A bulging disc occurs when a disc in the spine protrudes outside of its normal parameter and pushes on the nerves in the spinal cord, causing pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. Apart from age, genetics, or injury, one of the primary causes of this condition is obesity due to the stress it adds to the spinal discs. To learn more about the impact that being overweight has on your spine as well as the treatments available for a bulging disc, read the following article.
Impact of Obesity on the Spine
The strain placed on your spine from excess weight has the ability to cause the discs in your spine to degenerate at a younger age. Since your spinal column needs to be supported by strong and flexible muscles, any excess weight can make this process difficult and it can make you more susceptible to spinal conditions, like a bulging disc in your spine.
Further Treatments for Weight-Related Bulging Discs
In addition to weight management, there are a variety of methods that can help ease your bulging disc. For instance, your doctor may recommend:
- Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption
- Eating a nutritious diet to help support the spine
- Stretching to help regain flexibility and ease nerve pressure
- Low-impact exercises like swimming or biking
- Using proper lifting techniques when lifting weights
Alternative treatments such as anti-inflammatories, chiropractic care, acupuncture, yoga, or pilates may also help provide you with relief.
When Surgical Intervention Becomes Necessary For Bulging Disc
Suppose you are still experiencing the debilitating symptoms associated with a bulging disc after managing your weight and attempting other forms of nonsurgical therapy for several months. In that case, surgery may become an option. If this is the case for you, contact BEST Health System to learn about the advantages of choosing minimally invasive spine surgery to treat your condition.
At BEST Health System, our minimally invasive spine surgery is a safer and more effective alternative to traditional open spine surgery. Depending on the severity of your condition, our highly skilled surgeon, Dr. Girton, is able to use a small incision that is muscle-sparing in order to remove the portion of the disc that is pressing on the nerve and causing your debilitating symptoms, allowing you to experience lasting relief.
BEST Health System is the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery and can help you find relief from chronic neck and back pain. To find out if you are a candidate for our minimally invasive bulging disc surgery, reach out to our dedicated team today!
