A nerve can be compressed by a bulging disc in the spine.Disc bulges are a different and less severe condition than bulging disks, which are often referred to as a "herniated disk".Many people with bulging discs in their neck don't have symptoms or need treatment.A bulging disc can be treated at home or by a doctor.Changes in activities and exercises are necessary to heal it.Occasionally, surgery is necessary.
Step 1: There are symptoms of a disc bulge.
They can include muscle weakness, loss of mobility or acute pain in the neck.The bulge is being compressed into the nerve and it may cause pain in the arm, shoulder, or hand.
Step 2: Immediately after the pain occurs, ice your neck.
The numbing of the area has been shown to reduce swelling.There will be ice for twenty minutes on the first day or two.
Step 3: Take an anti-Inflammatory.
Ibuprofen or aspirin are included.Immediately after the pain starts, begin.For a few days, take the anti-Inflammatory, but don't take more than 2400mg per day.
Step 4: Go to moist heat.
The affected area should be heating up after the first day or two.To apply moist heat, use a bath, shower or hot towel.This can help calm the muscles.The muscles surrounding the spine can seize up when there is a disc herniation.
Step 5: For a few days, limit activities that can affect your neck.
If allowed to recover, a bulging disc will usually improve in a few days.Bed rest is not required, but limiting rotation for a few days and resting the neck should help.
Step 6: Make an appointment with your doctor.
If the pain is severe and you have lost function after 72 hours, you need this.The tests may include palpitation, x-rays and range-of-motion tests.Steroids and muscle relaxers like Robaxin and Soma may be prescribed by your doctor.If there is severe pain and weakness in the neck, prescribe a neck brace.This can be provided by a medical supply company.If you show signs of neurologic compromise after a few weeks or months, it's a good idea to have a study done.Possible imagining techniques include magnetic resonance, myelogram, and computed toms.
Step 7: There is a physical therapist.
Strengthening the muscles that support the neck is one of the benefits of physical therapy.It is likely to include traction, which will relieve the stress on the neck for a short period of time.Strong abdominal muscles and lean body mass are important for preventing future injuries.
Step 8: Visit an occupational therapist.
If the way you work or your daily routine has caused a disc herniation, occupational therapy may be necessary.Improving the way you walk, sit or stand can help reduce pain.Heavy lifting should be done with special care.
Step 9: Visit a doctor.
In order for the disc to return to its normal position, it is necessary to open up the joint in order to restore mobility in the neck.You don't need a doctor's referral to go to a Chiropractor.
Step 10: Go for surgery.
If conservative treatments failed to produce results after a period of at least six weeks or if you have a large herniation with neurologic compromise, consider surgery only.You will be referred to a specialist by your general doctor.There are procedures for anterior and artificial disc replacements.The disc needs to be removed for the procedure to work.