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Disc Bulging Recovery

Lower back pain will be a problem for four out of five people at some point during their lives. One cause of back pain is a bulging disk. Your doctor can recommend treatments that will help your recovery from a bulging disk.

  1. Bulging Disc

    • A bulging disk, also known as a herniated disk, occurs when one of the intervertebral disks that cushion your spine slips out of place. The bulging part of the disk can put pressure on nerves, causing pain.

    Significance

    • Bulging discs occur most often in adults as the intervertebral disks shrink with age.

    Physical Therapy

    • Physical therapy can help you recover from a bulging disc. Your doctor may also suggest exercises that strengthen the muscles that support your spine. Over-the-counter pain medication also can alleviate your pain.

    Surgery and Injections

    • Injections of steroids into your back near the bulging disk can provide pain relief. Surgery to remove the protruding part of the disk can start you on the road to recovery if less invasive treatments do not help.

    Considerations

    • The most important part of recovery from a bulging disk is time. The majority of people recover from a bulging disk with a combination of non-surgical treatment and simply allowing the spine time to heal.

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