Kristopher Keller, D.C.
422 Morse Road
Columbus, Ohio 43214
Phone (614) 885-4480
Fax (614) 885-1066
HOME INSTRUCTIONS FOR HERNIATED DISCS
Do not bend forward any more than absolutely necessary.
Do not carry or lift anything over ten pounds.
When brushing teeth or doing dishes, open the cabinet door and place one foot on the
cabinet base to help support the upper back without bending forward as much.
Sit for no more than 30 minutes at a time, then get up and walk or lie down for 5 minutes.
If necessary put a timer on your desk to ring every 30 minutes as a reminder.
If you have sciatica, numbness or loss of strength in a leg, do not try to stretch your
hamstrings. It is difficult to tell if you are stretching the muscle or pulling on the nerve.
Repeatedly pulling on the nerve may actually create more injury.
Alert the doctor immediately if you suddenly have increased discomfort, numbness or
weakness in one or both legs, or experience loss of bladder or bowel control.
Traction your spine several times per
day by hanging from a chin-up bar or a door.
Hang for a minimum of 20 seconds then rest
for a few seconds. Repeat three times each
time. Try to do this at least three times per
day.
If back bending does not hurt then
use the “cobra” yoga posture to stretch and
traction your back. Lie face down on the
floor. Gently arch yourself backward by
supporting yourself with your elbows under
your chest. Hold this position for 30
seconds twice per day.
Walk as much as possible, as long as it doesn’t increase your symptoms. Walking helps
nourish the disc, reduces swelling around the disc and gently strengthens back muscles.
Be patient. Your discomfort can be expected to gradually decrease. 90% of disc injuries,
even with associated nerve symptoms, resolve within 12 to 16 weeks. Difficult cases may take
longer. But 98% of them resolve within 12 months. Less than 2% need surgery.