What is a bulging disc?

The bones in your back (vertebrae) that form the spine are cushioned by small, spongy discs. When these discs are healthy, they act just like shock absorbers for the spine and keep the spine flexible. However, when a disc is damaged in some way, it may bulge or break open. This is called a herniated disc. It may also be called a slipped or ruptured disc. These names all mean basically the same thing, depending sometimes on the severity or extent of the injury.

You can have a herniated disc in any part of your spine, however most herniated discs affect the lower back (lumbar spine) due to the overuse injuries people suffer. Any job or activity where you must bend over or lift heavy objects puts the lower back at risk for these types of injuries. If you have pain then you are looking for a quick bulging disc treatment for relief.

Some bulging discs happen in the neck (cervical spine) and, even more rarely, in the upper back (thoracic spine). This topic focuses mainly on the lower back.

What causes a herniated disc?

A herniated disc may be caused by:

• Wear and tear of the disc. As you age, your discs dry out and aren’t as flexible.
• Injury to the spine. This may cause tiny tears or cracks in the hard outer layer of the disc. When this happens, the gel inside the disc can be forced out through the tears or cracks in the outer layer of the disc. This causes the disc to bulge, break open, or break into pieces.

 

Bulging discs most commonly occur as the body ages and the inter-vertebral discs start to degenerate. However, bulging discs happen not just in seniors but also in younger persons as well. At the center of the inter-vertebral disc is a soft and spongy substance called the nucleus pulposes. This is a jelly-like substance in the center of the spinal chord that helps to distribute hydraulic pressure evenly under compressive loads.

When this substance bulges out, it puts pressure on the ligaments known as annulus fibrosis, which surrounds the core. This normally is not a cause for major concern and may not even be painful. It becomes serious when the bulging intrudes into the area of the spinal canal. When this happens, the pain can be unbearable.

While majority of people with bulging discs do not experience debilitating pain, there are a few cases when patients suffer severe and persistent lower back pain caused by a bulging disc, which hinders their normal activities. The good thing is most cases of bulging discs do not require surgical treatment. Doctors usually provide initial bulging disc treatment through non-surgical or conservative methods focusing on pain relief, both short-term and permanent, and more importantly, healing.

Bulging Disc Treatment and Pain Relief

To help reduce inflammation, your physician may recommend that you limit your actions and get some bed rest. For mild to moderate pain, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines. Sometimes, patients receive steroid injections for temporary pain relief.

In many cases, physical therapy for bulging disc is also one of the recommended ways of treatment. Like any medical treatment, physical therapy for bulging disc starts with the doctor’s evaluation of your condition. Once the doctor has determined his diagnosis, he or she will design a program specific to your needs.

Physical therapy for bulging disc makes use of different methods, one of which is traction. In this procedure, the therapist pulls the vertebrae so the blood can flow into the damaged disc and promote healing. Another common physical therapy for bulging disc treatment is massage therapy, which also improves blood circulation in the affected area.

Stretching exercises are also part of physical therapy for bulging disc. In addition to this, your therapist may gradually incorporate strengthening exercises into your therapy program to strengthen the muscles in your back.

Other methods in physical therapy for bulging disc are ice therapy, heat therapy, ultrasound therapy, and electrical stimulation. Your doctor or therapist may also recommend muscle relaxants and pain relief medication in combination with physical therapy for bulging disc. There are many treatment options for bulging discs. Some may work and some may not. Your doctor will help you determine which ones will work for you best.