A bulging disc, or a slipped disc, is a common form of spinal degeneration. This degeneration can lead to neck or back pain that interferes with day-to-day life. This condition is characterized by a spinal disc that has weakened or lost water content. Which can in turn develop a bulge in its outer wall after being put under pressure.
Individuals with bulging discs are often unaware of it, due to the fact that this condition is often asymptomatic. If the disc bulge causes the spinal cord or a nerve root to become compressed, however, symptoms such as localized or radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness are common.
Improve your odds of avoiding a bulging disc
While some form of spinal degeneration is inevitable, especially as you pass the age of 50, there are several bulging disc risk factors that you should be aware of if you want to do everything you can to avoid this condition. 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
If your best efforts to avoid bulging disc risk factors don’t do the job and you’ve been diagnosed with a disc protrusion that is producing bothersome symptoms there are a variety of nonsurgical treatments that may be able to reduce your discomfort. 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.
How BEST Health System Can Help
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 Health System, we perform minimally invasive surgery at our state-of-the-art facility which is a safer and more effective alternative to open spine surgery. The procedures at best are performed by our board-certified surgeons Dr. Girton and Dr. Abbott. We use a less than one-inch incision which eliminates the need for an overnight hospital stay, reduces the overall risk for infection, and decreases recovery time.
If you would like to learn more, feel free to contact BEST Health System today!
