Pain is felt when a bulging disc bulges from its original shape and applies pressure on the surrounding nerves. A herniated disc is the natural progression when a bulging disc in the lower back is left undiagnosed.

The cushioning of the gel-filled discs in the spinal vertebrae functions as the shock absorbers of the body. The vertebrae can move with great flexibility because of the support provided by the discs.

However, as tough as the outer wall of the discs is, several factors can cause them to “bulge”. When this happens, pain is felt when a bulging disc presses on a nerve. The pain felt in the body depends on the location of the nerve pressed by a bulging disc.

Disc issues have three differences, namely:

• A bulging disc happens with more than 180 degrees protrusion of its circumference. While the outer wall of the disc is intact, the protrusion is the thing that causes pain.
•  Over time, the inner fluid of the discs escapes when the outer walls start to tear.
• Disc protrusion happens when a 180-degree protrusion happens from the circumference of the disc.

The back’s lower or lumbar region is the common site of most disc injuries. This is because the lower back usually bears the daily brunt of extended force and movements.

What can Cause a Bulging Disc?

Wear and tear on the spinal discs over time is the main cause of a bulging disc. Being subjected to strenuous work, sports, and activities over the years weakens the discs, resulting in their degeneration.

As mentioned, the lower back is the most common site for a bulging disc to happen.

Spinal osteoarthritis, on the other hand, commonly causes a bulging disc. Ageing is the top factor when it comes to disc degeneration. Yet, some factors that can cause a bulging include:

• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Injury or strain
• Bad posture
• Overweight

What are the Non-surgical Bulging Disc Therapy Options?

A bulging disc has a host of non-surgical options to help alleviate the symptoms. However, the effectiveness of non-surgical bulging disc therapy sometimes works for some than others.

The effectiveness of non-surgical bulging disc therapy depends on the severity of the pain and the length of time experienced by a patient.

There are cases wherein the symptoms of a bulging disc diminish after some time. However, bulging disc therapy has no hard and fast results. The two outcomes that many doctors want for their patients suffering from a bulging disc include:

• Help in pain relief, especially with debilitating leg pain
• Help patients achieve their normal range of daily activities

Conservative bulging disc therapy

Physical therapy and medication are the usual routes doctors recommend for non-surgical bulging disc therapy. Some of these include:

• Consulting with a chiropractor

Back pain that has been felt for a long time can be helped by chiropractic spinal manipulation.

• Cold and hot packs

Inflammation and pain can be relieved by the application of cold packs. Relief is further felt when gentle heat is applied to the area after a few days of cold pack application.

• Medication

The first-line meds likely prescribed by many doctors are Ibuprofen drugs. Prescription drugs are only allowed when OTC drugs fail to relieve the pain.

Contact us to find out the bulging disc therapy solutions available for you.