Chiropractors/Herniated Disc

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Question
I have a 10 year old herniated disc which has started to flare up due to my Zumba classes.  I love Zumba and don't want to give it up.  How can I stop the early morning stiffness and pain radiating down one leg.  It almost totally clears up within 2 hours after awaking.

Answer
Hi Kathy,

Not knowing any information except for what you gave me, my best advice is to be careful with any exercises that flex your lumbar spine, e.g. sit ups or ab' crunches.  Extension postures often are helpful for discs.  If you are using other gym machines that could be irritating your disc, then stop them.   Sometimes it's the row machine.  Sometimes it's a leg press machine machine.  You also should check your mattress.  Maybe that's irritating your disc and causing the morning symptoms.    The only other advice I can offer - given your very generic question - is that you find a really good DC who can examine and properly treat your back in an attempt to reduce your morning pain.  

'Hope this was helpful.  

Dr. G

Chiropractors

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Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP

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21 Years in practice: I can answer any question regarding chiropractic and sports medicine treatment. Mostly, I can help the unknowing public understand what is safe, valid, reasonable and evidence-based, and what kinds of unscrupulous chiropractors and fraudulent methods to stay away from. I have an advanced specialty degree in Chiropractic Sports Medicine. I have experience treating elite and Olympic athletes.

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Doctor of Chiropractic Diplomate: American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians

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