what is the best treatment for bulging disc

Treatment

• Conservative Treatment. The first goal in the treatment of bulging disc is the relief of symptoms. ...
• Surgical Treatment. If the conservative treatment modality is unsuccessful, the physician may recommend a surgical procedure.
• Exercises. The goal of the exercises during the rehabilitation phase is to prevent the recurrence of back pain.

Full Answer

Can bulging disc get better on its own?

Commonly prescribed conservative treatments include: Anti-inflammatory medications Epidural steroid injections Physical therapy Exercise Lifestyle changes, including losing weight and quitting smoking Guidelines for surgery For many patients, these options are enough to help control bulging disc symptoms.

How long does it take for a bulging disc to heal?

Bulging discs in the neck can be treated with physical therapy and exercises. Gentle neck stretching and exercises to strengthen its muscles are part of this routine. Additionally, pain medication and surgery are offered as additional options. Nonsurgical

What is a good treatment for a bulging disc problem?

Feb 08, 2022 · Besides taking the pain medications your doctor recommends, try: Applying heat or cold. Initially, cold packs can be used to relieve pain and inflammation. After a few days, you might switch to gentle heat to give ... Avoiding too much bed rest. Staying in bed can lead to stiff joints and weak ...

Can a bulging disc heal on its own?

After both the physical exam and scans are completed, a doctor will have a better understanding of a patient’s pain and may recommend any of the following nonoperative treatments for pain management: Anti-inflammatory medications Physical therapy to avoid muscle weakness Dieting or weight control Steroid injections Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

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

How long does it take for a bulging disc to heal?

Most (80-90%) cases involving bulging or herniated discs will heal within 2-4 months.Aug 8, 2020

Can a bulging disc heal on its own?

The good news is that in most cases — 90% of the time — pain caused by a herniated disc will go away on its own within six months. Initially, your doctor will likely recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever and limit activities that cause pain or discomfort.Sep 1, 2020

How do you fix a bulging disc in your back?

Nonsurgical treatment may include:Rest. One to 2 days of bed rest will usually help relieve back and leg pain. ... Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve pain.Physical therapy. ... Epidural steroid injection.

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 a 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.

Is walking good for herniated disc?

Absolutely. Walking is an excellent choice for patients with herniated discs, as it stimulates blood flow and oxygen to the cells. It also helps keep your discs hydrated, which is important for healing. Other low-impact aerobic activities to try are swimming and cycling.Jan 14, 2019

Can a bulging disc get worse?

Do disc bulges get worse over time? Unfortunately if disc bulges are left untreated, and if the abnormal spinal stresses that caused them continue, they will often worsen over time.

Can MRI show bulging disc?

Can MRI detect herniated disc? Yes, an MRI scan is typically used to confirm a herniated disc diagnosis. It is used to locate exactly the point on the spine that shows herniation. This way, treatment, which in some cases may involve surgery, may be better managed to optimize patient recovery.

Can a chiropractor fix a bulging disc?

Yes! Chiropractic care is the preferred treatment method for many patients suffering from a bulging disc. It is non-invasive and does not require drugs or injections of any kind. Chiropractic can help provide you with improved mobility, decreased pain, and overall better quality of life.Feb 16, 2020

Can you reverse bulging disc?

A disc bulge is treatable & reversible without surgery with NSD Therapy®. NSD Therapy® is CSC's breakthrough spine treatment method empowered by advanced technology.

Why do discs bulge?

Bulging discs occur when the outer shell becomes weaker, allowing the disc to bulge to one side of the spinal canal, or flatten. You may experience this after an injury to the spinal disc. Bulging discs occur when the outer shell becomes weaker, allowing the disc to bulge to one side of the spinal canal, or flatten.

So, 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 s...

What Causes A Bulging Disc?

● Seated in poor posture for long periods of time (in office, driving, etc..)● Repetitive bending, lifting, and twisting (Esp in poor form). ● Heav...

How Is A Bulging Disc Different from Herniated Disc? and Which Is Worse?

Now that we know what a bulging disc is, let’s discuss disc herniation. ● In most simple terms, a herniated disc is when the fluid material from th...

What Are The Symptoms of A Bulging Disc in The Lumbar Spine?

● Low Back Pain● Pain Can Travel Down Leg ● Decreased Lumbar Lordosis (Lower Back Curvature Becomes Flattened – Flatter Lower Back Over Time) ● Lum...

What Are The Most Effective Treatment Options?

With most bulging discs in the lower back, you want to use an extension based exercise programs. This can reverse the direction of the bulge and pu...

Exercise #1: Lying Figure-4 Stretch (For Piriformis)

In the early stages of a disc bulge, your body’s natural response is to tighten up and protect the spine and buttocks area. Because of this, one of...

Exercise #2: Prone Alternating Leg Raises

The prone leg lift creates spinal extension helping push the jelly-like material back towards the center and reduce bulging disc.

Exercise #3: Half Cobra Pose

The half cobra pose creates spinal extension helping push the nucleus (jelly) back towards the center and reduce bulging disc.

Exercise #4: Full Cobra Pose

The full cobra pose creates even more spinal extension than half cobra helping push the nucleus (jelly) back towards the center and reduce bulging...

Exercise #5: Abdominal Drawing Maneuver

A solid core foundation helps provide stability which in turn prevents re-injury and further injury from occurring. This will help reset the spine...

What to do for a bulging disc?

