Please provide some do's and don'ts on dealing with herniated disk.

Ignore: The most important treatment is physical therapy. Usually gentle stretching exercise for life.

Ignore: Avoid bending ; heavy lifting. Walking daily (30 minutes) ; swimming. Lose weight, quit smoking.

Ignore: Initially don't lift, pull, push, or carry anything over 10 pounds for the first four weeks.

Ignore: Do have an MRI study to evaluate your spine for herniated disc.

Avoid: Avoid exercise that has high impact (jarring or pounding) such as running or jogging.

Ignore: Recurrent back pain can be relieved by pain clinic (with or without surgery).

Ignore: Avoid bending forward, especially while lifting heavy objects. Just tying shoelaces can irritate it.

Ignore: Try traction, physical therapy. If you see a chiropractor, they should avoid spinal manipulation.

Ignore: Don't bend down much, carry heavy bags. Do have MRI and possibly neurologist.

Ignore: Lift with your legs, don't bend at the waist.

Ignore: If you have back pain, let your doctor know if there is any numbness or tingling in the legs.

Ignore: If you have a herniated disc and are developing weakness in your arm or leg, see a spine surgeon.

Ignore: Hurt back? Keep moving! More than 3 days rest is associated with increased pain and poorer recovery.

Ignore: Shoe box! 90% in your hips. 90% with your knees.

Ignore: Do continue your normal activities as much as possible. Don't get angry, be patient as it heals.

Ignore: MRIs of the lumbar spine can be very misleading - my advice is to treat the patient NOT the MRI !

Ignore: Stretch . watch your weight, keep core muscles toned.

Ignore: Avoid aggravating; light activities and walking preferable to any bending, lifting, or twisting.

Apply: Apply heat/ice safely, rest as needed, posture, stretch, strengthening, discuss with your physician.