Content

• Steps
• Advice

A bulging disc occurs when you experience an injury, muscle strain, or aging. The discs in the spine act as a natural cushion between the vertebrae, over time they gradually flatten and lose elasticity.Although bulging a disc can be very painful, it often occurs without any symptoms. Most cases of bulging disc will heal in a short time. However, when the illness causes pain, it can be difficult to wait for the area to heal on its own.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Dealing with bulging disc with medical help

1. 

   Stay in touch with your doctor. To find out that you have a bulging disc, you may need diagnostic tests such as an MRI. Your doctor is your primary and important source of support during this difficult time.
   • They will help you coordinate your care and exercise techniques, such as physical therapy or squeezing, prescribe medication if needed, and manage your condition to make sure that no medical procedure is needed.

2. 

   
   
   Practice physical therapy. Physiotherapists often recommend exercise to release pressure on the disc, help nerves in this area recover and relieve pain.
   • Physiotherapy can make a huge difference in symptomatic treatment, improving central muscle strength, increasing flexibility, and avoiding future injury or pain. A therapist will teach you important exercises to do on your own at home.

3. 

   
   
   Take prescription medications for pain, inflammation, and muscle relaxation. In some cases, the protrusion of the disc makes the patient very painful, then the doctor will prescribe an oral pain reliever for a short time to create a more comfortable feeling.
   • For example, they may prescribe opioid pain relievers like hydrocodone or oxycodone, pain patches like lidocaine or fentanyl, powerful anti-inflammatory drugs like high-dose ibuprofen, and muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine or metaxalone.

4. 

   
   
   Consider injections. If symptoms of a slow reaction to the drug and pain become severe, then you should consider injecting. The most common way to treat a bulging disc is an injection into the spine, also called a nerve block injection or peripheral nerve anesthesia. This injection uses the same medication as a steroid injected directly into the pain area to relieve pain and inflammation.

5. 

   Consider less invasive surgery. In some cases, surgery is the only option to treat disc bulging and pain relief. The less invasive procedure is often successful in dealing with disc problems while reducing the risk that often occurs with open back surgery.
   • The procedures commonly performed are spinal open surgery, spinal foliar surgery, and cystic removal surgery. Each procedure uses slightly different methods to correct the disc problem, depending on the location and extent of the injury.

6. 

   Ask your doctor about disc replacement surgery. In some cases, surgical removal of the disc has been shown to be effective, and then an artificial disc is inserted into the position it was recently removed. This type of surgery restores the height of the space between the vertebrae, and allows for normal movement. advertisement

Part 2 of 4: Dealing with disc bulging yourself

1. 

   Take over-the-counter medications. Consult your doctor before starting any new medicine. Commonly recommended over-the-counter medications include anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. Acetaminophen also has an effective analgesic effect. Take your medicine exactly as directed and let your doctor know if you experience side effects.
   • Do not continue taking over-the-counter medications with prescription medications unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor. Combining over-the-counter medications with prescription pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants can be dangerous.

2. 

   Rested. Make time for the illness to heal itself by getting adequate rest during the care regimen. Appropriate regimen includes short breaks, such as 30 minutes at a time, followed by walking or light activity as recommended by your doctor or therapist.
   • Avoid activities that aggravate the situation, especially bending, lifting heavy objects, or buckling. Move slowly and stop any activity that causes you pain. Follow a physical therapy exercise program that includes specific exercises to help improve your condition.

3. 

   Use a cold compress. Initially the pain will usually be swollen and inflamed, then you should use cold compresses instead of hot compresses to reduce swelling and inflammation, relieve the pain.
   • Apply ice to the sore area for five minutes every hour. By the third or fourth hour you should feel less pain. Continue to apply ice to the area where the bulging disc is first, then you can apply it to the affected area, such as the sore nerve under the leg. Follow your doctor or therapist's instructions about when and how often to apply ice.

4. 

   Use a hot compress. Hot compresses can soothe sore and tight muscles, improve blood circulation to the affected area. Good blood circulation leads more oxygen to the muscles, and nutrients to the damaged disc. Ask your doctor or therapist to determine how often to alternate hot and cold compresses for your situation. advertisement

Part 3 of 4: Prevent problems from arising

1. 

   Maintain a healthy weight. Obviously being overweight puts a lot of pressure on each disc. Weight loss isn't easy, especially when you're in pain, but weight management can have many benefits for pain relief and preventing other problems from occurring.

2. 

   Take calcium and vitamin D supplements. Your spine needs enough calcium and vitamin D every day to maintain its strength and prevent osteoporosis. Most adults get enough calcium and vitamin D from the diet. Ask your doctor about the amount of calcium and vitamin D you should consume each day in addition to your normal diet.
   • Natural sources of these substances include dairy products, leafy vegetables, and orange juice with added calcium and vitamin D. The body is also able to absorb more vitamin D from the sun.

3. 

   Sleep on a hard mattress. Avoid sleeping face down as the pressure on the disc is greater. Sleep on a hard mattress and lie on one side with extra cushioning if needed.

4. 

   Use correct lifting technique. Avoid lifting heavy objects if possible, but if you have to do it, bend your knees into a squatting position, then use your feet to lift the object. When you wake up early in the morning, you must also avoid lifting or twisting your body.

