What is a Bulging Disc?
A bulging disc, or a slipped disc, is a common form of spinal degeneration that can lead to neck or back pain that interferes with day-to-day life. Moreover, his condition is characterized by a spinal disc that weakens or loses water content and develops a bulge in its outer wall.
These individuals with bulging discs are often unaware of it due to the fact that this condition is often asymptomatic. However, if the disc bulge causes the spinal cord or a nerve root to become compressed, symptoms such as localized or radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness are common.
Avoiding a Bulging Disc
While some form of spinal degeneration is inevitable, there are several bulging disc risk factors that you should be aware of. Factors that could increase your chances of suffering bulging disc pain include:
- Frequent bending or heavy lifting
- High-impact sports
- Poor posture
- Tobacco use
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle
Treating a Bulging Disc
There are a variety of nonsurgical treatments that may be able to reduce your discomfort. For example, conservative options include pain and anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, alternating the use of hot and cold compresses, and targeted periods of rest. Alternative treatments, such as chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture, are other options you may wish to consider.
Surgery at BEST
Many individuals are able to successfully manage their symptoms through conservative and alternative treatments. In more severe cases that don’t respond to treatment, surgery may be necessary. At BEST, we perform minimally invasive surgery at our state-of-the-art facility which is a safer and more effective alternative to open spine surgery.
BEST Health System
If you are interested in learning more about BEST Health System and the services offered, contact us today. Our patient care coordinators strive to find the most effective, least invasive treatment option.
