Doctors often recommend acupuncture
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine and a key component of traditional Chinese medicine in which thin needles are inserted into the body. Acupuncture is a pseudoscience because the theories and practices of TCM are not based on scientific knowledge, and it has been characteriz…
How long does a bulging disc take to heal?
In short, the answer is absolutely YES. We think that the actual statistic for how many disc bulges recovery naturally, if the body is optimised for a short bulging disc recovery time, is 90% of people recovering within 12 weeks. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and some people remain in pain past the 12 week mark.
Can a bulging disc heal on its own?
Can a bulging disc heal on its own? In brief: Yes! Most lumbar disc herniations tend to heal on their own. Anti-inflammatory medication and traction type of therapy often helps to relieve the pain. The herniated disc often takes up to 3 months to heal.
Can a chiropractor treat a bulging disc?
Yes! In fact, chiropractic care provides an all-natural and effective solution to pain relief and treating a bulging disc in your spine. Chiropractors use safe and gentle chiropractic adjustments to resolve misalignments in the spine and restore your vertebrae and spinal discs to their proper position.
How long for herniated disc to heal without surgery?
How long such an injury can take to heal without surgery can be different from person to person. However, it’s common for herniated discs to heal in four to six weeks on average, and most of them heal without surgery. Unfortunately, there are factors that can increase how long your herniated disc takes to heal.
What kind of physical therapy helps bulging discs?
Passive physical therapy techniques for bulging discs usually include deep tissue massage, hot and cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and hydrotherapy. Active treatments include core strengthening exercises, stretching, active hydrotherapy, and exercises to strengthen the back, legs, and arms.
Is there any treatment for bulging discs?
Few people with herniated disks require surgery. Your doctor might suggest surgery if conservative treatments fail to improve your symptoms after six weeks, especially if you continue to have: Poorly controlled pain.
How do you fix a bulging disc without surgery?
Most people with a slipped disc in the lumbar region of their spine (lower back) are offered “conservative” treatment, meaning that the treatment does not involve surgery. This mainly involves exercise, relaxation and positioning, painkillers or local anesthetics, and manual and physical therapy.
What is the fastest way to heal a bulging disc?
How to heal a herniated disc quicklyAlternate applying heat and cold.Stay as active as you can. Take walks to avoid becoming too stiff from resting too often.Try alternative treatments like acupuncture, massage, or chiropractic.
Will a cortisone shot help a bulging disc?
Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and can be effective when delivered directly into the painful area. Unfortunately, the injection does not make a herniated disc smaller; it only works on the spinal nerves by flushing away the proteins that cause swelling.
How do you get a bulging disc back in place?
Exercise can work like a vacuum to suck the center of the disc back into place, helping release pressure on the nerve. Although someone suffering an attack of back pain may find it hard to believe, it has been proven that specific exercises can help relieve some cases of back or neck pain.
Can a bulging disc go back into place?
Non-surgical treatments can include physical therapy or bracing to try and gradually ease the bulging disc back into its rightful place. When these conservative options fail, and there is still a lot of pain, a minimally invasive surgical procedure can be used to correct the bulging disc.
Do injections help bulging disc?
You've developed a bulging disc, and certain movements send shooting pain through your lower back and into your leg. To relieve the pain and allow time for your disc to heal, epidural injections may be just the answer.
What is the best treatment for a herniated disc?
Alternative and complementary treatments such as acupuncture, acupressure, and massage may relieve pain associated with a herniated or bulging disc. If you're considering these treatments, you should consult a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioner.
What to do if you have a herniated disc?
For a herniated disc, you may want to try: Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese practice is rooted in the belief that everyone has an energy force called the Chi (sometimes spelled Qi, but both are pronounced "chee"). When the Chi is blocked or unbalanced, your body may respond with pain and illness.
How long does it take for acupuncture to free up chi channels?
Based on your specific diagnosis, the practitioner will likely insert multiple needles that are left in for about 20-40 minutes.
Is massage good for herniated discs?
While massage is not a proven treatment for herniated discs, it's generally safe and free of side effects. However, massage may not be right for you if you suffer from osteoporosis, deep vein thrombosis, skin infections, open wounds, or arthritis in or near the area to be massaged.
Is acupressure the same as acupuncture?
Acupressure: Not surprisingly, acupressure is very similar to acupuncture. Both are ancient techniques that restore a healthy flow of energy through the body by stimulating specific meridian points. But acupressure simply relies on fingers, hands, and elbows—not needles—to administer pressure.
Does acupuncture reduce pain?
Similarly, the Gate Control Theory may play a role in acupuncture's effectiveness at reducing pain. This theory asserts that pain signals travel slowly from the area of injury to the spinal cord into the brain because the nerves can only handle a limited number of signals at once.
