How do you treat an annular bulging disc?

Most annular tears improve and heal over time with rest, spine-specialized physical therapy, and over the counter anti-inflammatories. In some situations symptoms may warrant prescription strength anti-inflammatories or possible pain or muscle relaxant medication.

What causes annular disc bulge?

One primary cause of annular tears is natural disc degeneration with age. As we get older, our spinal discs dry out, stiffen and lose flexibility, which makes them more vulnerable to tears and injuries. Years of repetitive stress and pressure placed on the back can also cause aging discs to tear.

Is mild bulging disc serious?

Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Care

A mild to moderate injury may persist for several years without causing pain or loss of function. If a protruding disc is significant or worsening, symptoms may include the following: Back pain, especially while sitting or lifting heavy loads.

Is mild disc bulge common?

However, studies have shown over and over, that disc bulges are incredibly common, and can be seen on MRIs of people without back pain or spine problems.

Is a bulging disc in neck serious?

A bulging disc in your neck may be relatively painless. Or it can cause severe pain in your neck, as well as your shoulders, chest, and arms. It may also cause numbness or weakness in your arms or fingers. Sometimes, this pain and numbness may even cause you to think that you’re having a heart attack.

Can a bulging disc heal on its own?

The good news is that in most cases — 90% of the time — pain caused by a herniated disc will go away on its own within six months. Initially, your doctor will likely recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever and limit activities that cause pain or discomfort.

Is walking good for a bulging 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.

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.

How long does a bulging disc take to heal?

Most (80-90%) cases involving bulging or herniated disks will heal within 2-4 months.

Can bulging disc get worse?

A bulging disc can create pain, tingling, and numbness that radiates through the body. Over time, the symptoms will worsen and the problem will get worse over time.

What is the fastest way to heal a bulging disc?

How to heal a herniated disc quickly
  1. Alternate applying heat and cold.
  2. Stay as active as you can. Take walks to avoid becoming too stiff from resting too often.
  3. Try alternative treatments like acupuncture, massage, or chiropractic.

How do doctors treat bulging discs?

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.

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.

Do bulging discs shrink?

Over time, the herniation tends to shrink and you may experience partial or complete pain relief. In most cases, if low back and/or leg pain is going to resolve it will do so in about 6 weeks. Figure 1. Normal and herniated disc.

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.

How do you sleep with a bulging disc?

The optimal sleeping position for a herniated disc is on your back. Lying on your back keeps your spine in a neutral position so you have less chance of pinching the nerve. For added comfort, nestle a small pillow or rolled-up towel under your knees and lower back.

Do anti inflammatories help bulging disc?

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications

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.

How long does it take for a bulging disc to heal without surgery?

Most people recover from a slipped disc within six weeks without treatment.

How do you treat a bulging disc in the neck naturally?

Many other treatments may provide some relief from a cervical herniated disc, such as:
  1. Ice or heat therapy. Applying ice for 15 or 20 minutes at a time may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. …
  2. Cervical traction. …
  3. Massage therapy.

What should I avoid with a bulging disc?

A person with a disc herniation should avoid heavy lifting, sudden pressure on the back, or repetitive strenuous activities during recovery. People should avoid all exercises that cause pain or feel as though they are making the pain worse.

What is better for a bulging disc heat or ice?

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.