Alternative Treatments for a Bulging Disc

A bulging disc in the spine can cause painful, debilitating symptoms that can take you away from your life. Once-simple tasks like working in the yard or grocery shopping can become difficult or even impossible. For initial treatment, most doctors will recommend conservative methods like physical therapy, hot and cold compresses, medication and periods of rest.

Some patients may also choose to complement this plan with alternative treatments outside the medical mainstream. There can be many reasons for this, from personal preferences to making sure all treatment options are carefully considered. Learning more about alternative treatments may help you discover options you weren’t previously aware of and increase your chances of returning to a more active lifestyle.

Chiropractic care and massage therapy

When first considering alternative treatments for spine conditions, chiropractic care and massage therapy are options that many patients may first think of. During professional chiropractic sessions, a chiropractor will make manual adjustments in an attempt to better align the spine and reduce tension around a bulging disc in the neck or back. Therapeutic soft-tissue massages also attempts to reduce tension and pressure around the spine, although a massage therapist will employ different techniques to relax supporting muscles.

Other alternative therapies for a bulging disc

There are a number of other alternative therapies that can be used as part of a bulging disc treatment plan. It is important to consult with your doctor when attempting any new form of treatment. These include:

• Restorative yoga — stretches and strengthens the muscles supporting the spine.
• Acupuncture — uses strategically placed needles to trigger pressure points throughout the body.
• Aromatherapy — may be helpful for pain relief and relaxation.
• Herbal therapies — are used by patients as an alternative to prescription or over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms.

Before beginning any of these alternative bulging disc therapies, work with your doctor to make sure they are compatible with your existing treatment plan. Not every treatment is right for every situation, and there is a possibility an alternative method could interfere with conventional treatment.

Minimally invasive alternatives

Surgery can become an option when weeks or months of conservative or alternative treatments do not bring relief necessary to comfortably engage in everyday activities. If you have been recommended for traditional open spine surgery but have concerns about the large incision, hospitalization and risk of complication involved, contact USA Spine Care today. Our minimally invasive spine surgery is an alternative to traditional open neck or back procedures. By using a less than 1-inch incision to access the spine, these procedures offer our patients a shorter recovery period and less risk of complication compared to traditional open spine surgery.

For a no-cost MRI review* to determine if you may be a candidate for one of our minimally invasive procedures, reach out to our dedicated team today.

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