Does acupuncture release endorphins?
It has also been suggested that acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins into the blood stream. Simply put, endorphins are your body's natural pain relievers. As such, their release decreases your perception of pain. Similarly, the Gate Control Theory may play a role in acupuncture's effectiveness at reducing pain.
How to heal a bulging disc?
The most important thing is to give the bulging disc the opportunity to heal by: Changing the movements and habits that put unhealthy loads through the disc. Building strength in the appropriate muscles to give the disc the support it needs. Written by Dr. Jeremy James.
How long does it take for a bulging disc to heal?
With proper exercise and healthy spine habits, a bulging disc rarely requires surgery. In fact, it can typically be treated at home and can usually heal on its own within 6 to 12 months. The most important thing is to give the bulging disc the opportunity to heal by: 1 Changing the movements and habits that put unhealthy loads through the disc. 2 Building strength in the appropriate muscles to give the disc the support it needs.
How to tell if a disc is bulging?
A bulging disc can be diagnosed by a thorough evaluation by a health care professional and also by imaging such as an MRI. Symptom patterns common to bulging discs include pain with forward bending, pain with coughing, sneezing or bowel movements, and pain with prolonged sitting. The pain can occur in the back, ...
What is the difference between a disc and a donut?
Each disc is like a jelly-filled donut, with a gelatinous inner layer and firm outer layer. Typically, pressure created by everyday activities like walking, bending, sitting, and lifting is distributed evenly across discs. But bad posture, repetitive movements, and a lack of strength in the muscles that support the spine can cause unhealthy ...
What causes a disc to be uneven?
The weight that is usually distributed evenly through the disc by daily activities (walking, sitting, and bending over) is now distributed in an uneven pattern, putting unhealthy pressure on the affected disc and the surrounding discs, joints, and ligaments. Eventually this pressure causes problems which can result in pain.
What happens when the pressure gets too great in one part of the disc?
When the pressure gets too great in one part of the disc, the inner liquid can push into the outer layer causing a “bulge” to form— this is referred to as a bulging disc. When pressure and the bulge become extreme, the outer layer tears and the inner liquid spills out, resulting in a disc herniation —a herniated disc is a potentially much more ...
Why does my disc hurt?
Pain and/or dysfunction can be caused in four general ways: If the other structures around the disc become overloaded because the damaged disc in unable to absorb shocks, they wear down and become inflamed, resulting in arthritis .
Is there a non surgical treatment for a bulging disc?
Non-Surgical Treatment Options. Alternative Treatments for a Bulging Disc. Although no single treatment plan is right for every patient, there are some bulging disc treatment guidelines that are often effective in relieving symptoms. While a bulging disc is not necessarily painful, nerve compression can result if displaced disc material causes ...
Can a bulging disc cause neck pain?
Upon diagnosing a bulging disc as the source of neck pain, back pain or radiating pain in the extremities, doctors will usually begin with a course of conservative treatments. Since a bulging disc can improve with time, initial treatment is generally aimed at pain management while the progress of the condition is monitored.
Can a bulging disc be treated?
For many patients, these options are enough to help control bulging disc symptoms. Most doctors view surgery to treat a bulging disc as a last resort because it is such an invasive process, requiring a large muscle-tearing incision, overnight hospitalization and a long recovery period.
Causes of Bulging discs
Several factors can play a role in the development of a bulging disc. Some of the reasons behind the presentation of the bulging discs are mentioned below.
Diagnosis and treatment options
It is important to visit a medical professional to have your medical history and physical examination completed and to reach a conclusive diagnosis. The doctor may order a few radiologic tests like X-ray or MRI to reach a diagnosis. There are many treatment options available for people struggling with bulging discs.
How to heal a herniated disc?
Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique in which doctors insert very thin needles into various points on the surface of the body. By targeting specific points along “meridians” that correspond to the nerve pathways affected by a herniated disc, acupuncture may stimulate healing by increasing blood flow.
What muscles are used to help a herniated disc?
Strengthening the core—the muscles in the back, abdomen, upper thighs, and buttocks —is an important part of therapy to treat symptoms of a herniated disc. If these muscles are weak, the spine bears more weight. This added pressure could cause instability or worsen an existing spine problem.
How long should I take corticosteroids for herniated disc?
Steroids work to reduce inflammation in the area near the herniated disc, taking pressure off an affected nerve and relieving pain. Available only by prescription, steroids are typically taken for 7 to 10 days, ...
Why does my disc hurt when I slipped it?
Some of the pain associated with a herniated disc may be due to inflammation in the nerves and soft tissue surrounding the affected disc. When an inflamed nerve swells, it may push up against the slipped disc. By treating the inflammation with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, swelling and the resulting pain may go away.
