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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
First, 6 mths. ago i was hit with sudden onset torn meniscus of the right knee and partial bone on bone arthritis- i am 58 with no history of arthritis- after 6 wks. of agonizing pain in bed, able to get to physical therapy, then after a month of regular therapy pain gone, continued with gym 5x a week, stationary bike, machines to strenghthen and walking in warm pool water- feeling great. Able to garden, illustrate book, paint, walk dog, cook, clean etc… Then 6 wks. ago, woke and couldn’t stand on leg- shooting pain in rt. hip, knee, and numbness and severe pain front of calf from knee down to just above the ankle- sent for MRI- doing home exercises, can’t get to pt yet- have tried and its excruciating, might try again today. I’m seeing a Psyiatrist on monday, but need different opinions- should i force physcial therapy now? its very very hard to move- taking mild pain meds, and anti inflammatory med, and anti inflammatory diet- not eating much. I am attaching MRI below and would very much appreciated your input- i feel i’m too young for all of this, thank you.
Hi Deborah – it does appear that you have the changes of aging in your spine (degenerative disc disease) and a disc extruding from your spine more severerly on the Right at the level of your pain, likely explaining the symptoms in your right leg. This will mean a discussion with orthopedics about options – ie, do you need what is called a fusion or disc replacement surgery? This has benefits for some, but not all.
At least this is an explanation for the pain! Hopefully that brings you some degree of relief.
Thanks.
Component Results
Component
MR LUMBAR SPINE WO CONT
EXAM: MRI lumbar spine without contrast
HISTORY: Lumbago. Sciatica.
COMPARISON: Lumbosacral spine radiographs of 7/11/13
TECHNIQUE: Multiplanar multi-sequence MRI lumbar spine without contrast.
FINDINGS:
Alignment: Normal
Marrow: Normal for age. Scattered hemangiomas are present.
Conus: Unremarkable
L1-2: Unremarkable
L2-3: Mild diffuse disk bulge results in mild neural foraminal narrowing on
the right. The left neural foramen and canal are patent.
L3-4: Diffuse disk bulge with right paracentral protrusion results in neural
foraminal narrowing which is moderate on the right and mild left.
L4-5: Diffuse disk bulge with superimposed right foraminal extrusion
(extruded fragment measures 1.4 x 1.3 x 2.6 cm) and bilateral facet hypertrophy
resulting in bilateral neural foraminal narrowing which is severe on the right
and moderate on the left.
L5-S1: Diffuse disk bulge and facet hypertrophy results in bilateral neural
foraminal narrowing which is severe in the left and mild on the right.
Paraspinal soft tissues: Subcentimeter T2 hyperintense ovoid focus in the
inferior pole of kidney is clearly characterize the likely reflects a simple
cyst.
IMPRESSION:
Degenerative disease resulting in variable degrees in neural foraminal
stenosis, greatest at L4-5 on the right (where an extruded disk contacts the
exiting root) and at L5-S1 on the left.
Attending Radiologists: JAMES ANDERSON, MD
Author: DAVID PETTERSSON, MD
I have personally viewed this procedure/exam, reviewed this report, and made
changes to it where appropriate.
Patient Name: HITESH SAVE
Age: 24 Years Sex: Male Study: MRI LS SPINE
MRI LUMBOSACRAL SPINE
Clinical Details:
Pain in back and both lower limbs.
Imaging Findings:
Lumbosacral spine is normal in curvature and alignment.
Vertebral bodies are normal in height and signal intensity.
Mild diffuse annular bulge of L4-L5 intervertebral disc is seen, indenting the anterior subarachnoid space, causing mild left inferior neural foraminal narrowing. No evidence of obvious nerve root compression is noted.
Moderate diffuse annular bulge of L5-S1 is seen, indenting the thecal sac, encroaching onto bilateral neural foramina with resultant impingement of bilateral exiting L5 nerve roots.
Mild ligamentum flavum hypertrophy is seen at L5-S1.
Rest of the intervertebral discs are normal in height and signal intensity.
Rest of the posterior elements appear normal.
Visualized spinal cord is normal in calibre and signal intensity and ends at L1 level.
No abnormal pre/ paravertebral or epidural soft tissue/collection is seen.
Patient ID: UHMR 45154 Study Date: 22-Jul-2013
Patient Name: HITESH SAVE Referred By: DR. SANJU PATEL
Age: 24 Years Sex: Male Study: MRI L. S. SPINE
Conclusion:
• Mild diffuse annular bulge of L4-L5 intervertebral disc, indenting the anterior subarachnoid space, causing mild bilateral inferior neural foraminal narrowing without any nerve root compression.
