes the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back.
 
Months of physical therapy, and two years later surgery was recommended for my neck. I thought at last I’d find relief, but I never healed completely from the surgery all because of one small piece of bone pressing into my cervical spine. For some people, surgery is the best option and pain is reduced or eliminated completely. But it’s not that case for everyone.
 
For me, the injury was twenty-four years ago and I still don’t have relief.
 
Treating neck or back pain does not always provide an easy fix. Our bodies have areas of strength and those of weakness. Yet, both don’t only affect the immediate area of an injury. Much of the time the pain can radiate to other areas as well. Another thing that happens is that discs become thinner as we age and thus can cause the discs to compact on each other and lead to pain.
 
Let’s take a look at some ways we can find relief from our neck or back pain. Spine-health.com in their article, “9 Lesser-Known Tips for Easing Neck Pain,” provides some alternative ideas on relieving pain, in this case neck pain, instead of only the usual choice such as surgery. Suggestions include choosing a neck-supporting chair and sleeping with a water pillow. Also, mayfieldclinic.com in their article, “Self Care for Neck and Back Pain,” not only makes suggestions for pain relief it provides illustrations of correct body posture while standing, sitting, bending and stooping down.
 
Armed with the suggestions in the articles above you can make an informed choice with your doctor the direction for your treatment. Remember also that God is the one who can teach and direct you in the ways you should go. He, ultimately, gives us the wisdom we need to reduce or even eliminate our pain and shows us how to live.

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