- Home Treatments. Cut back on intestinal activity. It is highly important to slow down when you suffer from neck pain.
- Consider Physical Therapy. Seeing a physical therapist is another treatment for bulging disc in neck. ...
- Medication Options. Sometimes medications are necessary to help deal with pain and decrease inflammation. ...
What is treatment for compressed disc in neck?
- Rest or lifestyle modification. Certain activities might be more painful for the neck, such as craning the neck forward to look at the computer monitor or a specific swimming stroke. ...
- Pain management with medication or injections. ...
- Ice and/or heat therapy. ...
How to fix a bulging disc in the neck?
Types of bulging disc surgery
- Discectomy. A surgeon can remove a portion of a damaged disc that is pressing on a spinal nerve.
- Laminotomy. A surgeon can remove a portion of the lamina (vertebral arch) to widen the spinal canal and create more space for a compressed nerve.
- Foraminotomy. ...
- Spinal fusion or stabilization. ...
How to tell if you have a herniated disc in your neck?
If your herniated disk is in your neck, you'll typically feel the most pain in your shoulder and arm. This pain might shoot into your arm or leg when you cough, sneeze or move into certain positions.
What is treatment for ruptured disc in neck?
What are the Treatments for a Herniated Disk?
- Rest. Take it easy for a few days. ...
- Medications. Take an over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen ( Motrin, Advil) or naproxen ( Aleve, Naprosyn ).
- Physical Therapy. Some exercises can help improve the symptoms of a herniated disc. ...
- Injections. ...
- Surgery. ...
- Protect Your Spine. ...
What is the best treatment for a bulging disc in the neck?
Treatment options Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are the first-line prescription medications for a bulging disc. For more severe pain, your doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxer or narcotic pain reliever. Physical therapy (PT) may relieve pressure on the nerve.
Can a bulging disc be fixed without surgery?
When the centre or nucleus of a disc pushes out and even passes through the wall of the disc, this is what we refer to as a herniated disc. The good news is that the vast majority of herniated discs can be treated without surgery using manual therapy and exercise or with IDD Therapy disc treatment.
Is there anything that can be done for a bulging disc?
A bulging disk can push against the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to severe pain and problems with mobility. Treatment may include a combination of medication, physical therapy, and self-care. In severe cases, a person may need surgery.
Is surgery necessary for bulging disc in neck?
If you or a loved one is experiencing neck pain and/or arm pain, numbness, or weakness, surgical treatment such as cervical herniated disc surgery may be appropriate for your condition.
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.
What happens if a bulging disc goes untreated?
A severe case of a bulging disc can cut off nerve impulses, even causing permanent nerve damage. Additionally, you may experience sharp paints, incontinence, bowel movement irregularity, or even partial paralysis as the issue worsens.
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.
Can chiropractors help with bulging discs?
Chiropractic is a preferred treatment method for many patients with bulging and herniated discs because it is non-invasive and does not involve drugs or injections. Once you have your diagnosis, you and your chiropractor can work together to find the best way to treat your condition.
Is TENS unit good for bulging disc?
Conclusion: Electrical stimulation has a significant effect in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation-induced sciatica, which can effectively reduce the pain, alleviate the clinical symptoms and signs of patients, regulate the peripheral ROS level, and prevent the oxidative damage of myocardial tissues.
How serious is a bulging cervical disc?
A bulging disc in the neck can occur when a spinal disc slips out of place. This can lead to a herniated disc, wherein damage causes the inner substance of the disc to leak out. Both conditions can cause pain in the neck. Physical therapy and exercises can help treat a bulging disc in the neck.
When should you consider neck surgery?
If cervical degeneration causes myelopathy (spinal cord dysfunction), radiculopathy (dysfunction of nerves to the neck or arms), neck pain, or abnormal neck motion, surgery may be necessary. The surgical goal is to reduce pain and restore spinal stability.
How do you treat C5 C6 disc bulge?
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery involves removing the C5-C6 intervertebral disc to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or C6 nerve root. The disc is replaced by an implant or bone graft, allowing biological fusion of the adjacent C5 and C6 vertebrae.
How to treat a bulging disc in neck?
Stretching exercises. Once you have been cleared by your doctor, you want to do a few light stretches to help reduce pain and improve the flexibility in your neck. Some stretching exercises to use as a treatment for bulging disc in neck include: 1 Turn your head slowly to the left, use your left hand to apply a pressure to the chin to turn it just a little more. Hold the position for 20 seconds, repeat this process to the right side. 2 Try touching your left ear to your shoulder by tilting your head to the left. Use your left hand to apply a light pressure at the temple to tilt the head more. Hold this position for 20 seconds, repeat on the other side. 3 Try to touch your chin to your chest. Keep the shoulders relaxed as you bend your head forward and hold the position for 20 seconds. 4 Lay down on your back using a pillow to support your head and neck. Keep your knees bent and nod your head forward, and hold for 10 seconds. Relax your head and repeat this 10 times.
