Readers ask: How Do Orthopedics Help Herinated Bulging Disc?

What can an orthopedic doctor do for a bulging disc?

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.

How do doctors treat herniated disc?

Injections. If rest, pain relievers, and physical therapy don’t help with your pain, your doctor can inject a steroid medicine into the space around your spinal nerve. This is called an epidural injection. The steroid can help bring down the swelling, help you move more easily, and ease pain from a herniated disk.

What is the treatment for a bulging disc in your back?

Back or leg pain, numbness or tingling may result when the disc material touches or compresses a spinal nerve. Treatment with rest, pain medication, spinal injections, and physical therapy is the first step to recovery. Most people improve in 6 weeks and return to normal activity.

What is the fastest way to heal a bulging disc?

1. Heat and cold therapy can help relieve muscle tension and pain.

1. Apply heat to your back in the morning or prior to stretching/exercise to decrease muscle tension.
2. Try placing a heating pad or hot compress against your lower back periodically throughout the day.

What is the best painkiller for herniated disc?

If your pain is mild to moderate, your doctor might recommend over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve).

What type of doctor treats spinal problems?

A spine specialist is a health professional who focuses mainly on treating spine conditions. Common specialists include chiropractors, physiatrists, physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, pain management physicians, anesthesiologists, and many rheumatologists and neurologists.

Can you push a herniated disc back into place?

The most common indicator of a herniated disc is when pain radiates down into the leg or arm. Special extension exercises can help relieve pain from a herniated disc. Exercise can work like a vacuum to suck the center of the disc back into place, helping release pressure on the nerve.

What activities should you avoid with a herniated disc?

Everyday Activities to Avoid with Herniated Disc

• Sitting too much. Sitting puts more stress on your spinal discs, especially when slouching forward in a seat.
• Doing laundry.
• Vacuuming.
• Feeding a pet.
• Strenuous exercise.
• Shoveling snow or gardening.
• Learn more:

Is walking good for a herniated disc?

Moderate aerobic activities, including walking, biking, and swimming, also help relieve pain. Some aerobic activities might be better suited to your specific condition. Talk to your doctor about what exercises will best help you.

Are bulging discs permanent?

Disc bulges are not permanent. The disc is a fluid filled structure and therefore has the capacity to heal, resolve and be re-absorbed.

How long does it take for a bulging disc to heal without surgery?

Most people recover from a slipped disc within six weeks without treatment. Until then there are a number of treatment options that aim to help relieve the pain and improve mobility.

When does a bulging disc need surgery?

Your doctor might recommend surgery as an option for your herniated disc if: Your symptoms have lasted at least 6 weeks and make it hard to do your normal activities, and other treatments haven’t helped. You need to get better quickly because of your job or to get back to your other activities as soon as possible.

Can you massage a bulging disc back into place?

Deep Tissue Massage: There are more than 100 types of massage, but deep tissue massage is an ideal option if you have a herniated disc because it uses a great deal of pressure to relieve deep muscle tension and spasms, which develop to prevent muscle motion at the affected area.

What is the best therapy for bulging disc?

Physical therapy, exercise and gentle stretching to help relieve pressure on the nerve root. Ice and heat therapy for pain relief. Manipulation (such as chiropractic manipulation) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or COX-2 inhibitors for pain relief.

What is the best position to sleep with a bulging disk?

Sleeping on your side can help reduce herniated disc pain, but it’s not regarded as the best option (although placing a pillow between your knees can help relieve the hip pain that can result from this sleeping position ). Sleeping on your back is always the best option for maintaining your spine’s natural curvature.