How Can I Help Heal a Bulging Disc in the Neck?

A herniated disc in the neck occurs when a disc in the upper spine bulges out of the spine, pinching the nerve root in the neck. This causes pain and discomfort in the neck as well as weakness and tingling in the arms and hands. A herniated disc can be caused by a number of activities, including whiplash, arthritis or stress placed on the spine.

Rest

• Particularly when an injury results in a herniated disc, rest should be the first line of treatment. A person should immobilize the neck as much as possible for several days after a herniated disc has been observed. Once symptoms begin to cease or the pain is less severe, slowly re-introduce activities involving neck motion, but do not resume normal activities until the disc shows signs of healing.

  Strength and controlled motion may be further developed through physical therapy. After receiving a referral from your physician, have a physical therapist evaluate your condition and the severity of your bulging disc. Your therapist may first recommend therapies to reduce pain, such as massage, heat therapy or cold therapy, then show you a series of exercises designed to encourage flexibility, range of motion and strength, encouraging healing of the bulging disc.

  Additionally, your physical therapist should evaluate your posture and form while conducting other daily activities that could potentially lead to re-injury or further discomfort.

Medications

• A physician may recommend pain medications to reduce swelling, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In addition to prescription options, over-the-counter medications include acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

  Another medical treatment to reduce nerve root inflammation is a cervical epidural injection, which is delivered to the area around the spine and nerve roots. This may require one or several injections and has been shown to provide significant relief in the treatment of a bulging disc.

Alternative Treatments

• According to SpineUniverse.com, patients have experienced relief of a bulging disc through alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, which inserts small needles into the body to restore balance and blood flow in the body. A study detailed by Spine Universe that appeared in the "British Medical Journal" found that acupuncture treatments were very effective in treating a bulging disc.

  Other alternative remedies include capsaicin cream. Capsaicin is a heat-producing substance that gives spice to chili peppers and helps to relieve pain due to arthritis. This cream must be frequently re-applied to subdue the pain. Another herbal treatment designed to reduce inflammation is devil's claw. This herb can be taken orally and is shown to reduce arthritis-related inflammation and pain.

When Conservative Treatments Fail

• According to bulging-disc.com, if your attempts at at-home treatments show no signs of relief after 6 to 12 weeks or your condition seems to be getting worse, it may be time to consider surgical intervention to treat the disc. This is especially true if you experience a sudden loss of bowel or bladder function, which can be a sign the herniated disc has affected the lumbar regions of the spinal canal.