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How to Treat a Bulging Disc

There are several options you can explore to treat bulging disc pain and discomfort. Although some occurrences of this condition never cause irritation, others can exert painful pressure against a nerve root or the spinal cord.

This condition occurs when the fibrous outer layer of a disc of cartilage weakens and compresses, almost like a balloon that is being pressed down. The resulting bulge pushes into the spinal canal and can, in some cases, impinge a nerve root or the spinal cord.

What to Do if You’re Suffering from Bulging Disc Pain

• Rest – Be sure to adequately rest your back and neck to prevent further inflammation and damage. Refrain from sitting or standing too long, and avoid lifting heavy objects or moving your body incorrectly.
• Cold pack therapy – Applying an ice pack to the affected area several times a day, 10 to 20 minutes at a time, may help reduce nerve and muscle inflammation, muscle spasms and swelling.
• Medications – Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines may help alleviate bulging disc symptoms. Other remedies include prescribed muscle relaxants or steroid injections for severe pain.
• See a chiropractor – A chiropractor manipulates and adjusts the vertebrae of the spine and may be able to relieve pressure on an impinged nerve caused by a bulging disc.
• Electric therapy – A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator, or TENS unit, can be used to stimulate nerves with controllable amounts of electrical current directed through the skin via two or more electrodes.
• Physical therapy – A therapist can show you the proper strength exercises and activities that may help reduce your bulging disc pain. Walking, practicing meditation, and yoga are other possible pain-reducing treatments, but make sure to consult with your doctor before attempting any new exercise program.

Exploring Your Options

If you are still suffering from chronic back and neck pain, even after exhausting conservative treatments, contact Laser Spine Institute today. We offer you an alternative to those treatments with our variety of minimally invasive procedures. Contact us to schedule a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scans.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.