A bulging disc, or a slipped disc, is a common form of spinal degeneration that can lead to neck or back pain that interferes with day-to-day life. This condition is characterized by a spinal disc that has weakened or lost water content and has developed a bulge in its outer wall after being put under pressure. Individuals with bulging discs are often unaware of it, due to the fact that this condition is often asymptomatic. If the disc bulge causes the spinal cord or a nerve root to become compressed, however, symptoms such as localized or radiating pain, numbness, tingling and muscle weakness are common.

Improve your odds of avoiding a bulging disc

While some form of spinal degeneration is inevitable, especially as you pass the age of 50, there are several bulging disc risk factors that you should be aware of if you want to do everything you can to avoid this condition. Factors that could increase your chances of suffering bulging disc pain include:

• Frequent bending or heavy lifting
• High-impact sports
• Poor posture
• Tobacco use
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Obesity
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle

Treating a bulging disc

If your best efforts to avoid bulging disc risk factors don’t do the job and you’ve been diagnosed with a disc protrusion that is producing bothersome symptoms, there are a variety of nonsurgical treatments that may be able to reduce your discomfort. Conservative options include pain and anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, alternating the use of hot and cold compresses and targeted periods of rest. Alternative treatments, such as chiropractic care, massage therapy and acupuncture, are other options you may wish to consider.

Treatment at USA Spine Care

Many individuals are able to successfully manage their symptoms through conservative and alternative treatments. In more severe cases that don’t respond to treatment, surgery may be necessary. At USA Spine Care, we perform minimally invasive surgery at our state-of-the-art facility that is a safer and effective alternative to open spine surgery. We have performed more than 75,000 patient procedures, and we can provide you with a free MRI review* to help determine if you are a candidate for our outpatient procedures.

Contact USA Spine Care today to learn more about our bulging disc treatment options.