If you have just been diagnosed with a bulging disc, you may be concerned that the only bulging disc treatment available to you is surgery. However, most patients are able to avoid spine surgery by opting for a number of conservative bulging disc treatment options, such as pain medication, physical therapy and other nonsurgical remedies to ease the pain of this condition.

As you begin to research the bulging disc treatment options available to you, be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss the best methods of pain relief for your specific condition and lifestyle. The three most common alternative bulging disc treatment options include:

1. Pain medication - This is the most common method of conservative bulging disc treatment. The pain associated with a bulging disc is caused by a nerve that has been pinched or compressed by the damaged disc. Pain medication helps to relieve this pain by blocking the signals sent from the pinched nerve to the brain and other areas of the body.
2. Physical therapy - Physical therapy is another common method of bulging disc treatment. Often, this condition develops as the core muscles in the spine weaken, which causes the body’s weight to be placed predominantly on the spine. This can lead to a bulging disc and other degenerative spine conditions. Physical therapy helps to strengthen the core muscles in order to relieve pressure on the bulging disc and subsequently the pinched nerve.
3. Weight loss - Many times, a bulging disc can develop from too much weight being placed on the spine. In some cases, a weight loss program is an effective method of bulging disc treatment. Your doctor can recommend a diet and exercise plan to help you lose weight and relieve pressure on the damaged disc and pinched nerve in your spine.

In some cases, conservative bulging disc treatment does not fully relieve the symptoms of this condition. If you are still suffering with pain after several months, you may be a candidate for spine surgery. At USA Spine Care, we offer minimally invasive spine surgery as an alternative to traditional open spine surgery. Our procedures offer a lower risk of complication and a shorter recovery time compared to traditional open neck or back procedures.

Contact us today for a no-cost MRI review* to find out if you are a candidate for one of our minimally invasive spine surgeries.