Bulging Disc Treatment

There are thirty-three bones that are present in the spinal column. In between each of the vertebrae that are not fused, there are soft discs which are filled with a jelly like substance. These discs help to cushion and maintain the bones in place. Whenever a disc slips from its place or ruptures, a person gets a bulging disc. Bulging disc is known by many names, some of which are prolapsed disc, ruptured disc, herniated disc or compressed disc.

Symptoms

The symptoms of herniated discs include:

• If a person has bulging disc in the upper back, he/she will get neck pain which spreads from shoulders to upper arms.
• If the herniated disk is in the lower back, then a person gets lower back pain which spreads to the buttocks and legs
• Muscle spasms and muscle cramps are also symptoms of bulging disc
• Sensation of numbness or tingling are also experienced in bulging disc condition
• A person usually gets weakness and fatigue

Treatment for Bulging Disc

The treatment will vary and depend upon the severity of the bulging disc condition.

Diagnosis
The diagnosis of bulging disc is done by a neurosurgeon, and involves physical examination and discussion of the patients medical history. Tests like X-ray, MRI or CT scans are done to search for the cause of the potential back pain and to determine the exact place of the back pain. After the diagnosis the required treatment is recommended.

General Treatment
Most people luckily don't require treatment for bulging disc, however, treatment becomes necessary for people who have severe symptoms and when the herniated disc interferes with their normal daily activities. Some people are recommended rest, pain killers and certain back exercises. However, surgery is performed if the person is experiencing extreme symptoms like severe back and leg pain, loss of normal bowel movements, difficulty standing or walking and leg weakness or numbness.

Surgical Treatment
There are different types of surgeries, and the type of herniated disc surgery is done considering the patients condition. In surgery, there can be a replacement of the herniated disc with a manufactured one, or surgical removal of an inter-vertebral disc. After the surgery pain medicines are given to the patient, the doctor advises the patient after some time to resume the normal activities. When a person resumes the normal activities, discomfort is normally experienced, but if a person gets pain, the person needs to slow down the rate of activities.

Measures to Prevent and Treat Bulging Disc

These tips will prevent the occurrence of bulging disc, and also need to be followed by people suffering from bulging disc as a part of their bulging disc treatment regime:

• Do not sleep on your stomach, try to sleep on your back or side
• Do not wear shoes or sandals which are high-heeled
• When sitting for long hours, place your feet on a small stool so that you can keep your knees higher than your hips
• Whenever lifting some object, bend your knees and hips and keep your back straight
• Whenever carrying any object, hold it close to your body.
• When standing for long time, place your foot on some height like a stool or box for a while
• If you are overweight, then losing weight can help in bulging disc condition
• Exercises, like crunches and ab exercises provide the spine more stability, you can also go for swimming or brisk walking exercises. If you don't experience back pain, then only opt for these exercises for bulging disc

This was all about bulging disc symptoms and treatments. If you are experiencing back pain, get yourself diagnosed to check the reason of the potential back pain. In most cases, one can get better with the treatment which consists of rest, pain medicines and by following the above prevention tips.