Bulging Disc in Neck

Bulging disc in neck gives a hard time to the patient as he completely loses his ability to turn his neck. The vertebrae of the spine are cushioned by soft and gelatinous material called discs. These discs serve as shock absorbers for the spine. The spine can bend and move due to the flexibility of the disc and its gel-like center.

In medical science, disc disorders are of two types. They are contained and non-contained. Bulging disc in neck is a type of contained disc disorder. The pain caused due the bulging disc depends on the degree of the bulge and the direction in which it protrudes. Bulging disc in neck mostly occurs due to aging or serious trauma. This happens when the circular cushions between the spinal joints come out or bulge out. Know more about the symptoms of bulging disc in neck and the method of treatment also.

Symptoms of Bulging Disc in Neck

Bulging disc in neck is marked by a mild pain in a portion of the neck. Sudden movements of the neck and even wrong sleeping posture may contribute to the pain getting sharper and more intense. Due to this disorder, the patient might experience tingling sensation in the chest, arms or hands. In some cases, this sensation is also felt in the legs. This is a severe symptom of bulging disc in neck.

In due time and if the bulging does not receive early treatment, symptoms begin to show up in the muscles of the arms, hands and legs. The patient may feel a degree of weakness in his muscles all the time. Headaches, ringing in the ears, pins or needles sensation, blurred vision are the other symptoms of a bulging disc in neck. Thyroid problems, chest pain and sometimes heart palpitations may also occur due to the bulging neck disc.

Treatments for Bulging Disc In Neck

The treatment usually depends on the severity of the case and the intensity of pain. The person's overall health is also considered in the type of treatment. A bulging disc in neck requires extra attention and special medical care. In some cases, bulging discs have healed by themselves and without any conventional treatment.

Before going for high degree treatments, doctors usually prescribe medication to ease the pain and take care of any swelling that may occur. For proper healing and relief, certain kinds of physiotherapy are also recommended under professional supervision. Chiropractors are also consulted for assistance in pain relief.

The patient has to take care that sudden neck movements are avoided as far as possible, and complete bed rest is a must. In some cases, even therapies and other conventional approaches and non-surgical treatments fail to yield any positive results. In such cases, surgery is taken up as the last resort. This is because surgery is associated with possible risks like infection, bleeding, hoarseness, paralysis. In extreme cases, death also may occur. So it is necessary that the patient religiously follows all that has been recommended by the doctor for quick recovery.

If you are suffering from this condition of bulging discs in your neck, then it is wise to seek medical care at the earliest. Refrain from any kind of movement that causes pain and discomfort to the spine or the neck. Most people suffering from bulging disc in neck experience pain while sleeping. This happens mostly due to improper sleeping posture. While sitting also, take care that your are sitting in a correct posture. After consulting your doctor, try to take up some exercises for bulging disc. As mentioned above, complete bed rest is an essential part of the healing process. However, if you take up any kind of work, then follow proper lifting techniques and avoid heavy loads. Never hesitate to consult your doctor and fix regular appointments, as far as possible.