If you enjoy running but have been diagnosed with a bulging disc, you may believe you must hang up your running shoes until you’ve fully healed. But did you know that simple modifications to your running routine can help you stay active during recovery?
Keeping on the Move with a Bulging Disc
First and foremost, it’s essential to consult your physician before exercising with a bulging disc. They will be able to develop an appropriate treatment strategy based on your unique condition, symptoms, and overall health. If your physician gives you the green light to keep running during your recovery, consider following these tips:
- Work on flexibility and strength. Elongating and strengthening the muscles that support the spine is key to protecting spinal discs as you run. Incorporate gentle strength training and stretching routines into your exercise regimen to help keep you healthy and strong.
- Take walking breaks. Breaking up runs with short intervals of walking will allow you to stay in shape while minimizing the strain placed on your spine and joints. this in turn minimizes strain on a bulging disc.
- Reprioritize. You may enjoy pushing yourself to run faster or longer distances, but right now your top priority should be your recovery. Keep your short and take breaks if you feel pain. If your symptoms worsen, stop running.
Treatment at BEST Health System
Combining low-impact exercises with conservative treatments helps many patients overcome their bulging disc symptoms and get back on the move. However, some patients may require surgical care to relieve nerve compressions or stabilize the spine. In these instances, BEST Health System offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open neck or back operations. Our outpatient procedures are performed by board-certified surgeons, Dr. Girton and Dr. Abbott, and require a less than one-inch incision. Contact our team to learn more about the benefits of our advanced approach to bulging disc surgery.
To discover if you are a candidate for minimally invasive surgery at BEST Health System, contact us today!