5. 

   Pay attention to living posture. Correct standing and sitting posture should keep your back upright with your shoulders back. Use your abs to support your back when you move and keep your lower back flat or slightly arched.
   • To improve the balance of your body, stand in the aisle, raise one leg, bend the knee of the lifting leg so that the thigh is parallel to the floor. Hold this position for 20 seconds, then repeat with the other leg. Cling to a wall or walkway if needed, but ultimately maintain the position without holding onto any position.
   • Improve your body's straightness by standing one foot away from the wall, then leaning back until your butt and back touch the wall. Keep the head level and push backwards until the back of the head hits the wall. Most people will have to raise their chin to get their head to touch the wall, which is the wrong position. You must push your head back as far as possible while keeping your head balanced. Hold this position for 20 seconds. Ultimately your head should reach the wall without tilting.

6. 

   Choose the right seat type. Regularly sitting with your pelvis slopes puts pressure on the disc. After a long sitting this position can contribute to back problems such as bulging disc. Today many experts recommend choosing the "active chair" type. The active chair is designed to maintain spinal integrity and engage muscles in the sitting position.
   • There are several active chair types on the market today, such as Zenergy Ball Chair, Swopper Stool, Wobble Stool and Rockin 'Roller Desk Chair.
   • These chairs are really helpful, but remember to get up and walk around from time to time. Set an alarm clock to remind yourself to get up and walk for a few minutes after each hour of sitting.

7. 

   Bounce on the therapeutic ball. Consult with your doctor or therapist to make sure this is safe for your condition. A therapeutic ball is similar to the large one you would normally see in a gym or physiotherapy room.
   • Light up for about 5 minutes a day improves blood circulation to the disc, bringing nutrients and oxygen to the area. The inflammation and pain are also reduced, in addition to helping prevent other problems.

8. 

   Exercise safely and regularly. Some exercises specifically aimed at overcoming problems related to back pain include flexion, stretching, stretching, and aerobic exercise. Talk to your doctor about developing a safe and effective exercise regimen for your condition.
   • Remember that everyone is different, some respond well to back flexing, while others are better suited to stretching. If your back hurts more while doing any of these exercises, stop immediately and see your doctor or therapist.

9. 

   Participate in low impact exercises. Examples of low impact exercises are walking, swimming, recumbent cycling, meditation or yoga (adapted for the condition). Depending on the location of the bulging disc in your spine, your age, weight, mobility, and other medical conditions, your doctor and therapist can design a tailored exercise program. suits you.

10. 

    Use pressure-reducing therapy, also known as stretching. Manual or electric stretching is a great way to maintain a healthy disc. The stretching reduces the pressure on the disc, while allowing more nutrients to lead to the disc.
    • You can perform pressure relief therapy at a chiropractor office or physiotherapist's office, or use a household reversible stretcher. For economical home therapy you should choose a simple back tractor with three levels of adjustment.

11. 

    Find support networks. Persistent pain often leads to mood swings, stress and depression, all of which affect the body's ability to recover. Therefore, you should find support measures during this difficult time. Find out about the chronic pain support groups in your area. Remember that this is a great way to do this, but there are others who need your help as well.

12. 

    Build a stress reliever routine. Participate in activities such as massage, acupuncture, bathing, walking, and meditation to help you deal with mental and physical problems dealing with acute or chronic pain. Mindfulness meditation can improve chronic back pain, similar to traditional treatments. advertisement

Part 4 of 4: Know when to see a doctor

1. 

   See a doctor if the pain keeps you from moving. Many people experience severe pain with a bulging disc. If the pain keeps you from doing everyday activities, you should see your doctor as soon as possible for treatment.

2. 

   Contact your doctor if you experience severe pain and persistent pain. When the condition persists for more than 7 days, gets worse, or improves slightly but does not go away after 3 weeks, then you must seek medical treatment.

3. 

   Contact your doctor as soon as symptoms change. The condition may be progressing, as shown by changes in symptoms, such as the emergence of new painful areas or numbness, which indicate other nerves along the spine and near the disc. The convex cushion was impacted.

4. 

   Look for new symptoms in your legs. Inform your doctor as soon as possible when symptoms appear in your limbs, especially legs. If you experience sudden or constant weakness, numbness, tingling, or throbbing pain in your legs every time you cough, sneeze or exert yourself, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

5. 

   Pay attention to bladder and colon function. In some cases the nerves are affected by a protruding disc that can alter the function of the colon and bladder. Contact your doctor right away if this occurs.
   • Back pain with urination, severe pain and deep back cramps, loss of control over bladder or colon function are all signs that require immediate medical treatment.
   advertisement

Advice

• Convex healing takes time. Ask your doctor about the condition and how long it will take for you to be able to do all normal activities.
• Disc convex is similar, but slightly different from disc herniation. The bulging disc's outer protective shell is still normal, but in the case of a herniation there is a crack that causes part of the inner protective material to leak out. Disc herniation is usually more severe than disc bulging.
• Consider finding a physical therapist with training in occupational therapy. An occupational therapist can help you change the way you work and deal with irrationalities in the everyday work environment.
• Rest is key to healing, but too much rest is not good either. Start walking as soon as possible and try to restore your daily activities so that healing will occur faster.