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Top 9 Homeopathic Medicines for Disc Prolapse can Save you from Sugery

homeopathy disc prolapse

Disc bulge refers to a condition in which the intervertebral disc bulges out of its place. Intervertebral discs are like cushions present between vertebrae that act as shock absorbers and allow flexibility to the spine. Vertebrae are the bones in the back that make the spine. With advanced age and due to wear and tear or injury, the discs begin to degenerate with signs of dryness, and breakage. The disc degeneration leads to the disc bulging out and compressing the nerves coming out of the spinal cord.
Homeopathy offers excellent treatment for cases of disc bulge. Homeopathic medicines for disc bulge help to manage the symptoms effectively. Symptoms such as back / neck pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling in limbs get relieved wonderfully. Though the already prolapsed disc cannot be brought back to the original, homeopathic medicines surely help in halting further degeneration of the disc. In mainstream medicine, anti-inflammatory medicines and steroid injections are mainly given in such cases which provides temporary relief, and may also lead to side effects over a period of time. In homeopathy, the relief is long term with zero side effects.

In many cases surgery is recommended in disc bulge cases. But timely use of homeopathic medicines for the time period as suggested by a homeopathic doctor can help to save the patient from surgery. Surgery can be prevented in mild to moderate cases if homeopathic treatment is followed. The results may vary based on various factors, like duration of the complaint, severity of symptoms and patient’s response to medicines. However, in advanced and severe cases with severe intensity of symptoms or with serious symptoms or complications like cauda equine, conventional treatment needs to be taken as homeopathy has a limitation to offer help in such cases.

Homeopathic prescription in disc bulge cases is entirely based on the particular symptoms described by each patient. A homeopathic doctor notes down the case symptoms in detail followed by its evaluation. The medicine that matches the strongest with the symptoms of the person, is prescribed. Then, the dosage, potency and repetition are finalized that differs for each case depending on chronicity, age and severity of symptoms.

Homeopathic medicines for disc bulge cases are of natural origin. They work very gently to boost the self-healing mechanism of the body to overcome health issues.

Top 9 Homeopathic Medicines for Disc Bulge or Disc Prolapse

The top-ranking 9 homeopathic medicines that treat disc bulge or disc prolapse effectively are Rhus Tox, Colocynth, Magnesium Phos, Gnaphalium, Bryonia, Hypericum, Guaiacum Officinale, Paris Quadrifolia and Kalmia Latifolia.

1. Rhus Tox – Top Medicine For Disc Bulge With Lower Back Pain

Rhus Tox is the best and the most frequently recommended natural medicine to treat disc bulge in the lumbar region. It is a great medicine for lumbar disc bulge causing pain in the lower back. Those who need Rhus Tox, complain of pain in the lower back which gets worse if one sits for long hours. Lying down or any resting position also worsens the pain. Such individuals get relief from motion or by walking. Rhus Tox is also a wonderful medicine for relieving stiffness in the spine. The stiffness gets much worse after a period of rest and gets better by walking. The people who have pain in the lower back that gets worse by lifting heavy weight or from straining the back, can benefit greatly from Rhus Tox.

When to use Rhus Tox?

The use of Rhus Tox is mainly suggested to manage lumbar disc bulge with pain and stiffness in the lower back that worsens from rest and relief from movement.

How to use Rhus Tox?

Initially, Rhus Tox 30C can be used three to four times a day. Once relief starts the dose should be reduced.

2. Colocynth – For Lumbar Disc Bulge Causing Left Side Sciatica

To seek relief from sciatica pain, Colocynth is the best remedy. Colocynth is mainly prescribed for sciatica on the left side. Those who require Colocynth have severe pain in the lower back which extends down the left lower limb. The pain mostly gets better by applying pressure or heat application. The nature of the pain can be cramping, tearing, shooting or drawing in nature.

When to use Colocynth?

It is recommended to manage left sided sciatica in disc bulge cases with relief from pressure and warm applications over painful area.

How to use Colocynth?

Among its various potencies ranging from low to high, it is best to start with 30C potency two to three times a day.

