what are treatment options for bulging discs

Treatment Options for Bulging Discs

• Physical Therapy. A physical therapy program is typically the first treatment recommended for a bulging disc that is causing light-to-moderate pain.
• Surgical Treatments. If pain from a bulging disc gets progressively worse, surgery is usually recommended. ...
• Additional Treatments. ...

Full Answer

Is there a cure for a bulging disc?

Commonly prescribed conservative treatments include: Anti-inflammatory medications Epidural steroid injections Physical therapy Exercise Lifestyle changes, including losing weight and quitting smoking

What to do if you have a bulging disk?

Aug 07, 2021 · What Are My Treatment Options for Bulging Disc Pain? Physical Therapy. One of the common treatments for bulging disc pain is physical therapy. A physical therapist can help... Protective Equipment. An effective way to treat bulging disc pain is with protective equipment. This can be anything... ...

How do you fix a bulging disc?

Mar 08, 2017 · Bulging Disc Treatment A healthy weight reduction plan and exercise can be used to help obese patients. In some cases, a doctor may recommend physical therapy to strengthen muscles in the back and to regain any lost mobility.

What is a good treatment for a bulging disc problem?

Research has shown chiropractic care for the spine to be a highly effective method for treating symptoms of bulging and herniated discs, including sciatic nerve pain and lower back pain. Chiropractic adjustments work by helping to place your body in the proper position that then allows the body to heal itself.

Can you fix a bulging disc 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.Oct 8, 2020

Can a bulging disc be corrected?

Herniated/bulging/slipped disk: The procedure is called microdiscectomy. The surgeon removes the part of the disk that's pushing on a nerve. There are two ways to do this. In the traditional method, the doctor makes an inch-long cut and detaches the muscles on one side of your back.Jan 23, 2016

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.Oct 2, 2020

Is bulging disc serious?

One of the most significant complications of a bulging disc is permanent nerve damage. Without treatment, compressed nerve roots in the spine can be permanently damaged, leading to chronic pain, weakness, and loss of sensation.

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.Jan 27, 2022

When should I be worried about a bulging disc?

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if you have back pain and: numbness around your bottom or genitals. cannot pee. lose feeling in 1 or both legs.

Do cortisone shots work for bulging discs?

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.

Can a bulging disc paralyze you?

With a herniated disc, the capsule cracks or breaks, and the nucleus squeezes out. This can irritate the spinal cord or nearby nerves, causing weakness and numbness in the arms or legs. A severely herniated disc can cause paralysis.

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.

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 .

What is the inner layer of the spine?

The jelly-like inner layer of the disc, called the nucleus pulposus, has no direct blood supply and needs alternating compressing (think: sitting) and decompressing forces ...

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 it called when you have a pinched nerve?

When the affected nerve is the sciatic nerve, this is referred to as sciatica. To learn more about pinched nerves, click here. If the nerves from the surrounding tissues grow into the disc, they can transmit pain signals. (Normal discs do not have a direct nerve supply.) ×.

Targeted nonsurgical treatment for bulging discs

Many mild cases of bulging discs can be effectively treated with nonsurgical methods of treatment that target the specific damaged area of the spine. The purpose of these treatments can be one of two options: stretch the spine to reduce pressure on the damaged disc or block the nerve pathways from sending pain signals.

Bulging disc surgery

If conservative bulging disc treatment options and targeted pain management techniques do not help your symptoms subside after several months, surgery could become an option.

What is the best treatment for a bulging disc?

Physical Therapy . A physical therapy program is typically the first treatment recommended for a bulging disc that is causing light-to-moderate pain. A majority of patients report a noticeable decrease in symptoms within a relatively short period of time.

What causes a bulging disc?

A bulging disc, often confirmed by an x-ray or MRI, is usually caused by age-related degeneration of the inter-vertebral disc. Treatment options for bulging discs can range from doctor-prescribed exercise ...

Physical Therapy

One of the common treatments for bulging disc pain is physical therapy. A physical therapist can help you exercise and stretch your body to reduce the pressure on your nerves. This can help you reduce and manage your pain.

Protective Equipment

An effective way to treat bulging disc pain is with protective equipment. This can be anything from wearing supportive gear to using items with lumbar support. Protective equipment provides stability and compression, which eases your pain.

Cortisone Injections

If you are dealing with chronic nerve pain consider cortisone injections. These steroids can reduce inflammation and swelling while also reducing pain.

Exercises and Stretches

Just like physical therapy, exercises and stretches can be a great treatment for bulging disc pain. Your doctor can give you a set of exercises and stretches that can reduce pressure, inflammation, and pain.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care has a variety of benefits, one of which is treating chronic bulging disc pain. A chiropractor can use a variety of treatments to align your body and manipulate your spine. Regular chiropractic can is a great way to manage your condition.

Weight Reduction

One way to reduce your bulging disc pain is to manage your weight. If you are overweight, the extra weight creates added pressure on your spine. This can result in a variety of health issues, one of which is bulging disc pain.

Medication

Perhaps the most common way to treat bulging disc pain is to take medication. Depending on your level of pain, medication can include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) from your local drugstore or a prescription from your doctor. You might also be prescribed a muscle relaxer.

What is the best treatment for a bulging disc?

Minimally Invasive treatments are becoming more common and endoscopic spine surgery might be an option in relieving the pain. Surgeons can utilize minor surgical techniques in order to correct bulging disc problems.

What is the best way to diagnose bulging discs?

A thorough medical examination including X-ray and in some cases, CT or MRI scans are necessary to diagnose bulging disc conditions to the full extent accurately. These testing formats show changes in shape and condition of the disc.