What is the best medication for a swollen thigh?
The most common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. All are available without a prescription, and your doctor can recommend how best to use them.
What are some ways to improve core strength?
A physical therapist may also recommend complementary techniques designed to improve overall function and make you feel better while you build core muscles. Stretching, massage therapy, and heat and ice therapies can all contribute to a comprehensive treatment plan.
Can corticosteroid injections be used for herniated discs?
Corticosteroid injections are an alternative to oral corticosteroids for herniated disc pain. Most of the time, an injection is recommended only after other nonsurgical treatments have failed to bring relief. Steroids have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can be injected directly into the epidural space—the fluid-filled area surrounding the spinal cord.
What is the best treatment for disc bulge?
Acupuncture for Disc Bulge & Herniation. Acupuncture for the treatment of disc bulge & herniation is helpful, as with many other conditions, in increasing blood flow prompting the body to release endorphins.
How does acupuncture help with herniated discs?
Acupuncture works for bulging & herniated disks by: Addressing the pain in the lower back or neck (depending on where the disc bulge or herniation is) as well as the degeneration of the discs themselves as we mentioned above. Acupuncture stimulates the flow of qi to the Kidneys. Moxibustion – increasing qi and blood circulation to stimulate healing ...
What is the difference between a herniated disc and a bulging disc?
Essentially, a bulging disc is a tear in the outer layer causing the disc to bulge, and a herniated disc is when the jellylike interior bursts through that tear reaching the spinal canal while still remaining connected to the disc causing even larger, and potentially more painful bulge.
Why does kidney deficiency cause a swollen disc?
Kidney deficiency is caused by the poor circulation and inflammation of qi due to poor body mechanics. Due to this, the inflammation causes excessive heat bringing forth symptoms of swelling, pain, and loss of function which, in turn, causes Bi pain syndrome with Blood & Qi stagnation with dampness. Acupuncture points for disc bulge & herniation ...
How long does it take for acupuncture to heal?
On a surface level, we know that acupuncture, for most conditions, stimulate healing by increasing blood flow, and prompting the body to release endorphins decreasing the perception of pain leaving needles in place anywhere from 20-40 minutes. When specifically speaking of disc bulge & herniation, acupuncture alleviates discomfort ...
Why do my discs bulge?
Conditions that can cause disc bulge: Degenerative Disc Disease – this condition occurs over many years as the discs in the spine begin to dehydrate from aging. The exterior of the disc can crack and harden due to less liquid in the disc. The micro-tears are what can lead to bulging or even collapsed discs.
What are the symptoms of a bulging disc?
Examples of specific symptoms associated with disc bulge: If the bulging disc pinches the nerves in the thoracic spine, then the patient may experience pain encircling the chest. If the bulging disc compresses the nerve tissue of the cervical spine, then the patient may experience arm weakness.
What does it mean when your disc is slipped?
A herniated disc, or slipped or broken drive, happens when some of the smooth jellies in the middle of the disk move past the hard exterior. It can be excruciating, causing back pain, neck pain, arm pain shooting, tingling, numbness, or leg weakness.
What is a herniated disk?
A herniated disk is a disorder that can happen in the lower back anywhere along the spine. A bulging, protruding, or ruptured disk is sometimes called Herniated disks. This is one of the causes of reduced back pain as well as leg pain or “sciatica.”.
How to relieve pain from nerve root?
Epidural injections to reduce pain relief inflammation works well. Physical treatment, exercise, and mild stretching to relieve nerve root stress. Ultrasound therapy.
Can a doctor use sterile needles for herniated disc?
To decrease the risk of severe adverse effects, a certified and educated physician should always administer acupuncture using sterile, disposable needles. One of the most widely-used treatments around the globe, acupuncture for herniated disc has been one of the most effective therapies.
Is acupuncture effective for lumbar disc hernia?
Distal and abdominal acupuncture also showed extraordinary useful results for patients. Some research reviews cover rare acupuncture points that demonstrate clinic al effectiveness and details of an effective manual acupuncture method that is efficient in relieving symptoms of lumbar disc hernia.
Is acupuncture dangerous?
Acupuncture poses some hazards, as with any therapy, the most prevalent being pain and bleeding from the insertion of acupuncture needles. Other side effects may include rashes of the skin, allergic reactions, bruising, pain, bleeding, nausea, dizziness, fainting, or diseases.
Is acupuncture good for bulging disks?
Acupuncture for bulging disk is effective. Each acupuncture needle causes a small injury at the insertion site. Although it is small enough to cause little or no pain, it is enough of a signal to let the body know that it wants to react. This reaction includes immune system stimulation, supporting area circulation, wound healing, ...