3. Magnesium Phos – For Lumbar Disc Bulge Causing Right Side Sciatica

Magnesium Phos is the best homeopathic remedy to relieve sciatica of the right side. For using Magnesium Phos, sciatica pains can be of varying nature like stitching, shooting or cutting. It is beneficial when there is relief from sciatica pain by applying pressure or warmth.

When to use Magnesium Phos?

This remedy is best suited for cases of disc bulge with right-sided sciatica with relief setting in from pressure and warm application on affected parts.

How to use Magnesium Phos?

It works great in 6X potency that can be taken three to four times a day. To get best results, Magnesium Phos 6X tablets should be taken by dissolving in one fourth cup of hot water.

4. Gnaphalium –  For Disc Prolapse Causing Sciatica Pains With Numbness

Gnaphalium is the top natural medicine to treat Sciatica pain accompanied by numbness. It is prescribed when the dominant complaint is of severe sciatica pains along with a feeling of numbness. Folding thighs towards the abdomen gives some relief. It is a remedy that is very beneficial for degenerative disc disease presenting itself with Sciatic nerve impingement, leading to pain and numbness.

When to use Gnaphalium?

Opt its use for managing sciatica pains attended with numbness.

How to use Gnaphalium?

It is advised to use Gnaphalium 30C once or twice a day.

5. Bryonia – For Lower Backache That Gets Better By Resting

Persons who have lower backache which gets better by taking rest will find natural remedy Bryonia of great help. Such persons experience worsening pain in the back from a slight movement or walking. Stiffness and rigidity also accompany pain in the back. The pain forces the patient to sit or walk in a bent posture. Such persons have difficulty in holding an upright position.

When to use Bryonia?

The most remarkable symptom guiding the use of this medicine is lower back pain worsening from slight movement and getting better from taking rest.

How to use Bryonia?

It can be used in 30C power two to three times in a day.

6. Hypericum – To Manage Numbness, Tingling In Legs

Hypericum is very beneficial to manage numbness and tingling in legs. Along with this, there is sharp pain in the legs. Pain may be felt in the lower back as well. The back may be very sensitive to touch. For disc bulge related to injury to the spine, Hypericum is the top most medicine.

When to use Hypericum?

This medicine proves effective in cases of disc bulge with numbness and tingling in legs along with lower back pain. It is also used as a first line of treatment when disc bulge occurs from an injury to the spine.

How to use Hypericum?

It works well in both low and high potencies. To start with, one can take this medicine in 30C power twice or thrice a day.

7. Guaiacum Officinale – To Manage Neck Pain

Guaiacum Officinale is highly effective when pain in the neck is present. Stiffness in the neck is also present. The shoulders may also be sore. In some cases, the stiffness radiates from the neck to the whole back on one side.

When to use Guaiacum Officinale?

This medicine is usually prescribed to manage pain and stiffness in the neck in cases of cervical disc bulge. The stiffness may extend to the entire back on one side.

How to use Guaiacum Officinale?

Among the various available potencies of Guaiacum Officinale, it is best to start with its 30C potency that can be taken once or twice a day as per the intensity of the problem.

8. Paris Quadrifolia – For Neck Pain With Numbness In Arms, Hands Or Fingers

Paris Quadrifolia is very suitable for managing pain in the neck accompanied with numbness in arms, hands or fingers. The pain from the neck extends to the fingers. This pain may worsen from exertion. A sensation of a heavy weight around the neck and shoulders may attend.

When to use Paris Quadrifolia?

The most striking feature to use this medicine in cervical disc bulge is pain in the neck attended with numbness in arms, hands or fingers.

How to use Paris Quadrifolia?

Its use can be done two to three times a day in 30C power.

9. Kalmia Latifolia – For Neck Pain and Numbness, Tingling, Pricking In Hands

Kalmia Latifolia offers help when pain from the neck radiates down the arms. It is attended by numbness, or tingling, pricking sensation in hands. Sometimes weakness is felt in the upper limbs.

When to use Kalmia Latifolia?

