- Rest. One to 2 days of bed rest will usually help relieve back and leg pain. …
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve pain.
- Physical therapy. …
- Epidural steroid injection.
Can a bulging disk heal on its own?
A herniated disk is also known as a slipped, ruptured or bulging disk. It’s one of the most common causes of neck, back and leg pain.
Most of the time, herniated disks heal on their own or with simple home-care measures
.
What is the best treatment for a bulging disc in the back?
Lumbar herniated disc treatments
Ice and heat therapy for pain relief
. Manipulation (such as chiropractic manipulation) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or COX-2 inhibitors for pain relief.
Is a bulging disc permanent?
Disc bulges are
not permanent
. The disc is a fluid filled structure and therefore has the capacity to heal, resolve and be re-absorbed.
What happens if a bulging disc goes untreated?
A severe case of a bulging disc can
cut off nerve impulses, even causing permanent nerve damage
. Additionally, you may experience sharp paints, incontinence, bowel movement irregularity, or even partial paralysis as the issue worsens.
Will a muscle relaxer help a bulging disc?
Muscle relaxants –
Your doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxant medication if you’re experiencing muscle spasms with your bulging disc
. Heat and cold packs– Applying heat and/or cold packs to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Is heat or ice better for a bulging disc?
Heat helps loosen the muscle tightness that causes spasms, increases blood flow, and improves elasticity of connective tissue. Cold decreases the local tissue temperature which produces an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, thus reducing pain.
Is walking good for herniated disc?
Absolutely.
Walking is an excellent choice for patients with herniated discs
, as it stimulates blood flow and oxygen to the cells. It also helps keep your discs hydrated, which is important for healing. Other low-impact aerobic activities to try are swimming and cycling.
Can a chiropractor fix a bulging disc?
Yes! Chiropractic care is the preferred treatment method for many patients suffering from a bulging disc
. It is non-invasive and does not require drugs or injections of any kind. Chiropractic can help provide you with improved mobility, decreased pain, and overall better quality of life.
Can a bulging disc get worse?
Do disc bulges get worse over time? Unfortunately
if disc bulges are left untreated, and if the abnormal spinal stresses that caused them continue, they will often worsen over time
.
How do you sleep with a bulging disc?
- Lay on your back and then roll over gently onto your side.
- Tuck your knees toward your chest and gently curl your torso toward your knees.
- Remember to switch sides from time to time to prevent any imbalances.
What causes a bulging disc to flare up?
In addition to natural wear and tear, other factors that can contribute to a bulging disc include
repetitive movements, strenuous lifting, twisting of the body, bone spurs pushing against the disc, and many other degenerative conditions
.
What is the best exercise for bulging disc?
– Lie on your back with your knees bent and both heels on the floor. – Cross one leg over the other, resting the ankle on the bent knee. – Gently pull the crossed knee towards the chest until there is a stretch in the buttock, hold for 10-15 seconds. – Repeat on both sides for 3 rounds.
How painful is a bulging disc?
A bulging disc
may have no pain at all
because it has not reached a certain severity level, and this can make it difficult to identify the bulging disc symptoms before the condition becomes more severe. Most commonly, bulging discs create pressure points on nearby nerves which create a variety of sensations.
When should I be worried about a bulging disc?
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E
if you have back pain and: numbness around your bottom or genitals
.
cannot pee
.
lose feeling in 1 or both legs
.
What will a doctor do for a bulging disc?
Treatments for a bulging disk will depend on its severity and location. Doctors may recommend
anti-inflammatory medications to help with pain and reduce inflammation
. For people with severe pain, steroid injections may be a suitable short-term solution. If the disk ruptures, bed rest may be necessary.
Can a bulging disc paralyze you?
With a herniated disc, the capsule cracks or breaks, and the nucleus squeezes out. This can irritate the spinal cord or nearby nerves, causing weakness and numbness in the arms or legs.
A severely herniated disc can cause paralysis
.
Will a cortisone shot help a bulging disc?
Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and can be effective when delivered directly into the painful area. Unfortunately,
the injection does not make a herniated disc smaller
; it only works on the spinal nerves by flushing away the proteins that cause swelling.
Is naproxen good for herniated disc?
When an inflamed nerve swells, it may push up against the slipped disc. By treating the inflammation with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, swelling and the resulting pain may go away.
The most common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.
What’s the difference between a bulging and herniated disc?
“A bulging disc is like letting air out of a car tire. The disc sags and looks like it is bulging outward. With a herniated disc, the outer covering of the disc has a hole or tear. This causes the nucleus pulposus (jelly-like center of the disc) to leak into the spinal canal.”
How do you reduce inflammation of a bulging disc?
For mild herniated disc pain, relieve the inflammation to decrease pain. For instance,
applying a heating pad or ice pack to the affected area
may be a good way to temporarily relieve your pain and reduce inflammation. Take 10-15 minutes twice a day to lie on your stomach with one to two pillows under your hips.
How long does it take for a disc bulge to heal?
Most (80-90%) cases involving bulging or herniated discs will heal within
2-4 months
.
Can you push a herniated disc back into place?
If you have back pain from a bulging disc,
do not have your friend try to force it back into place
. This will likely increase, rather than relieve, your pain.