What causes a bulging disc?

Potential Causes for a Bulging Disc 1 People who have led a sedentary lifestyle or those who smoke increase the chances for bulging disc. 2 Continuous strain on the disc from injury or heavy lifting and strain can wear them down throughout the years. 3 Weakened back muscles can accelerate the process and may lead to a sudden herniation of the weakened disc. 4 Although bulging discs occur over time, herniated discs may occur quickly by trauma. 5 Bad posture including improper body positioning during sleep, sitting, standing or exercise are all risk factors which may contribute to the development of a bulging disc. 6 Obesity 7 High contact sports or activities are also risk factors. 8 Runners who fail to use shoes that provide orthopedic support may also develop bulging discs. 9 Activities that place stress and strain on the spine can lead to the weakening of the discs.

Why does my upper back hurt?

Upper back pain radiating to the stomach or chest may be a symptom of a mid-spine bulging disc. Muscle spasms may also occur with any bulging disc. While some patients may go on for years without disturbing symptoms, others may experience extreme or life threatening consequences.

What does it mean when your disc is bulging?

In most cases, when a bulging disc has reached this stage it is near or at herniation. Tingling or pain in the fingers, hands, arms, neck or shoulders. This could indicate a bulging disc in the cervical area. Pain in the feet, thighs, lower spine and buttocks. This is the most common symptom and could indicate an issue in the lumbar region.

How to help a swollen thigh?

It is also recommended to use heating pads, ice packs, massage therapy, and exercise to reduce pain symptoms. Some physicians may recommend taping or bracing to support the affected area for a length of time.

Why do my discs bulge?

Although bulging discs occur over time, herniated discs may occur quickly by trauma. Bad posture including improper body positioning during sleep, sitting, standing or exercise are all risk factors which may contribute to the development of a bulging disc. Obesity. High contact sports or activities are also risk factors.

Why do you need spine surgery?

The goal is to reduce the symptoms of your condition so your spine can heal. It’s also intended to help prevent future problems. While surgery may eventually be recommended for patients who have severe or debilitating pain that doesn’t improve, it’s not typically the first recommendation for most patients. Often times, conservative methods are ...

Can chiropractic help a herniated disc?

In addition to chiropractic care, your clinician may recommend other treatments for your bulging or herniated disc. The amount of pain you’re experiencing and severity of the bulge or rupture will determine what steps to take next.

What is a bulging disc?

To understand what a bulging disc is, we must first understand the anatomy of the spine. Put simply, the spine is made up of individual vertebrae stacked on top of each other. Between each vertebrae is an intervertebral disc that provides a cushion so the vertebrae don’t rub together. The discs between the vertebrae, ...

How to tell if a disc is bulging?

What are the Symptoms of a Bulging Disc in the Lumbar Spine? 1 At times NO symptoms at all. [2] [7] 2 General Low back pain. [4] 3 Pain can travel down the leg if it pinches on a nerve. [4] 4 Decreased lumbar lordosis (lower back curvature becomes flattened). [6] 5 Muscle spasm [4]

What is the best exercise to strengthen your core?

Exercise #5: Plank – To Strengthen Core/Abs. A strong core will protect the spine and improve one’s posture. Therefore this exercise is great at targeting those deep core muscles. ● Begin lying on your stomach with your forearms against the mat.

Does a bulging disc hurt?

[1] [3] * It is important to note that a bulging disc doesn’t always touch the nerves , and for many a bulged disc doesn’t even produce any pain at all. [2] [7] However, it could progress ...

Can you reverse a bulging disc?

Leon’s Notes: There’s some research showing that a bulging disc can in fact be reversed with exercise and posture modifications. Meaning you could actually push back the disc material, so it doesn’t bulge. With most bulging discs in the lower back, you want to try an extension based exercise program (Mckenzie method is a popular one). [5] .

What to do if you have a herniated disk?

During the physical exam, your doctor will check your back for tenderness. You might be asked to lie flat and move your legs into various positions to help determine the cause of your pain. Your doctor may also perform a neurological exam to check your: In most cases of herniated disk, a physical exam and a medical history are all that's needed ...

What is the procedure to remove a herniated disk?

Surgery. Diskectomy is the surgical removal of the damaged portion of a herniated disk in your spine. A herniated disk occurs when some of the softer material inside the disk pushes out through a crack in the tougher exterior. This can irritate or compress nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness or weakness.

What is the difference between a CT scan and an MRI?

A CT scanner takes a series of X-rays from different directions and then combines them to create cross-sectional images of your spinal column and the structures around it. MRI. Radio waves and a strong magnetic field are used to create images of your body's internal structures.

How to treat low back pain?

Spinal manipulation has been found to be moderately effective for low back pain that has lasted for at least a month. Rarely, chiropractic treatment of the neck can cause certain types of strokes. Acupuncture. Although results are usually modest, acupuncture appears to ease chronic back and neck pain. Massage.

How to get rid of a swollen thigh?

Instead, rest in a position of comfort for 30 minutes, and then go for a short walk or do some work. Try to avoid activities that worsen your pain.

Can a surgeon remove a disk?

Loss of bladder or bowel control. In nearly all cases, surgeons can remove just the protruding portion of the disk. Rarely, the entire disk must be removed. In these cases, the vertebrae may need to be fused with a bone graft.

What is nerve conduction?

Nerve conduction study. This test measures electrical nerve impulses and functioning in your muscles and nerves through electrodes placed on your skin. The study measures the electrical impulses in your nerve signals when a small current passes through the nerve. Electromyography (EMG).