• Moderate diffuse annular bulge of L5-S1, indenting the thecal sac, encroaching up on bilateral neural foramina with resultant impingement of bilateral exiting L5 nerve roots.
• Mild ligamentum flavum hypertrophy at L5-S1.
Pls Suggest
Hi sir , I need to ask is there any medicine for l4 l5 disc bulge with s1 , causing pain in my buttocks thigh and goes down to leg as I already had steroid injection which didnt help ? Thanks
i have pain in lower back ,my disk is prollips L5S1, so i am suffering from pain in upper back.plz give me advise ?
i have bulge disc that is compress traversing left l5nerve root and it create pain at centre of back and left hip when i am standing sometime walking plese give me a good suggestion
After 4 back surgeries I find myself facing more surgery in the future after a small impact due to a car accident.
Im unable to fully understand what my MRI is indicating so I was hoping you could help with an alternative (if possible) to more surgery, and to understanding my MRI.
My present physical state is numbness to my right arm and hand. Pain to the shoulder and neck, fevers with chills, numbness to my two legs and radiating pain (severe) to my lower back. Sexual disfunction as well as some minor bladder problems. Sometimes the pain runs from the top of my neck all the way through the spine. I am unable to function without pain medication, I can not do the most simple of tasks, nor am I able to work.
at C3-C4, broad based posterior disc herniation with compression of the spinal cord resulting in moderate spinal stenosis with an AP dimension of 0.7 cm.
There is a disc bulge, osteophytes, and facet hypertrophy. Moderate to severe right and mild moderate left foramina stenosis.
at C4-C5, broad based posterior disc herniation with anterior compression of the spinal cord resulting in moderate spinal stenosis with AP dimension of 0.7 cm. There is a disc bulge, osteophytes, and facet hypertrophy. There is a moderate to severe bilateral neural foramina stenosis.
There is a hemangioma at the level T2
L4-L5, There is a disc bulge, desiccation,osteophytes,and facet hypertrophy.
L5-S1, left paramedian disc herniation which abuts the left S1 nerve root. There is a disc bulge, disiccation,osteophytes, and facet hypertrophy. There is a moderate to severe left neural foramina stenosis. There is a mild to moderate right neural foramina stenosis.
sir i have pain in my lower back and it radiates to my left leg .i have done my MRI and it was confirmed by doctor that it is a case of herniated disk and advised me to undergo a surgery to get rid of this pain .but sir i am not atall intrested for surgery .kindly guide me sir ,the pain is also time to time unbearable .
I am having lower back pain since last one month. Doctor has told me based on MRI exactly what yo have stated in your article on the internet. i,e :outer covering of the discs get torn and the nucleus moves out to irritate the nerve passing by. The MRI reports also says annual teal and also used the word L4-L5 and L5-s1. How homeopathy will help me. I dont want to cosume pain killer tablets please.
C5-6disc:right paracentral extrusion with chord and c6 nerve root compression
C4 disc:postocentral bulge.no nerve root compression.this is the MRI reports of my mother…is this a major problem
sir,
i m suffering from lower back pain around 7-8 month before,i have taken pain killer vitamin tab(bikosul) and physiotherepy but till now no relief in pain gradually it is increasing hip and both leg also,now i m taking treatmement from homeopathik adviser .pls give me suggetion as well as treatment
My wife 49 years of age is suffering from herniated disc L-4 L-5. She is getting pain in the lower back which is radiating down in the left leg in the front & side of the left leg. Kindly suggest homeopathy treatment & medication to relieve her of the pain. At present she is almost resting in bed.KIndly advise & Thank you.
My mother (her name is June, 84 yrs) has had degenerative disk/hip dis Ease for a very long time. Just in the past year it has gotten worst. She has had procedure done that the specialists have deaden the nerves in her back which did nothing for the pain. Aspirin and heat are her friends but the pain is all the TIME. I have given her homeopathics of Arnica, Bryonia and Rhus Tox with no relief in sight. She does take Calicum w/ Vit D but not a quality one. I love my mother and I want to help her have the best quality in life. She is on the computer daily and watches TV every evening but she does walk around her home for exercise through out the day. She uses a cane and she will take a slow walk in early Texas morn outside. 3-5 minutes. She doesn’t like to go in the car anymore except to go to my brothers home. I do All of her shopping or she buys on the Internet. Any suggests would be appreciated. Thank you for all your in advance, ~linda
I am detected with PIVD L5 S1 and having pain in lower back. The pain is radiating in my left buttock. Very difficult to bow or lower myself down to pick up thing from ground level. Is there any permanent Homeopathy therapy ? If yes what medicine to be taken and please mention the doses to be taken. Thanks.