This medicine can be considered for managing pain in the neck radiating down arms along with numbness or tingling prickling sensations in hands.

How to use Kalmia Latifolia?

It is recommended to use this medicine in 30C potency one to two times in a day.

Most Commonly Involved Sites For Disc Bulge / Prolapse

Although the disc bulge can take place in any part of the spine, lumbar (refers to lower back disc) and cervical (refers to neck) regions are most frequently involved. In the case of lumbar disc bulge, 95 per cent of the bulge occurs at levels of L4-L5 or L5-S1.  In the case of the cervical disc bulge, the common location is C5-C6 and C6-C7.

Symptoms Of Disc Bulge / Herniation / Prolapse

Symptoms from lumbar (lower back) disc bulge

1. Lower backache and sciatica: Lower back pain is the most common symptom. The pain from the lower back can radiate down the hips, thighs, legs, and even till the feet which is referred to as sciatica. Pain may get worse from sitting, standing, walking, coughing, sneezing, etc

2. Numbness, tingling, burning, weakness in the affected area. Weakness may affect gait leading to stumbling.

3. In severe cases, loss of bladder or bowel control may occur. It requires immediate medical help.

Symptoms From Cervical (Neck) Disc Bulge

1. Pain in the neck: The pain may extend from the neck to shoulders, arms and sometimes hands and fingers. Pain may get worse from neck movement.

2. Numbness, tingling or weakness may also accompany pain in the neck, and arms.

3. Weakness in arms affects ability to hold objects resulting in frequent falling of holded things

Cause Behind Disc Bulge / Herniation

The main reason behind disc bulge and herniation is wear and tear of discs that occur with age. As a part of this wear and tear, the discs dry out and there is reduced flexibility. Due to this, the disc is at a risk of tear and rupture even from the slightest strain.

An intervertebral disc has a tough outer layer called annulus fibrosus, and a soft gel-like center called the nucleus. In case of disc bulge, the inner gel-like center remains as such within the outer portion and the intact disc bulges out of this place. However, in case the outer layer of the disc gets torn that causes the center to herniate, then it is termed as herniated disc (also called slip disc or ruptured disc). In herniated disc, there is a partial crack in the outer layer of the disc. If a total crack in the disc’s outer layer causes the leakage of the inner gel-like material through that crack, it is termed prolapsed disc.

Risk Factors

There are certain factors that put a person at risk of disc bulge or disc prolapse as follows:

1. Aging

2. Occupation involving lifting weights, pulling or pushing objects regularly

3. Suddenly twisting or straining the back

4. Obesity and excessive body weight

5. Lifting heavy objects with bent waist

6. Back injury / trauma, fall or a blow on back may cause disc bulge in rare cases

7. Driving for long hours regularly put pressure on back and raises the risk

8. Rest of risk factors includes a family history of disc bulge, smoking (reduce oxygen supply to discs causing disc degeneration) and sitting for prolonged hours daily with little to no physical activity

Complications

1. Saddle anaesthesia: Compression of nerves by disc bulge may lead to loss of sensation in inner thighs, back of legs and around rectum.

2. Cauda equine syndrome: Spinal cord ends above the waist. At the end of the spinal cord, a bundle of nerves called cauda equina (resembling the tail of a horse) are present. If the disc bulge compresses this nerve set, it is called cauda equina syndrome. This condition is a medical emergency needing immediate medical help. If not treated well in time, it may cause loss of bladder or bowel control, permanent weakness or paralysis of legs.

Investigations To Diagnose Disc Bulge

1. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): It is the most commonly used investigation to diagnose cases of disc bulge / herniation. It will confirm disc bulge and its location in suspected cases.

2. X-ray: Though X- ray cannot detect disc prolapse, it may be recommended to rule out other causes of backache (fracture, tumor for example)

3. CT scan (computed tomography): With the help of CT scan, X-rays will be taken from different directions of the spine and structures around it

4. Myelogram: CT scan is done after injecting a dye in the spinal fluid. This will detect pressure on the nerves from disc prolapse.

