If bulging disc pain is interfering with your day-to-day life, there are some things you can do to improve your comfort so you can get back to the things you need and want to do. While bulging discs can cause varying degrees of pain, most do not require surgical treatment.

Effective treatment for any spine condition always begins with an accurate diagnosis. Don’t just assume that you have a bulging disc based on the experience of a friend or something you read on the internet. Instead, consult with a medical professional, such as an orthopedic spine specialist, who can provide you with individualized advice and guidance.

Conservative treatment options for a bulging disc

Depending on the cause of your pain, you may have several treatment options. For instance, if you are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, your physician may recommend:

• Physical therapy
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Chiropractic manipulation
• Epidural steroid injections

Additionally, your physician will likely encourage you to exercise. Regular physical activity is usually an essential component of any rehabilitation plan for a bulging disc or any other type of back pain. But, using improper form or performing the wrong exercises can do more harm than good. To help ensure that you find a home exercise program that is appropriate for your needs and goals, you should work with an experienced physical therapist.

Surgical treatment for a bulging disc

If you find that your pain persists or worsens after several weeks or months of conservative treatment, you may decide to explore your surgical options. If this is the case, contact USA Spine Care. We offer minimally invasive spine surgery as an alternative to traditional open spine surgery for bulging disc treatment.

Unlike traditional surgery, our procedures are performed on an outpatient basis using muscle-sparing techniques. Through this approach, we have helped countless patients avoid the lengthy recovery period that often follows open spine surgery. If you’re interested, our team can provide you with a free MRI review* to help you determine if you are a candidate for our minimally invasive surgery.