Bulging disc treatment options depend largely on your symptoms. Doctors often recommend acupuncture, electrotherapy, ice packs, or soft tissue massage for minor and moderately bulging disc injuries. You might also want to consider chiropractic treatment.

Why do my discs bulge out?

As we age, our discs dehydrate and their cartilage becomes stiff, which may cause them to bulge out. While aging is the most common cause of bulging discs, there are other factors that may contribute to this condition. These include: A family history of spinal problems.

How many discs are there in the spine?

Their role is to absorb shock and allow movement at each spinal level. The spine has a total of 23 discs. These anatomical structures are subject to wear and tear. At birth, about 80 percent of their content is water.

How to treat a compressed spinal nerve?

Ice packs reduce inflammation and swelling around the compressed spinal nerve. All you need to do is to apply ice on the affected areas for about 10 minutes; repeat several times a day.

Why does my lower back hurt?

In some cases, the pain can worsen and become chronic. This condition can have a variety of cases, from poor posture to arthritis and injuries. Sometimes, it results from a bulging disc.

What is the best treatment for a damaged disc?

You might also want to consider chiropractic treatment. Another option is stem cell disc regeneration. This procedure stimulates the formation of new disc cells, which helps restore and rebuild damaged discs. Patients experience a reduction in pain and discomfort – and improved quality of life.

Where does disc protrusion occur?

Sometimes, it results from a bulging disc. Also known as a disc protrusion, bulging discs typically occur in the lower back between vertebrae L5 and S1 or L4 and L5. Their symptoms vary from one individual to another. Some people may experience no symptoms at all, while others report excruciating pain.

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 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 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 .

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 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 relieve back pain from piriformis?

Exercise #1: Lying Figure-4 Stretch ( For Piriformis) In the early stages of a disc bulge, your body’s natural response is to tighten up and protect the spine and buttocks area. Because of this, one of the the simplest things you can do yourself to relieve radiating back pain caused my a disc bulge is stretching piriformis muscle.

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.

Can a bulging disc be resolved?

Usually bulging disc can be resolved over time if managed well, whereas the herniated disc will just scar down since the annulus (outer layer of disc) has ruptured. A nice visual spine model is provided below differentiating between normal, bulging, and herniated discs: [1] [7]

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 test can be used to confirm the location of the herniated disk and to see which nerves are affected

This test can be used to confirm the location of the herniated disk and to see which nerves are affected. Myelogram . A dye is injected into the spinal fluid before X-rays are taken. This test can show pressure on your spinal cord or nerves due to multiple herniated disks or other conditions.

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 tests are needed for a herniated disk?

In most cases of herniated disk, a physical exam and a medical history are all that's needed for a diagnosis. If your doctor suspects another condition or needs to see which nerves are affected, he or she may order one or more of the following tests.

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).

How to help a swollen thigh?

Besides taking the pain medications your doctor recommends, try: Applying heat or cold. Initially, cold packs can be used to relieve pain and inflammation. After a few days, you might switch to gentle heat to give relief and comfort.

What does a doctor check for in a physical exam?

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: Reflexes. Muscle strength.

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.

What does it feel like to have a bulging disc?

There is also a chance that pain from a bulging disc can feel like it is coming from the kidneys, abdomen, or other parts of the body. If there is a bulging disc in the mid to upper back or the thoracic spine, pain can include: Numbness, muscle weakness, tingling in either one or both legs. Bowel or bladder changes.

What are the symptoms of a bulging disc in the cervical spine?

Spastic reflexes in either one or both legs. For a bulging disc in the cervical spine, symptoms can include: Pain near or surrounding the shoulder blade. Pain in the upper arms, forearms, and/or fingers. Increased tension and pain while moving the neck.

What is the purpose of minimally invasive spine surgery?

The purpose of minimally invasive spine surgery is to relieve pressure from the spinal cord or nerve roots. This will create space in the spinal canal, and diminish pain.

Why do you need a CT scan for spinal cord?

A CT Scan can also be used for outlining the spinal cord and nerves to show herniated discs and bones spurs after a dye has been injected into the body.

How is a bulging disc different from a herniated disc?

A bulging disc is different from a herniated disc because it does not rupture and affects a larger part of the disc itself; between a quarter to a half. When the disc is bulged or becomes enlarged, it applies pressure in the area where it is located between the vertebrae.

What is the best way to diagnose spinal canal narrowing?

Physical Exams & Scans. A physical exam must be completed to assess a patient’s pain and an X-ray, MRI, or a CT Scan may be recommended by your doctor for further analysis. An X-ray will help show any changes that could cause narrowing of the spinal canal such as the presence of bone spurs.

How many vertebral discs are there?

What is a Vertebral Disc? With a total of twenty-three vertebral discs that make up the column of the spine, discs act as “cushions” between the vertebrae in the spine. These discs are made up of an outer layer of tough cartilage that covers up softer cartilage.

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, ...

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.

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.

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.

What is the soft tissue between vertebrae?

Between each vertebra is soft tissue, known as a spinal disk, which prevents bones from rubbing against each other. The disks also act as shock absorbers to prevent damage during movement. Each disk contains a tough outer later with gel in the middle. This gel may decrease with age, become compressed, and push out.

What is the pain in the back?

back pain that worsens with movement, such as sneezes . spasms in the back muscles. weakness and numbness in the legs and feet. reduced mobility in the legs, knees, and ankles . decreased bladder and bowel control. difficulty walking.