Call Dr. Sharma's Clinic - From United States and Canada call 703-659-0873. Patients From rest of the world and India call +91-6283487321

Homeopathic Treatment for Disc Prolapse

What is disc bulge?

Disc or more appropriately intervertebral disc refers to the pad of fibro cartilage lying between vertebras. Vertebras are bone in the back stacked one above the other, 33 of them in all. Each intervertebral disc lies between two vertebrae or in other words, separates two vertebrae. There are 23 intervertebral discs in total. These cartilaginous pads act as shock absorbers whenever excessive stress or strain is put on the spine. An intervertebral disc has two parts – thick outer fibrous ring called annulus fibrosus and inner gel-like material called nucleous pulposus. Disc bulge refers to bulging out of the intact disc from its normal space. Although disc bulge can arise in any part of the spine, it is most common in the lumbar and cervical spine. A person may have single or multiple disc bulges at varying levels in the spine.

Can Homeopathy treat disc bulge?

Disc bulge can be treated with excellence under the Homeopathic mode of treatment. Mild to moderate cases of disc bulge have a good chance of complete recovery with Homeopathic medicines. In severe cases of disc bulge, symptomatic relief can be expected with Homeopathic medicines. In such cases, symptoms of back pain, tingling, numbness and weakness in limbs can all be managed successfully. Among the most well indicated Homeopathic medicines for disc bulge, the major ones are – Rhus Tox, Hypericum Perforatum, Colocynthis, Magnesium Phos and Paris Quadrifolia.

What causes disc bulge?

Various factors can cause a disc bulge. The first among them is age. With advancing age, the discs start to lose their elasticity and lubricating fluid and become brittle, making them bulge out. Injury to the spine can also cause a disc to bulge as also repetitive bending of the back. Lifting heavy weights is another major risk factor. Being overweight also puts a person at a higher risk of disc bulge.

How do I know I have cervical disc bulge?

The first visible symptom of a cervical disc bulge is pain in the neck. The pain may travel to the shoulders, arms and down to the hands and fingers. When a disc bulge pinches upon a nerve, it leads to numbness, tingling, formication in the upper limbs. Weakness of upper limbs may also be present.

What are the symptoms of lumbar disc bulge?

A person having lumbar disc bulge may not experience any symptom at all. Where symptoms do show up in lumbar disc bulge, the first among them would be pain in the lower back. The next symptom that is likely to arise from a lumbar disc bulge from nerve pinching is pain in the lower back that radiates down the lower limbs. The pain radiating from lower back to the lower limbs is termed as sciatica. Sciatica can be right or left sided. Numbness, tingling, weakness of the lower limbs are yet other accompanying symptoms.

What does disc bulge diagnosis involve?

Investigation to confirm disc bulge includes MRI of the back. It will reveal the exact location of the disc bulge and the nerves that are affected.

Does a disc bulge always cause pain?

No, it is not mandatory for all disc bulge cases to feel pain. Many persons have disc bulge without even knowing that they do as they never experience any symptoms.

Is disc bulge the same as disc herniation?

No, disc bulge and disc herniation are not the same. Disc bulge simply refers to bulging out of the intact disc from its normal space. In disc herniation, there is a crack in the outer fibrous layer of disc that makes the gel-like material inside the inter vertebral disc ooze out.

Which part of the spine is most likely to suffer a disc bulge?

Although disc bulge can arise in any part of spine, it is most common in the lumbar and cervical spine.

I have numbness, tingling in hands. Could it be due to cervical disc bulge?

Yes, cervical disc bulge can cause numbness and tingling in hands. These symptoms arise due to pinching of the nerve from disc bulge in the cervical region. However, similar symptoms may arise due to other medical conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy as well. Further investigation would be required to confirm disc bulge.

I have had lower back pain for a few months. Should it be investigated for disc bulge?

Disc bulge is one of the major causes leading to lower back pain. However, it is not the only cause of lower back pain. It can arise due to several other reasons including degeneration of the disc, muscle sprain, muscle spasm in the back, osteoarthritis, spondylolisthesis and osteoporosis.

