Bulging Disc Treatment

Options for Bulging Disc Treatment

The good news is that if you are suffering from a bulging disc, treatment options abound. From traditional, conservative methods to holistic remedies and targeted pain management techniques, about 93.8 percent of patients who experience a bulging disc will be able to manage their symptoms non-surgically.

This condition is caused when a weakened intervertebral disc is no longer able to maintain its normal structural integrity. When the disc, though intact and not herniated, extrudes beyond its designated space in the spinal column, it can come into contact with spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself and cause painful symptoms of tingling, numbness, and weakness. Bulging disc treatment is aimed at mitigating this pain and easing neural compression.

Low-Impact Exercises for Pain Relief

While it may seem counterintuitive to treat pain with exercise, staying active, strong, and limber is an excellent way to ease pain caused by neural compression. Choose low-impact activities that will not exert added pressure on your joints, vertebrae, or intervertebral discs, such as:

• Swimming or other forms of hydrotherapy
• Walking or hiking
• Cycling on a recumbent stationary bike
• Doing core exercises on a therapy ball
• Gentle stretching or restorative yoga
• Using an elliptical trainer
• Resistance training with an exercise band

Other Conservative Treatment Options

Do not attempt any regimen of exercise without consulting your doctor. He or she may also suggest that you integrate other conservative bulging disc treatment options into your list of low-impact activities, such as pain medication, cold compresses, heat therapy, intermittent periods of rest, or physical therapy.

If weeks or months of exercise and other conservative treatments have not helped you to achieve lasting pain relief and your doctor suggests that you consider spine surgery, Laser Spine Institute may be able to help. Our minimally invasive procedures are the safe and effective alternatives to open back or neck surgery. With no lengthy recovery, no general anesthesia, and no fusions or hardware, you can see why our endoscopic techniques have garnered us a 93.8 percent patient satisfaction rate. Contact a Laser Spine Institute consultation facility today to find out more and to receive a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan.