Supplements for Herniated Disc Repair

Herniated disc is a common cause of lower back pain. Herbal and nutritional supplements may provide pain, spasm and inflammatory relief to speed repair of the herniated disc.

Identification

• A slipped disc is caused when the soft portion of an intervertebral disc gets forced through a weakened area of the disc. Generally, a herniated disc occurs in the lumbar area of the spine.

Treatment

• Treatment for herniated disc starts with immobility and rest. Anti-inflammatory medications will be used, followed by physical therapy. If the problem persists, surgery that will remove the herniated portion of the intervertebral disc may be called for.

Herbal Supplements

• A number of herbal supplements can be used to help with the symptoms of back pain that is a result of herniated disc. Saw palmetto works as an anti-inflammatory, chamomile relaxes muscles, and willow bark provides pain relief.

Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements

• Vitamins A, C, K and B12 have been shown to promote back health, while calcium and magnesium promote overall bone health. Glucosamine and chondroitin are building blocks of cartilage and have anti-inflammatory properties that can provide relief from a herniated disc.

Considerations

• A herniated disc generally gets better with rest, and supplements that help with pain relief and relaxation may help speed recovery. As with all supplements, personal physicians should be aware of what is being used to make sure complications don't arise by mixing supplements with other medications.