I have been advised surgery for lumbar disc bulge. Can it be avoided with Homeopathic medicines?

Yes, Homeopathic medicines offer great alternative to surgery in treating lumbar disc bulge. Mild, moderate disc bulge cases show complete recovery with Homeopathic medicines. Severe disc bulge cases, too, can be symptomatically managed with Homeopathic mode of treatment.

Can Homeopathic medicines completely cure disc bulge?

Yes, disc bulge can be cured with Homeopathic medicines. However, the results vary as per the severity and intensity of the case. Depending upon the severity of the case, either complete cure is possible or Homeopathic medicines can provide symptomatic relief from disc bulge.

FAQs – Homeopathic medicines for disc bulge

Which Homeopathic medicines are most effective in treating disc bulge?

Homeopathic medicines Rhus Tox, Paris Quadrifolia, Colocynthis and Magnesium Phos rate among the most effective for treating disc bulge.

Which Homeopathic medicine can I take for my neck pain from cervical disc bulge?

Neck pain from cervical disc bulge can be treated very efficiently with Homeopathic medicine Rhus Tox.

My MRI shows disc bulge at C5-6 and C6-7 level, with pain in neck and numbness in the hands. Which Homeopathic medicine would you advise?

Paris Quadrifolia is the best choice of Homeopathic medicine for treating pain in the neck and numbness in hands from cervical disc bulge.

Which Homeopathic medicine is indicated for treating tingling in upper limbs in a cervical disc bulge case?

Kalmia Latifolia is the prominently indicated Homeopathic medicine for tingling in the upper limbs from cervical disc bulge.

I have had lower back pain for a few months and my MRI shows disc bulge at L4-L5 level. Can Homeopathic medicines help me?

Yes, Homeopathic medicines can treat your lower back pain from disc bulge at L4-L5 level. Rhus Tox and Aesculus Hippocastanum remain the most effective and reliable Homeopathic medicines for treating lower back pain from disc bulge.

Which Homeopathic medicine would you suggest for pain in lower back radiating down the right leg (sciatica) in a lumbar disc bulge case?

Among the wide range of Homeopathic medicines for treating right-sided sciatica from disc bulge, the most beneficial is Magnesium Phos.

Is there a Homeopathic medicine for treating lower back pain radiating down the left lower limb (left sided sciatica) from disc bulge?

Yes, Homeopathy offers a wide range of medicines to treat left-sided sciatica arising from disc bulge. The most significant among these is Homeopathic medicine Colocynthis.

In case of sciatica attended with numbness from disc bulge, which Homeopathic medicine will work?

The most appropriate Homeopathic medicine for treating sciatica attended with numbness from disc bulge is Gnaphalium Polycephalum.

Can Homeopathic medicines treat disc bulge resulting from injury?

Yes, Homeopathic medicines can significantly treat disc bulge arising from injury. In my clinical practice, Homeopathic medicines Hypericum Perforatum and Rhus Tox have shown great results in such cases.

I have developed disc bulge in the lumbar region from lifting heavy weight. Which Homeopathic medicine will help?

For your lumbar disc bulge arising from lifting heavy weight, Rhus Tox is the most suitable Homeopathic medicine.

Homeopathic Medicines for Disc Bulge

Rhus Tox – Top Homeopathic medicine for disc bulge in cervical or lumbar spine

Rhus Tox is one of the top grade Homeopathic medicines for disc bulge cases. Rhus Tox offers great help in disc bulge in the cervical and lumbar region. The key symptom signalling use of Rhus Tox is severe pain in the neck or lower back as per the region of disc bulge. The person who needs Rhus Tox may feel relief in pain with pressure or from massage. Others may feel better with movement or while walking. Another indicative feature for using Rhus Tox is worsening of lower back pain while sitting and while at rest. Rhus Tox is also very useful for disc bulge arising from lifting heavy weights or from injury.

