Herniated disc: Complimentary treatment

The soft intervertebral discs and the hard vertebral bones make-up the polar structure of the spine. The hard substance is related to the male principle, while the soft, adaptable water element of the intervertebral discs, symbolises the feminine principle. In constant alternation of the two poles, the spine represents a primordial symbolism that is known in all cultures.

In-between the vertebrae of the spine there are 23 cushion-like intervertebral discs. They consist of 80-85% water; like all liquid parts, they represent our emotions and mental-soul processes.

On physical levels, the intervertebral discs serve as pressure-equaliser and provide nutrients. Each of them is made up of a cartilage-like outer fibre-loop, the 'ligament' and a flexible gelatinous core. Intervertebral discs absorb pressure and distribute it evenly. They buffer pressure and weight like a shock absorber, allowing us to move without causing other structures to suffer.

During the day, gelatinous nuclei lose water due to the pressure load and due to gravity. Due to the resulting decrease in the water content of the intervertebral discs, a person can 'lose' up to 1 to 2 cm in height, come evening. When lying down and at night, the gelatinous nuclei, which are then relieved, refill with fluid. By way of a process of refilling and releasing of water, the intervertebral disc is supplied with nutrients, and forms the basis of its healthy metabolism.

In case of a herniated disc, the shock absorber is overloaded due to excessive or prolonged pressure. The tissue of the intervertebral disc between the vertebral bodies is increasingly pressed outwards. Aches and pain occur then, when the bulging intervertebral disc, or protruding tissue, presses on a nerve-root or a nerve.

Over-burdening and wear on the spine can initially lead to a preliminary stage of a herniated disc, a protrusion of the intervertebral disc. By which the fibrous loop of the intervertebral disc, initially bulges in the direction of the spinal canal and spinal cord. If there is no relief, a herniated disc (prolapse) can follow. The gelatinous nucleus emerges from the intervertebral disc, because the fibrous loop tears, around the intervertebral disc. If this mass presses on the spinal cord or a spinal nerve, it causes pain and numbness or paralysis can arise. The lumbar spine is particularly often affected. The cervical spine and thoracic spine are less burdened than the lumbar spine, which is why there are less herniated discs here. But the cervical spine shows herniated discs, after accidents with whiplash.

Lack of movement is often a common trigger of herniated discs. In todays work climate, especially sitting for many-hours in the office or in a car, can lead to an intervertebral discs being tightly pressed together. Lack of regeneration through sleep and exercise, as well as being overweight, are also risk factors for a herniated disc. Consequently blood flow and water exchanges are restricted, resulting in fewer nutrients being reached to supply

the intervertebral discs. Bad posture when sitting, carrying or lifting can also lead to a herniated disc. The nuclei of the disc, and its shell, will have been unevenly pressed for far too long. Additionally, with increasing age, the ability for water retention decreases, resulting in lesser elasticity of the intervertebral discs. They become 'dry' - more porous, cave- in, whereby the risk of a herniated disc increases significantly. Last but not least, it’s the poorly developed abdominal and back muscles, which increase the risk of a herniated disc.

Typical symptoms of a herniated disc are pain in the affected part of the spine, as well as numbness and tingling. The pain is irritated when coughing, sneezing, or when pressed. They can also radiate to surrounding areas. So, for example, pain is possible in the legs and feet, even the big toe, due to a herniated disc in the lumbar spine region. Additionally, paralysis and numbness are common outcomes of a herniated disc.

During allopathic disc herniation treatments, drugs play a central role in pain-relief, followed by therapy modules such as massage, physiotherapy, if the patient is largely pain free. From a conventional medical perspective, and in acute cases, chiropractic is thought to be effective and to have value. If no progress is made with conservative methods, surgery will be considered.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) speaks of blockages in energy channels in the area of the spine, with or without the symptoms radiating to the head, arms, chest or legs. Acupuncture, for example, is used for pain relief, also for chronic cases.

To an extent, spinal discs can compensate for internal emotional pressures, such as insecurities or humiliation. However, if the emotional pressure and strain increase, the collar of the intervertebral disc will burst at some point, i.e., the fibre loop will tear, causing gelatinous lumps to emerge. The effect is physical, but the causes are more mentally and emotionally based; in as much as too much agitation, stress, tension, and maybe even stubbornness prevails in life. Feminine attributes, such as self-love (nurturing), flexibility, balance and softness are often not adequately nourished, expressing itself through deficiency in an overloaded intervertebral discs.

Every form of intervertebral disc problems is triggered by conscious physical burdening, but above all by unconscious mental and emotional overload. The herniated disc takes-on the tendency to simply evade increased mental pressure.

A herniated disc manifests that the entire person has deviated from the natural order. It is an expression of imbalance between male-female, firm-soft, active-passive, tension and relaxation. It is not a 'punishment' for wrong-doing, but an opportunity and a mission to change something. A period of recuperation, brings calm, and gives time to take better care of oneself, and to also recognise real needs. At times, with the help of family, friends and holistic therapists, one can reflect on a rebuilding of a new life-constellation that can rise to a completely new and healthy level, by freshly gained awareness.

Divine Straightening has a liberating effect on the intervertebral discs. It does not treat the symptoms of the herniated disc, but rather its mental and emotional causes. In case of the intervertebral discs, balance and strengthening is given to the 3 levels of the body-emotion-mind system, especially the emotional levels. The vertebral bones can gently be released, so that the intervertebral discs, previously under strained tension, can increase spaciousness and fill-up with clear-energy.

Healing impulses also have an effect on the causes of existing psychological pressure. Divine Straightening releases the corset of imprinted life patterns and blockages, so that the intervertebral discs free themselves from emotional burdens that have often been around for years. Your fluidic-cells are embraced by the life- force to recharge, so to supply energy permanently, once again. The person is able to breathe and noticeably straightens up: 'I'm sitting here with a completely new feeling in my back - it's just wonderful’ is one of the numerous responses.