Bulging disc treatment comes in a variety of forms depending on the location and severity of the condition. Once you have been diagnosed with a bulging disc, your doctor will recommend several treatment routes to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. For instance, your doctor might suggest avoiding activities that could worsen your symptoms and may prescribe hot and cold compression therapy or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to relieve your bulging disc pain.
Exercise as a treatment method
Your doctor might also suggest a series of stretching techniques and exercises that can improve your flexibility and relieve any nerve compression that is causing you discomfort. Here are four exercises that doctors commonly recommend for bulging disc treatment.
- Lie face down on your stomach with your arms by your sides, This position forces your back to arch and improves the natural curve of the spine.
- Stand up straight and place your hands on your lower back behind your hips with your palms facing inward and your fingers pointed down. Push your hands into your pelvis so that your lower back arches, but don’t use your lower back muscles.
- Lie face down with your arms bent and your hands palms-down, beneath your shoulders. Push up on your hands until your elbows have completely straightened and your lower backstops you. Holding this position for a couple of seconds, lower yourself back to the floor. Start with a few repetitions and work your way up to more repetitions over time. You can repeat this exercise every two hours or as needed.
- Stand in front of a chair as if you are going to sit on it, place your feet slightly more outward than your knees. Lower your body until you touch the chair then stand back up again. Start with a few repetitions and increase as you are able. As you get stronger, you can perform this exercise without the chair and lower your body until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle.
Before trying any of these exercises, it is important to check with your doctor. Depending on the location and severity of your bulging disc, you may benefit from rest more so than exercise. To ensure you are making the right decisions regarding your treatment, your doctor will be able to lead you in the right direction. If you have tried different conservative methods and haven’t felt any relief, there is a chance that you are a candidate for surgery.
How can the BEST Health System Team Help?
Although surgery can be a scary idea, the surgeons at BEST Health System specialize in minimally-invasive surgeries that have quicker recovery times and less risk. If you are interested in learning more about the surgical options available through BEST, reach out to our dedicated team and get started on your path to recovery.
