Bulging Discs Treatment in Clearwater, Florida

Explore Your Treatment Options with a Team That Cares

Bulging discs are a common cause of back pain for people of all ages. 

The spine is made up of small, round bones (vertebrae) that are cushioned by shock-absorbing discs.

These discs can weaken due to factors such as daily wear and tear, sudden injury, and the body’s natural aging process. 

The disc can then stretch and “bulge” outward in one direction. If left untreated, the bulging disc can tear and create a condition known as herniated disc.

Bulging Disc Symptoms

Because a bulging disc does not always trigger obvious symptoms, many people may not realize they have it. However, they can sometimes press against a nerve. This is called a pinched nerve and you may begin to experience symptoms.

Some of the most common bulging disc symptoms include:

• Pain that radiates through the arms or legs
• Localized pain around the area of the bulging disc
• Muscle weakness in the lower body
• Localized or radiating numbness and tingling sensations
• Neck stiffness

Bulging disc symptoms may vary according to the location of the injured disc in the spine. A high percentage of bulging discs occur in the lower back, or the lumbar area, of the spine.

If you are concerned that your symptoms may be due to a bulging disc, you should consult your physician to confirm a diagnosis. Before your appointment, keep a log of your symptoms and how they respond to physical activity (or inactivity). This will help your physician determine the most appropriate diagnostic methods and treatment plan for your neck or back pain.

Causes of Bulging Disc

While there can be several causes for a bulging disc, one of the most common is aging. As we grow older, the spine’s discs and other components begin to lose water content and become increasingly brittle. While the natural aging process can’t be avoided, some activities and behaviors accelerate the spinal degeneration process and increase the risk of disc protrusion at a younger age.

To help maintain good spinal health, consider:

• Losing excess weight
• Eating a balanced and nutrient-rich diet
• Quitting smoking and other forms of tobacco use
• Keeping good posture
• Avoiding high-impact sports and exercises

Additionally, be sure to protect your back when lifting, engage in regular low-impact exercise to strengthen core muscles and adopt a routine of gentle stretching. These behaviors can help keep your spine healthy and help you avoid bulging discs as you age.

Bulging Disc Treatment

Your ideal course of bulging disc treatment will vary according to the details of your diagnosis. Following the diagnosis of a symptomatic bulging disc, your physician will recommend treatments designed to relieve symptoms such as rest, exercises, and medication. Often, symptoms arising from a bulging disc can be effectively managed with these conservative treatments.

Generally speaking, a physician may first recommend a course of conservative approaches such as:

• Physical therapy — to strengthen and stretch the muscles that support the spine
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — to provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation
• Gentle stretching exercises — to elongate the neck and back muscles and promote proper spinal alignment
• Alternating use of ice packs and heating pads — to numb pain, reduce inflammation, soothe tensed muscles and improve circulation around the injured area
• Anti-inflammatory injections — to provide temporary yet powerful relief from pain
• Lifestyle modifications — such as participating regular low-impact exercise, buying more comfortable footwear and wearing a brace to help maintain good posture.

Additionally, some bulging disc patients choose to explore alternative treatment options such as yoga, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and herbal supplements. The long-term effectiveness of these methods varies for each patient’s condition, although some patients report positive results.