Paris Quadrifolia – Excellent Homeopathic medicine for cervical disc bulge with pain in neck and numbness in upper limbs

Paris Quadrifolia is an excellent Homeopathic medicine for treating cervical disc bulge. The chief guiding feature for selecting Paris Quadrifolia is pain in the neck and numbness in upper limbs. Numbness may be felt in the arms, hands or fingers. Pain in the neck may travel down the arms. Feeling of weight in the neck and across the shoulders is another attending feature.

Kalmia Latifolia – Wonderful Homeopathic medicine for cervical disc bulge with tingling sensation in upper limbs

For cervical disc bulge with tingling, pricking sensation in the arms or hands, Kalmia Latifolia is a most reliable and effective Homeopathic medicine. Weakness in the hands may also arise. Pain from neck travelling down the arms is a key symptom where Homeopathic medicine Kalmia Latifolia will show best results.

Aesculus Hippocastanum – Significant Homeopathic medicine for treating lower back pain from lumbar disc bulge

Aesculus Hippocastanum is a very significant Homeopathic medicine for treating lower back pain from disc bulge. The pain in lower back may radiate to hips. The person needing Aesculus Hippocastanum may feel the pain worsen from walking or stooping. Rising from a sitting position is also very difficult for persons requiring Aesculus Hippocastanum. There is the sensation as if the back might break.

Magnesium Phos – Well indicated Homeopathic medicine for lumbo sacral disc bulge with right-sided sciatica

Magnesium Phos is a prominently indicated Homeopathic medicine for lumbar sacral disc bulge, especially where accompanied by right-sided sciatica. The person needing Magnesium Phos feels pain in the lower back radiate down the hip, leg and down to the foot on the right side. The nature of this pain may be shooting, sharp, stitching or cutting type. The person needing Magnesium Phos may feel relief from applying pressure on the painful area.

Colocynthis – Excellent Homeopathic medicine for lumbar disc bulge with left-sided sciatica

Colocynthis is an excellent Homeopathic medicine for treating lumbar disc bulge where the main compliant is left-sided sciatica. The major symptom is pain in the lower back extending down the hip, leg and foot on the left side. The character of the pain may be cramping, shooting, lightening and shock-like or tearing in nature. Pressure and warm applications may relieve the pain. Lying on the left side may also provide relief.

Gnaphalium Polycephalum – Best Homeopathic medicine for treating lumbar disc bulge with sciatica and numbness in lower limbs

Gnaphalium Polycephalum is a very suitable Homeopathic medicine for disc bulge where sciatica, attended with numbness in lower limbs, is the chief symptom. Pain in the lower back radiates down the lower limbs along the course of the sciatic nerve. The person may feel better by flexing the thigh on abdomen.

Hypericum Perforatum and Rhus Tox – Homeopathic medicines for treating disc bulge from injury

For disc bulge resulting from injury, Homeopathic medicines Hypericum Perforatum and Rhus Tox come highly recommended. Hypericum Perforatum is given in case of violent, sharp pain in the lower back following injury. Walking and stooping is impossible and cause violent pain. It is also indicated for pain shooting up the spine and down the limbs. The person who needs Hypericum Perforatum may also have neck pain. The neck may be extremely sensitive to the touch from cervical disc bulge following injury. Movement of arms worsening neck pain is also a sign that Hypericum Perforatum is the choice of Homeopathic medicine. Hypericum Perforatum is also the medicine to use for tingling and burning in the limbs from a pinched nerve in the back. Homeopathic medicine Rhus Tox is indicated for disc bulge of both cervical as well as lumbar region. In case of cervical disc bulge, it is useful when neck pain gets better with heat or massage. In case of lumbar disc bulge, Rhus Tox is considered if the lower back pain gets better with movement or hard pressure.

Lifestyle measures can help better manage disc bulge

Some basic lifestyle measures, if adopted, will be of great help in managing the disc bulge complaint:

  • Avoiding lifting heavy weight
  • Avoid bending the spine; if need be, consider bending on the knees instead of waist
  • Exercise to strengthen the back and maintain flexibility
  • Avoid sitting for long hours and jumping
  • Lose that excess weight
  • Take proper sleep
  • Meditate, do calming exercise to keep stress away

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