Bulging disc treatment aims to relieve the pain and other symptoms of a bulging disc which occurs when a disc – the material that resides in between vertebrae to facilitate movement in the spine – literally bulges out of its intended place. When the bulging disc compresses a nerve root, patients may experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe. However, there are many treatment options both surgical and nonsurgical available to manage patients’ symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options
Typically a physician will start patients on a course of conservative treatment aimed at managing the symptoms of their bulging disc. These methods may include one or more of the following:
- Over-the-counter or prescription medications
- Epidural steroid injections
- Hot/cold therapy
- Stretching
- Physical therapy
- Limited periods of rest
- Weight loss, when necessary
Furthermore, some patients choose to explore alternative treatment on their own and have found relief from methods such as massage therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic manipulation. Always consult with your primary care doctor when attempting a new treatment method.
Surgical Bulging Disc Treatment
BEST Health System now offers a number of physical therapy options such as dry needling and soft tissue mobilization. These options can help with pain relief. Occasionally a patient will endure several weeks or months of conservative or alternative bulging disc treatment without significant relief from their symptoms. When this happens their physician will recommend surgery to correct the bulging disc.
Before subjecting yourself to the lengthy recovery time and risk of infection associated with traditional open spine surgery, consult with BEST Health System. Our board-certified surgeons, Dr. Girton and Dr. Abbott, expertly perform minimally invasive procedures setting us apart as the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery. Our procedures are performed through a less than 1-inch incision and utilize advanced muscle-sparing techniques.
To learn more about the benefits of minimally invasive, outpatient surgery at BEST Health System, contact us today!
