Living with a herniated disc can be a daunting experience, but with determination and the right approach, you can overcome the challenges and get back on your feet. In this blog post, I'll share my personal journey of struggling with a herniated disc, my recent hospitalisation, and how I'm taking steps towards healing through nutrition, gentle stretches, slow walking, and avoiding prolonged sitting.A Setback: Overnight in the Hospital:
I understand the frustrations and setbacks that come with a herniated disc. Trust me; I've been there too. Last week, I had to spend overnight in the hospital due to the severity of my condition. The pain was unbelievable. I certainly thank the Maryborough Ambulance Service and the Maryborough Hospital for their unbelievable response and care. It was a difficult time, but it has only strengthened my determination to heal and get back in action. I understand that a single night in the hospital may not seem significant to you, but considering the extensive healing journey I have been on, even a brief hospital stay holds great weight. I have endured months on end in hospitals, and each moment has been a monumental part of my story.
Making the Right Choices:
Despite the challenges, I firmly believe that the road to recovery lies in making the right choices for our bodies. Here's how I'm taking control of my healing process:
- Embracing a Nutrient-Rich Diet:
Food has been an incredible part of my transformative healing journey since 2017. Revamping my diet was key from the beginning. I originally embarked on this journey after facing the daunting task of learning to walk again. It has been a challenging road, with complications originating from a broken neck that have required five spinal surgeries and reliance on medical oxygen for years.
However, I persevered, and found that incorporating foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties will always play a significant role in my recovery. It's truly remarkable how the right nutrition can contribute to our extraordinary healing capacities and make healing faster. If you want a copy of “what foods to avoid” let me know in the comments because I’d love to share.
As I don’t eat meat my omega-3 fatty acids are sourced from hemp seeds, chia seeds, and flax seeds, which have become my favourite allies in this healing process. Alongside these powerful nutrients, I have embraced the vibrant hues of fruits and vegetables, further enhancing the healing potential of my meals. I always tell my friends to eat the rainbow and it truly works. This deliberate focus on nourishment has provided my body with the essential fuel it needs for not only physical recovery but also overall well-being.
Making food tasty is another important aspect because I love eating and don’t want to feel deprived. My Flavourista store for spices is https://flavourista.com.au/TeresaWagstaff.
- Gentle Stretches for Progress:
I have come to understand and appreciate the immense significance of incorporating gentle stretches into the healing process. Even when every fibre of your being yearns to stop, movement remains paramount. It may be challenging at times, but I am resolute in my dedication to perform knee-to-chest stretches, cobra pose stretches, and other gentle stretching exercises specifically tailored to alleviate the pain caused by a herniated disc. I emphasise the word gentle and I also note not doing movements that require forward bending.
Prepare to be amazed by the transformative power of gentle stretches.
Every deliberate movement becomes a testament to the remarkable resilience of the human body. I have experienced firsthand the healing effects of these stretches. They not only alleviate pain but also foster an environment of improved flexibility and healing. By engaging in gentle stretches, I am actively facilitating my own recovery. There’s one lady, Christina, on YouTube I recommend you look at https://youtu.be/8R-KGyTvjnA?si=psndFA_wvXodieEG. I’m not getting any monetary benefits from recommending her (just thought I’d say)
When you witness the remarkable capabilities of our bodies, and discover the transformative power of embracing gentle stretches as part of our healing journey you definitely will keep moving forward. These stretches not only alleviate pain and discomfort but also enhance flexibility, two critical factors in the astonishing journey of healing.
- Taking Slow Steps with Walking:
While I can't engage in vigorous activities right now, I prioritise slow walking as a low-impact exercise. I definitely recommend a slow walk even if the rest of your day is lying down. Each step you take promotes blood circulation, enhances your mood, and contributes to gradual recovery. I’ve found starting with short walks and gradually increasing the duration has shown promising results in just a few days.
- Adapting to the Situation: Avoiding Prolonged Sitting:
One of the biggest challenges in this particular healing journey is avoiding prolonged sitting. I’m finding it hard to sit at all at the moment which does make things tough. So, I understand how difficult it can be, especially when it's such a huge part of our daily routine. However, if you made adjustments by opting for alternative positions like lying down or standing whenever possible. It's a small change that has a significant positive impact on managing herniated disc symptoms.
Recovering from a herniated disc isn't an easy road for anyone. A herniated disc can happen in four stages, depending on how much the inner part pushes out towards the outer part. These four stages are:
- Stage 1: The disc is compressed.
- Stage 2: The disc bulges out.
- Stage 3: The disc protrudes.
- Stage 4: The disc is fully herniated.
Of course as with anything in life, setbacks can happen along the way. However, I want to emphasise that when you’re doing all the right things you will heal faster and get back in action quicker. By focusing on nutrition, gentle stretches, slow walking, and avoiding prolonged sitting, I'm confident that I’ll be back on my feet in a few weeks, ready to tackle new challenges.
Remember, it's essential to listen to your body, seek professional guidance, and stay positive throughout your own healing journey. Your body has incredible healing capabilities, and with the right approach, you too can overcome any obstacle.
If you'd like more information on my personal healing journey or additional tips for healing, self-care, or recipes feel free to visit my blog at https://yesucan.live/blog. Stay strong, stay positive, and remember that you're not alone in this journey.
Note: It's crucial to consult with healthcare professionals for personalised advice and guidance on managing and healing from a herniated disc.
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