|  | Conditions Treatments | Skeletal Disorders

How to Take Care of a Bulging Disc

A bulging disc is a vertabrae that is protruding into the spinal column but has not burst, as in the case of a herniated disc. Bulging discs may not cause pain in some cases or worsen in severity, but do have the potential of becoming herniated discs. Sometimes injuries can cause discs to bulge, but most often they're caused by normal aging and poor movement choices over time. It is important to care for a bulging disc in order to prevent it from becoming worse, which can mean significant pain and possibly surgery.

Things You'll Need

  • Doctor
  • Physical therapist or chiropractor
  • Ice pack
  • Ibuprofen (possibly)
  • Cortisone injection (possibly)
  • Healthy diet
  • Exercise
Show More

Instructions

  1. Caring for a Bulging Disc

    • 1

      Visit your doctor. The only way you can know if a disc is truly bulging is to have some sort of medical imaging performed on your neck and back. This can be in the form of X-rays or an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

    • 2

      Consult with a qualified physical therapist and possibly even a chiropractor, under your doctor's recommendation. These specialists can teach you specific exercises that can help to strengthen your back muscles and protect your spine.

    • 3

      Consider receiving a steroid injection. Your doctor may recommend a steroid injection in the affected area of your neck or back in order to reduce existing pain or swelling.

    • 4

      Practice general safe movement techniques. These techniques involve bending at the knees and keeping your back straight when lifting something. If the object is extremely heavy, get someone to help you lift it. Squat rather than lean over when picking up something off the floor (even light objects). Maintain good posture.

    • 5

      Use techniques to reduce inflammation and pain. Try icing the area when pain occurs. Taking ibuprofen also may help to minimize swelling of the tissues surrounding the disc. When you experience discomfort, rest your back as much as possible.

    • 6

      Stay active and eat a healthy diet to keep your weight within a healthy range. Excess weight can cause extra stress on a bulging disc. Discuss which types of exercises would be appropriate, and remember to stretch and warm up slowly before any workout.

Skeletal Disorders - Related Articles