Bulging Disc in Neck Treatment

The spine, which runs from the below the skull till the pelvic region in the back is made up of small discs attached together with ligaments, muscles, nerves and tendons. The discs support the movement of the neck and balance the head. The spinal discs also act as shock absorbers and prevent the strong vibrations from harming the spine. Sometimes due to an injury or trauma, the discs tend to slip out of place, resulting in a bulging disc. This condition, also known as contained spinal disorder, can be discomforting and the pain is triggered even with a slight movement of the neck. A bulging disc in neck is painful which restricts the free movement of the neck and results in frozen neck. To relieve the pain and prevent the condition from becoming worse, it is necessary to undergo bulging disc in neck treatment before it is too late.

Bulging Disc in Neck Causes

Many a time people tend to ignore a bulging disc and think that bulging disc pain is merely an ordinary neck pain which will go away after a while. But what causes a bulging disk in the neck? There are many factors which may cause a bulging disc in the neck. A few of the causes are listed as under:

• One of the primary causes of a bulging neck disc is age. As the individual gets older, the muscles and ligaments supporting the neck become weak. The cerebrospinal fluid also dries up as the age advances, resulting in the discs becoming more prone to cracks and break.
• An injury to the neck or trauma to the spine can result in bulging disc shifting from its normal position. Sometimes the disc tends to protrude out of the spine into the back of the neck. This may be painful and discomforting.
• Arthritis, which also sets with old age, is a health condition caused when the joints become weak and inflamed. This condition can be also observed in the neck and upper back. This is also one of the causes of bulging disc in neck.

Bulging Disc in Neck Symptoms

A bulging disc in neck can often lead to a herniated disc, which is severe in nature. So it is very essential to observe any of the symptoms that are indicative of this distressing condition and can be detected at its earliest. A few common bulging disc symptoms are given below:

• The first symptom to be observed in this condition is neck pain, which can start as a dull pain and grow to become throbbing pain which may slowly radiate to the shoulder, back and chest.
• One of the severe symptoms of bulging disc in the neck is a tingling sensation that can be felt in the back near the affected area. This sensation can also be felt in the chest, arms and hands and can travel to the legs.
• Blurred vision, headaches, ranging from mild to throbbing pain, ringing sounds in the ears and feeling like pins and needles are some other symptoms of bulging disc in the neck.

Treatment for Bulging Disc in Neck

Before administering bulging disc in neck treatment, the doctor may perform an array of tests to determine the exact condition. The patient may also have to undergo an MRI and a CT scan to help the doctor identify the nature of the bulging disc, whether it is a simple one or is serious in nature.

In some cases, bulging discs in neck do not require any kind of treatment, since they have a tendency to heal on their own after a period of time. In such cases, the doctor may only monitor the healing process and the time taken.

In case of arthritis, the bulging disc treatment may include prescription of anti-inflammatory drugs to soothe the inflammation. The doctor may also prescribe steroids and painkillers to reduce the swelling and pain.

Physical therapy, which consists of a few exercises and massages under the guidance of a physiotherapist is also a treatment option for bulging disc. The exercises help in relieving the pain and strengthening the muscles in the neck region.

Surgery is the last option in case none of the above bulging disc in neck treatment methods work. If the disc becomes herniated or if the disc squeezes too much and applies pressure on the nerves of the spinal cord causing unbearable pain to the individual, then the doctor may suggest a surgery. This procedure, which is known as discectomy involves the removal of the affected disc and replaced by a metal prosthetic.

Bulging disc in neck treatment may vary according to the individual and depend on the severity of the condition. In case of a ruptured disc, the individual may have to undergo surgery. It is essential to keep in touch with the doctor and update him on any changes noticed about this painful condition. Take care!