What is the best medicine for bulging discs?
Ibuprofen and Naproxen such as Motrin, Advil, and Aleve, help reduce the inflammation caused by bulging discs as well as reducing the pain from it. These medications are also commonly found over the counter but, like Acetaminophen, should be taken as directed.
What is the best medicine for neck pain?
Steroids, pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication are the most common prescribe drugs to help with neck pain and include: Tylenol or Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is one of the first medications people think to take to help with pain and is one of the most common over the counter medications taken.
How does a chiropractor help with neck pain?
With a chiropractor, subtle adjustments can be made to help relieve pain and restore your neck to its proper function. By manipulation the joints, you will feel a relief in joint stiffness which can increase range of mobility and an improvement to the overall mobility of the neck.
How to get rid of neck pain from exercise?
Your neck pain can intensify when you have bad posture. You want to try to keep your head and neck straight when sitting, standing or when lifting objects.
How to keep your neck in neutral position?
Try supporting your neck with a rolled towel or pillow to keep your neck in neutral position. You do not want to stay completely immobile while you are resting, because getting no physical activity can do more harm than good. You want to slow down but not stop your daily activity.
Why is cervical discectomy so difficult?
This surgery can be more difficult to perform because of the veins located in the area can cause excess bleeding which impairs the visualization during the surgery. With this surgery, there is more manipulation done to the spine. Cervical artificial disc replacement surgery.
How to get rid of a bulging disc in neck?
Exercises for a bulging disc in the neck tend to involve a mix of gentle stretches and muscle-strengthening exercises. Stretching the neck can help relieve pain and pressure in the area. Neck stretches usually involve slowly moving the head backward, forward, or from side to side.
How to reduce neck bulging disc?
These structures in the spine tend to weaken over time, so aging can increase the risk of a bulging disc in the neck. Doing certain exercises or stretches can ease pressure on the spine and reduce symptoms. People can do this with the guidance of a physical therapist or at home. Taking pain medications can also be helpful for reducing discomfort. ...
Why does my neck hurt?
A bulging disc in the neck occurs when a spinal disc weakens and encroaches on the spinal cord. In some cases, this can cause pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, and back. Acute injury to the area can cause a bulging disc in the neck. Long-term trauma, such as poor posture or being overweight, can also cause a bulging disc in the neck.
What causes a herniated disc to bulge?
The causes of bulging or herniated discs include sudden or long-term trauma. Having poor posture and lifting weights with improper form are examples of what can cause long-term trauma. Other possible causes include:
How to help a neck?
Practicing exercises that strengthen the neck muscles is a longer-lasting method of easing pressure on the neck. It may also help strengthen other muscles that support the spine, such as the abdominal muscles. A physical therapist will also help improve posture and form when lifting objects and walking.
What is a bulging disc?
Herniated and bulging are terms that describe the disc. Some people compare a bulging disc to a tire that is going flat, whereas they consider a herniated disc similar to a tire blowout. Each disc contains a soft inner substance with a surrounding outer layer, which maintains the structure of the disc.
Can a disc degenerate first?
If the nucleus pulposus, or the inner soft tissue, starts to degenera tes first, a disc may have no problem. However, if the annulus fibrosis, which is the outer supporting layer, starts to degenerate first, the inner nucleus pulposus may escape into the vertebral canal and press on a nerve root or the spinal cord.
What are the treatments for a herniated disc?
Herniated disc surgeries and nerve decompression. Nonsurgical treatments for a herniated disc. Alternative treatments for a herniated disc — popular options. Relieving your herniated disc symptoms with physical therapy. Alternative treatments for a herniated disc — acupuncture. One of the most frequently diagnosed causes ...
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc in the neck?
Common specific symptoms described are shooting pain, numbness and muscle weakness in the different parts of the body. Since the spinal nerve roots exit at different vertebrae and travel out to the upper body a herniated disc in the neck can cause symptoms in the following locations: Neck. Shoulders. Arms.
What is the best treatment for a swollen thigh?
Doctors typically first suggest a conservative approach to relief. Common methods include hot and cold compresses, anti-inflammatory or pain medication, physical therapy or lifestyle changes like posture improvement or weight loss.
Can a herniated disc hurt in the neck?
Symptoms of a herniated disc in the neck. While a herniated disc in the neck, or a cervical herniated disc, is less common than a herniated disc in the lower back, or a herniated lumbar disc, cervical discs are still prone to injury and age-related deterioration. The pain experienced from a herniated disc in the neck is usually due ...
How to heal a damaged disc?
You need to give your body the nutrients it needs so that it is able to heal the area that has been injured. Your body needs collagen to heal and repair the damaged disc and tissues. Collagen is found in bone broth liquid. Drinking bone broth on a regular basis can be an easy dietary change you can make to help your injury. You should also focus on consuming more antioxidants from food sources such as blueberries.
What to do before surgery?
Before you opt for surgical procedures, you should explore some fantastic options such as Chiropractic care and or physical therapy. Many times you can strengthen and stabilize unhealthy discs. This approach is proactive, gentle and helps the body improve for the future.
What is itrac therapy?
The iTrac is a modern and effective seated therapy device designed for restoring the cervical curve and reducing a forward head posture. It slowly stretches the discs and supporting tissues to relieve pressure and accelerate healing. Itrac is gentle, specific and digitally controlled making it highly successful.
What are the symptoms of a bulging disc in the neck?
If you are suffering from a bulging disc in your neck, you may have a range of symptoms involving pain in the head, neck, shoulders, and back. These pains are often accompanied by numbness and tingling and a reduced range of motion. Muscle spasms and weakness are also common.
Where to do disc surgery?
In rare circumstances, the surgery will be performed from the back of the neck (posterior).
How long does a bulging disc last?
The pain resulting from bulging or herniated discs can come and go in intervals. It can also continue uninterrupted for months. A person may also have stressful flare-ups from time to time when engaging in certain activities or movements. Sometimes symptoms will resolve themselves completely over time, even if the disc itself does not completely ...
Why do my discs bulge?
As we age, discs will deteriorate and begin to “bulge” through the vertebrae. Because we age slowly, the symptoms of bulging discs will onset gradually over time and usually, more than one disc is affected. A herniated disc usually appears abruptly and is commonly caused by a combination of aging and acute injury.
Why does a herniated disc tear?
A herniated disc usually appears abruptly and is commonly caused by a combination of aging and acute injury. Because the discs degenerate as we age, just a minor strain or twist in your neck can lead to a tear or rupture in the disc.
What is the cervical spine?
The cervical spine (the neck) is essentially the 7 upper-most vertebrae in the spinal column. Between these vertebrae lie discs which provide cushion and allow easy mobility. Bulging discs sag and appear to protrude outward affecting the spinal cord. However, if a disc tears or has a rupture, the gel-like substance contained within each disc will ...
How is ACDF surgery performed?
ACDF surgery is performed by moving all muscles, vessels, and nerves to the side while the disc and the surrounding area are repaired . This may require a fusion of the affected vertebrae. Small metal plates and screws will be used to get the best stability.
How to treat a herniated disc in the neck?
As part of treatment for a herniated disc in the neck, the initial neck exercises are easy to do and can provide immediate relief in some cases. When doing neck exercises, it is important not to cause pain or push into the direction of pain. Movements that decrease pain of a herniated disc are good and can be repeated, as in the neck pain exercises.
What is the best treatment for herniated neck?
Cold or ice therapy for neck pain can be used until the inflammation is gone and then heat treatment can help to relax muscles and may aid with traction treatment. With a herniation, the structure is deep, so infrared heat would be the best because it penetrated deep.
What is cervical traction?
Cervical Traction is a popular and often effective treatment for a herniated disc in the neck. For an active disc herniation, traction should be used gently and is usually prescribed and administered by a physical therapist or chiropractor. If the herniations are not active, you should have a comprehensive approach.
How long does it take for a herniated disc to heal?
Healing time can vary depending on any complications, age, extent of the herniation and types of treatment used. 6 to 8 weeks is a general time or target. Often, progress can be monitored with the use of the neck disability index, which can be done online. Cervical Traction is a popular and often effective treatment for a herniated disc in the neck.
What is a Saunders neck traction device?
The Saunders Neck Traction device is a good, high end product and can be used to target specific areas of the neck by the use of angling , often prescribed by a doctor or therapist. These take a little bit longer to get used to as there is more of a learning curve in using them.
How to help muscle spasms?
Another method to help with pain and muscle spasm is the use of electrical stimulation. This is a battery powered electrical device that can be set up for treatment in the specific areas of pain by use of self adhesive electrodes.
Can a herniated disc cause neck pain?
A Herniated disc in the neck can be painful and distressful. They are one of many causes of neck pain. Active herniations can be a real problem until the inflammation subsides and usually anti-inflammatory medications like medrol dose pack are prescribed for treatment, and more recently spinal injections.
How is a compressed disc treated?
If the debilitating symptoms you’re experiencing from a compressed disc in the neck have become unbearable, the best thing you can do is see a doctor for an exact diagnosis and a treatment plan that fits your situation.
Compressed disc surgery at Laser Spine Institute
If your doctor has recommended surgical treatment for a compressed disc in your neck, consider contacting Laser Spine Institute for more information about our state-of-the-art procedures. The surgeries we offer are performed on an outpatient basis and have a 98 patient satisfaction score as well as a patient recommendation score of 98 out of 100.^
Controlling bulging disc-related muscle spasms
Although muscle spasms are painful and inconvenient, they don’t have to be a disruptive part of your life. There are many conservative treatment options available to help control these symptoms. Bulging disc symptoms, such as muscle spasms and pain, can be relieved by a series of conservative treatments.
When to consider spine surgery for persistent muscle spasms
For patients who do not respond to conservative treatments, it may be helpful to surgically remove part of the bulging disc if it does not heal on its own over time.