A disc protrusion can occur for a number of reasons. It is important to know what steps you can take if you suspect you have one. The condition will not cause pain in most instances, but if the bulge presses on a nerve root or the spinal cord and you begin to experience pain, you should contact your doctor. Typically, symptoms will subside after a few weeks or months, but consulting your doctor and informing yourself through the following article may help you determine which treatments are best for you.

Disc protrusion treatment options

One of the first treatments your doctor may suggest is proper rest. Sitting and standing for long periods of time will exert pressure on your neck and back and may further aggravate a compressed spinal cord or nerve root. Lying on your back with knees elevated for a few minutes several times each day may help relieve that pressure. Applying a cold compress for 20-minute intervals during the initial onset of disc protrusion symptoms can reduce the inflammation around the pinched nerve and muscles.

Heat treatments may also be applied several days later to aid in relaxing tight muscles and ligaments. If you must sit at a desk or stand on your feet for long periods of time, remember to stretch frequently. Stretching your neck, back, arms and legs will help elongate the vertebrae, and could potentially loosen the pinched nerve.

Other approaches to relieving disc protrusion pain

Some over-the-counter medication might aid in alleviating your neck or back pain, or your doctor may prescribe medication. In addition, some low-impact exercises may ease symptoms. Yoga, particularly the body alignment-focused hatha yoga, can help develop body awareness while improving posture. If you are experiencing neck or back pain and are about to begin a new exercise program, you should reach out to your doctor to make sure that your exercise routine does not make your condition worse.

Minimally invasive disc protrusion surgery

If your disc protrusion is causing you unending pain, contact Spine Institute for your free MRI review.* As a safer and effective alternative to traditional open spine surgery,^ our minimally invasive techniques treat neck and back pain without the use of a large incision that cuts or tears the muscles and ligaments surrounding the spine.

USA Spine Care is the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery and has helped more than 75,000 patients find relief from chronic neck or back pain. Reach out to our dedicated team today with any questions or concerns about our disc protrusion procedures. We can evaluate your condition to see if you are a candidate for our outpatient surgery and help guide you through your journey to wellness.

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