Treatment FAQ

what is a treatment when you have multiple bulging discs

by Ahmad Kunze Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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In these people, the disc bulge may need to be treated to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, such patients may benefit from traction, physical therapy, chiropractic manipulation or antiinflammatory medications. Severe cases may require surgical decompression.

Long-term treatment usually involves a self-directed exercise program that you start with a physical therapist and then transition to doing at home. If your bulging discs have caused lumbar stenosis and the symptoms are affecting your quality of life, surgery (called lumbar decompression) is an option.Nov 6, 2018

Full Answer

What are the most common treatments for bulging discs?

What are herniated disc treatments?

  • Rest. Rest is important when you have suffered an injury. ...
  • Exercise. Some exercises can help you feel better, while others can actually make a herniated disc worse. ...
  • Lifestyle changes. Losing weight may also relieve herniated disc symptoms and protect your back from similar injuries in the future.
  • Medications. ...
  • Physical therapy. ...
  • Interventional treatments. ...

Will bulging disks heal on their own?

We have previously noted our opinion about Roho cushions. A bulging disc usually heals on their own after a few weeks to a month. But when the buying disc is not healing as it should, the symptoms will persist for months and becomes chronic, and eventually require you to seek professional help.

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.

Do bulging discs heal on their 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. How to heal a herniated disc naturally?

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What can be done for multiple bulging discs?

Treatments for a bulging disk will depend on its severity and location. Doctors may recommend anti-inflammatory medications to help with pain and reduce inflammation. For people with severe pain, steroid injections may be a suitable short-term solution. If the disk ruptures, bed rest may be necessary.

Is it normal to have several bulging discs?

First, it is quite common to have multiple herniated discs in the lumbar spine. In studies of people who were not experiencing back pain, many had disc herniations that caused no pain symptoms. Second, the term “disc herniation” is very broad, and can describe mild bulges to extreme protrusions that cause pain.

How do they fix bulging discs?

Treatment often includes physical therapy, which will focus on exercises to strengthen your back. In some cases, spinal injections of steroids may be recommended to relieve pain. This may be followed by physical therapy that aims to strengthen her core muscles. In other cases, a bulging disc may require surgery.

How do you fix 3 bulging discs?

2:088:51How to Fix a Bulging Disc (NO SURGERY!) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first thing if you're going to fix this disc is you're gonna want to extend. And not flex. ButMoreThe first thing if you're going to fix this disc is you're gonna want to extend. And not flex. But before you do that you've got to fix a couple things you want to decompress your spine.

What causes multiple bulging discs?

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. High contact sports or activities are also risk factors.

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.

When is surgery needed for bulging disc?

Your doctor might recommend surgery as an option for your herniated disc if: Your symptoms have lasted at least 6 weeks and make it hard to do your normal activities, and other treatments haven't helped. You need to get better quickly because of your job or to get back to your other activities as soon as possible.

Is surgery required for bulging discs?

Because most patients will recover from a herniated disc without surgery, microdiscectomy is recommended only after conservative treatment, including physical therapy, cortisone injections, and other medication have been tried for a period of at least 6 to 12 weeks, without bringing relief.

Is surgery required for a bulging disk?

Most herniated discs do not require surgery. In approximately 9 out of 10 people, symptoms will resolve over days to weeks. Some people who have a herniated disc do not experience any symptoms at all. Sometimes, however, the herniated disc presses against a nerve in the spinal column.

Can bulging discs in your back be repaired?

If your bulging discs have caused lumbar stenosis and the symptoms are affecting your quality of life, surgery (called lumbar decompression) is an option.

What is the treatment for L4 L5 disc bulge?

Typically, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually tried first. For more severe pain, opioids, tramadol, and/or corticosteroids may be used. Physical therapy. Exercise and physical therapy can be modified to specifically target pain stemming from L4-L5 and the lower back.

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.

How to treat multiple herniated discs?

As is the case with most conditions of the spine, numerous herniated spinal discs can be treated conservatively with pain relievers, injections, and physical therapy. However, most patients with herniated discs at multiple levels have severe pain and sensory issues.

What is the best treatment for a herniated disc?

When a patient chooses surgery, there are a few procedures that can be done. A discectomy can remove some or all of the herniated disc in question to free up any nerves in the area.

Why do discs herniate?

Discs can herniate at multiple levels for numerous reasons. An acute injury (caused by a car crash, for example) can cause herniation of several discs at once. Additionally, when an area of the spine is weakened as the result of degenerative conditions like arthritis, all the discs in the area are susceptible to herniation.

Can a fusion stabilize a disc?

After that a fusion can stabilize the area and prevent future issues. Alternatively, an artificial disc replacement procedure (such as the Mobi-C artificial disc) can accomplish the same goals while preserving range-of-motion in the spine.

Can you have bulging discs at multiple levels of the spine?

Treating one herniated disc can be difficult in its own right, but when you have bulging discs at multiple levels of the spine, it can be even more complicated. In this article, we are going to offer some tips for treating herniated discs that occur at multiple levels of the spine.

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.

How to stop bulging discs?

A patient should change body positioning and behaviors (sleeping, sitting and posture positions) first to help reduce any bulging disc symptoms or pain caused by the affected disc. Addressing causal factors may help to slow the worsening of the condition.