I got a massive stroke on the lumber portion of my backbone while keeping down a weight of near about 20 Kg. two years ago.An ortho cum neuro surgeon advised medicine and L.S.Belt which is being still used.Most importantly the M.R.I. report includes that prolapsed L4-L5 disk causing thecal identation and bilateral L4-L5 facet disease.Please suggest me how can i have a homeopathic treatment and live a life without belt?
Dear Sir,
I am suffering from Scitica pain. From MRI scan it has been found that I have l5-s1 disc bulging and narrowing of canal which might be causing compression of nerve root.
This is mainly due to lifting of very heavy load without proper balance. The bulging of l5-s1 disc (herniated) probably causing the compression of nerve root. I do not have any back pain. Only lower hip, thigh muscles (back side) and cup muscle (back side) have muscular pain (hamstring type).
I have taken bed rest of about one month. But still I am suffering from pain at the lower hip down to back thigh muscles and leg cup muscles (back side of the leg).
I feel less pain while lying down in bed or siting staright on chair. While walking or standing I feel lots of nero-muscular pain at the lower hip and back side of thigh (hamstring type) and back side of ower leg cup.
Intially I had some problem with less sensation near smallest fingure of the feet. Now I am getting it O.K.
However, hamstring type muscle pain still continues.
Please suggest some homeopathic medicine and exercise/yoga/natural medicine.
I will be grateful to you. My Life is becoming miserable
due to this sciatica pain. I cannot walk much or stand for longer time.
Thanking you.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. T. K. Nath
Dear Sir
I am 37 plus
MRI reports
1. Inter Vertebral discs show normal height & signal intesity except for mildly diminished height of L5 S1 disc with small posterior disc buldge indenting to left S1 nerve root in the epidural fat.
2. incidentally small posterior disc bulges are seen at C3 – C4 to c6 -c7
sir my slipdisc displace and intent in spinal cord from c4 to c5 and my both hand not working properly and i dont want to operation so plz give me suggestion what can i do in homeopathy
Dear Dr.
Kindly inform me there is any treatment in Homeo for Hemangioma
I have 4.8 x 2.7 x 3.6 cms sized (cc x ap x tr) T2 hyperintense lesion is seen in left para spinal subcutaneous & muscular region with multiple flow voids within it.
I have 45 year old gentlemen with suspected left paraspinal hemangioma- as per MRI report.
Kindly advise
Hi doctor Sharma, I am 21 years old and I have a herniataed disc in my back due to improper lifting etc at work, i get random sciatic nerve pain down my left leg, and my foot and ankle also get sore. But i also get muscle pain in my gluteus from prolonged sitting position and pain on my left hip bone which reduces when I apply ice, heat or pressure. I get random back spasms when I stand for hours (at work). I cant run or hold squat position for a prolonged time because my legs start shaking as my muscles weaken. Unfortunately, I cant even continue my favorite activity anymore, working out.
If there is any homeopathy treatment that you believe can help me please let me know thanks!
Dear Doctor,
I AM MALE, MY AGE IS 50 YEARS OLD, i AM MARRIED AND I DONT HAVE KIDS, UNFORTUNATELY I HAVE MET AN ACCIDENT, WHILE I WAS LIFTING HEAVY WEIGHTS 18 YEARS BEFORE, THAT WEIGHT APPROXIMATELY 100 KGS. WHILE I WAS LIFTING IN STANDING POSITION THAT WEIGHT WITHOUT ANY SUPPORT AND WITHOUT SUPPORTING BELT, I LOST MY BOTH LIMBS BALANCE WHEN I LIFTED THAT 100 Kgs WEIGHT OVER MY HEAD, SUDDEN MY BOTH HANDS CAME DOWN ON BY BACKSIDE WITH JERK, SO I GOT A SEVERE JERK ON MY L4 & L5 , SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE NUMBNESS IN MY LOWER LIMBS, I AM FEELING PAIN TOO, AND I LOST ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION, MY BOTH TESTICALS ARE NOT ACTIVE, AND THERE IS NO SPERM PRODUCTION, i HAVE TAKEN LOT OF MEDICINE TO GET RID FROM THIS PROBLEM, BUT ALL MY TRY IN VAIN ,PLEASE ADVICE ME SOME MEDICINE, THEN I CAN TAKE AS PER YOUR ADVICE