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.

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.

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.

How to help a herniated disc?

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. Before herniation, many of the non-surgical treatments are successful in managing bulging discs.

What happens when a disc balloons?

Movement or slipping of the disc from its normal positioning results in an outward swelling of the fluid material throughout the weakest point of the shell of the disc. In many cases, the disc balloons in between spaces in the vertebrae. This process happens over an extended period.

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.

How to treat a bulging disc?

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. Physical therapy treatments for bulging discs may include: 1 Deep tissue massages 2 Hot and cold therapies 3 Hydrotherapy (relaxing in warm water, often with whirlpool action) 4 Traction 5 Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (use of electrical current from a special machine to stimulate back muscles)

What is the procedure for a bulging disc?

A surgeon typically performs either a laminotomy (partial removal of plates of bone known as the lamina) or a discectomy (removal of disc material that’s pressing on nerve roots).

Where is the decompression of the disc located?

A transthoracic decompression is performed when the bulging disc is located in the thoracic spine ( the middle segment of the vertebral column) where a small opening is made in the side of the chest to remove part of the vertebral body and the affected disc.

Can a bulging disc be herniated?

Additional treatment options for bulging discs include, but are not limited to: If the disc ruptures, it then becomes a herniated disc , which is more likely to be painful enough to require surgery. Treatment for a bulging disc ultimately depends on the location of the bulge and the degree of pain or discomfort.

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.

How do you know if you have a bulging disk?

The symptoms of a bulging disk depend on its severity and location in the spine. Some people may experience no initial symptoms. However, with further disk degeneration and herniation, a person may have the following symptoms: back pain that worsens with movement, such as sneezes. spasms in the back muscles.

Why does my spine bulge?

Bulging disks result from a reduction of gel in the disk center. Less gel causes the disk to become compressed and start to bulge. The gel in a spinal disk naturally wears away over time. A bulging disk is usually the result of aging, but it can also be due to spinal injury, such as the result of a car accident.

Why do my vertebrae bulge?

Bulging disks occur when the spongy disks between the vertebrae become compressed and bulge out. A common cause of bulging disks is aging. If this degradation continues, it can lead to a herniated disk. Herniated disks can cause pain, numbness, and mobility issues.

What is the term for the spongy disks that make up the spine?

A bulging disk occurs when the spongy disks between the bones in the spine become compressed and bulge out. A series of interlocking bones, called vertebrae, make up the spine. These vertebrae provide support for the spine and enable the back to bend and move. Between each vertebra is soft tissue, known as a spinal disk, ...

What is a herniated disk?

Sometimes, the outer layer of the disk breaks down and causes a herniated disk. A herniated disk, also known as a ruptured or slipped disk, is when the gel-like center leaks out through a tear in the disk’s exterior wall.

Can bulging disks cause numbness?

Bulging disks can also lead to weakness or numbness in the legs and poor bladder control.

How to help a swollen vertebrae?

They may suggest gentle physical activities, such as yoga or walking. Stretches for the back, neck, and legs might be another option that people can try at home to ease the pain. A person may also need to maintain a moderate weight to reduce pressure on the vertebrae.

How to heal a bulging disc?

Ultrasound and massage can help to restore blood flow and reduce muscle tension. A specific exercise program designed to progressively stabilise the spine and increase flexibility, such as the Total Back Pain Solution, is often the only way to achieve long-term healing for most sufferers of a bulging spinal disc.

How to treat degenerative disc disease?

As per the treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease, there are several other, more conservative options. Medications such as pain killers and anti-inflammatories can relieve the pain, but do not fix the underlying problem. Chiropractic manipulation can increase spinal range of motion, relieve nerve pressure, restore blood flow ...

Why does my disc swell?

And this number increases with age. A bulging disc occurs when the discs inner material, the nucleus pulposus, starts to squeeze out into the outer ring of the disc (annulus fibrosis). This can cause the disc to swell and bulge. It is thought to be a natural part of the ageing process, like Degenerative Disc Disease.

Why is my disc bulging?

You will notice that one of the discs is darker in colour, and is bulging to the right, into the spinal canal where the spinal nerves are. This is a disc bulge. The darker colour of the disc is generally indicative of dehydration of the disc, a result of Degenerative Disc Disease.

What is the procedure to remove the posterior vertebrae?

A Laminectomy (removing the posterior, bony portion of the vertebra) or a Discectomy (removing the disc) can be performed to take the pressure off the nerves. However, all surgery is risky, and should only be performed in exceptional cases where all other options have been exhausted.

Can disc bulges cause back pain?

As mentioned above, 52% of people with no back pain at all have a disc bulge. Some people may only experience occasional back ache in the mid-line. However, if the bulge is large enough to irritate a spinal nerve you can experience severe back pain on one side that may even extend into your buttocks or down your leg.

Can a bulging disc cause back pain?

Bulging Discs And Lower Back Pain. Although it sounds like a serious problem, bulging disc lower back pains are usually not severe, and bulging disc treatment options are often very effective at resolving any back pain that you might be suffering with. Like all disc problems though, it can be very hard to determine exactly what is causing back ...

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